Savile Row star and changemaker Edward Sexton dies

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jul 27, 2023

Edward Sexton, one of the key drivers of the change in Savile Row tailoring during the 1960s and 70s has died aged 80.

Sexton was at the heart of pop culture in the 20th century as he dressed the Beatles, Elton John, Mick Jagger and Twiggy and, supporting his high-profile style, he was known for his wizardry with tailoring.

Having linked up with fellow tailor Tommy Nutter, they formed a partnership that helped to break down the resistance to change in Savile Row.

Both came from working class East London backgrounds and they joined a host of celebrities during the Swinging London era to help transform the way British men (and through their influence, those in the rest of the world) dressed.

In a statement, the team at his business said: “The whole team here at Edward Sexton are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Edward, our founder. It is difficult to communicate just how much Edward meant to all of us. His pioneering spirit, impeccable style, charming character and complete attention to the craft of tailoring have made this house what it is today. As a team, we remain as dedicated as we ever have been to creating striking British tailoring that celebrates Edward’s history, achievements and his memory, and is true to his craft. To all our clients, friends and colleagues, thank you for your continued support and kindness at this time.”

Sexton’s training had seen him creating military and riding wear and this fed into the new look that he created in the 60s with bigger shoulders, wider lapels, and a more nipped in waist – a look that dominated men’s suits by the 1970s.

When he and Nutter opened Nutters on Savile Row in 1969, it was the first new bespoke tailor to arrive on the street in a century and the design of the store was a world away from the discreet look of traditional tailors. It was the first to have windows that displayed — rather than hid — what was available inside. It also forged a new path by dressing women, as well as men, and the aforementioned Twiggy was a client, along with Cilla Black, and Bianca Jagger (who wore an outfit from the duo at her wedding in 1971, as did her husband).

Sexton bought out Nutter in the mid-70s and became MD but the business was struggling against the backdrop of a weak economy. In 1982, Sexton opened a shop under his own name but left Savile Row for Knightsbridge in 1990.

And after he dressed the Beatles in the 1960s, Paul McCartney's daughter Stella was an apprentice at his business several decades later.

In recent years, the business itself has seen plenty of change, moving into ready-to-wear and online with Dominic Sebag-Montefiore as creative director. But it retains its links to bespoke and sexton moved back into Savile Row for the first time in decades last year.

He and his wife Joan had three children who all survive him. He also had three grandchildren, one of whom works in the new Savile Row location