In a city that thrives on creativity and tradition in equal measure, a quiet revolution in personal style is underway. It is one that goes beyond the traditional suit and embraces elegance as a deeply individual experience.
Known for its mastery of custom menswear, Richards Bespoke is now turning heads with its inclusive expansion into womenswear. What began as a quiet, word-of-mouth offering has evolved into a bold statement on modern luxury. The shift wasn’t just strategic. It was personal.
“After realizing a few of our top clients were women, and that demand was growing, we knew it was time to fully commit,” said founder Stephen Richards, Jr. “But I also recognized I wasn’t the right person to lead that vision.” That’s when Holland Downs entered the picture, bringing both administrative savvy and an eye for female tailoring. Her interest in developing the women’s division sparked a transformative expansion, including a new Richards Shespoke showroom designed with a distinctly feminine aesthetic.
Far from simply adjusting patterns, Richards Bespoke crafts original garments for each individual. The process begins with a collaborative consultation and ends with a garment that fits not just the body, but the lifestyle and identity of its wearer.
“We don’t force trends. We guide our clients to find what works best for them,” said Richards. “If a client prefers a center-vent jacket because it’s familiar, we honor that. You shouldn’t wear something you’re not comfortable in.”
This ethos extends to both the wardrobe and the experience. Whether dressing for weddings, boardrooms, or weekend brunch, clients are guided through fabric selection, design, and measurement with the goal of creating pieces that are as versatile as they are stylish.
For men, that might mean crafting a handful of interchangeable garments that together form dozens of looks. “It’s not about selling more,” said Richards. “It’s about buying smarter and wearing more.” For women, the emphasis is on building a wardrobe that works in harmony with what’s already in their closet. “Some of my most versatile suits include skirts and vests that I can mix and match,” said Downs. “It’s about finding timeless pieces that fit your life.”
Modern elegance, as defined by Richards Bespoke, is a fusion of classic sophistication with personal flair. “We keep the tradition of dressing well alive, not out of formality, but because it makes you feel good and that confidence is contagious,” said Downs.
It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply in Nashville, a city where old-world hospitality meets cutting-edge creativity. Richards Bespoke bridges this duality by blending Southern refinement with modern sensibility. Their garments honor heritage while embracing individuality, a reflection of the clients they serve.
Part of what distinguishes Richards Bespoke is its dedication to true bespoke craftsmanship. In an industry increasingly diluted by buzzwords, the team makes a clear distinction between “custom,” “made-to-measure,” and “bespoke.”
“Custom can mean almost anything,” said Richards. “Made-to-measure adjusts a standard pattern slightly. Bespoke means we draft an original pattern from scratch, specifically for your body. Every slope, every nuance is considered. You can see and feel the difference.”
That level of detail extends to sustainability. With over 40 hours of handwork in each suit and fabrics sourced from centuries-old mills across the globe, quality is never compromised. “We only use the finest materials. Many are RWS-certified, meaning they’re produced with ethical animal treatment and environmental care in mind,” said Richards.
In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Richards Bespoke offers something lasting: garments with soul, built for real lives. As clients become more conscious of what they wear and why, the brand’s slow, intentional process provides both luxury and peace of mind.
Even as the fashion landscape shifts, Richards Bespoke stays attuned to the pulse of its clientele. For men in 2025, fuller cuts, pleated trousers, and earthy tones dominate the wardrobe. Sweater polos are replacing traditional button-downs, offering a relaxed yet refined alternative. For women, bold pinstripes, wide-leg trousers, and double-breasted jackets lead the charge, balancing power and femininity with ease.
But above all, the garments are designed to move with the wearer—across occasions, across seasons, across identity.
“We’re not just making suits,” said Downs. “We’re creating confidence, individuality, and a sense of self.”
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, Richards Bespoke remains rooted in its values: timeless craftsmanship, inclusive design, and an unwavering commitment to the individual. In Nashville and beyond, they are redefining what it means to dress well… and to be well-dressed.
RichardsBespoke.com