Richard Anderson was one of a new wave of British tailors that helped transform Savile Row at the dawn of the new millennium. Opening in 2001, his store marked a symbolic change of guard as this most storied of streets entered the 21st century, slowly and surely loosening up from some of the traditions that had defined it for two centuries. It was the first tailoring house to open on the Row in half a century, and it helped modernise the street, with a softer, more contemporary house style that appealed to an international clientele. Now, a quarter of a century later, there’s a new generation of young tailors changing things again. This time, led by Anderson’s daughter, Molly.

Molly joined the company in 2019, initially working front of house before training under her father as an apprentice undercutter. Now head of women’s bespoke tailoring, she impacts the business in a number of ways, leading on trunk shows in the U.S. and Japan, and fitting bespoke orders at home and abroad. With her own unique style and perspective, Molly is one of a number of talented women influencing Savile Row, and tailoring, more broadly, for the better. Molly is also a neighbour and good friend of Bennett Winch, with Richard Anderson located just over the road from our own shop on the Row. We caught up with Molly recently to discuss the bespoke tailoring process, her influences, and what makes a great suit.

Hi Molly, what’s it like working with your father, and what have you learned from him?
It’s a privilege to work alongside my dad. He’s meticulous and has such a strong eye for detail, but he also leads by example; balancing discipline with encouragement. I’ve learned not just the technical side of cutting, but also the importance of patience, consistency and building genuine relationships with clients.

How would you describe the Richard Anderson house style to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Our house style is an artistic and refined blend of tradition and contemporary design. We cut with a high armhole and one-button front to make the wearer appear taller and slimmer (not that they always need it!). It’s form-fitting, with jackets nipped at the waist for clean lines and shape, but still allows space for individuality. With womenswear, especially, I’ve enjoyed pushing the boundaries with bolder fabrics, cuts and silhouettes while staying true to my dad’s training and Savile Row’s precision and discipline.

What are the defining characteristics of a good suit?
A good suit should fit seamlessly into the wearer’s life. At its best, a suit should offer ease and quiet confidence. It’s about proportion and comfort essentially, but on a deeper level it’s about storytelling, capturing something of the wearer’s character.

How long does it take to make a suit from start to finish?
From the first consultation to the final fitting, a fully bespoke suit typically takes between six and eight weeks, depending on the client’s availability. Each suit involves on average more than 80 hours of handwork, from pattern cutting and canvassing to fittings and finishing. It’s a careful, collaborative process.

What’s your proudest career highlight so far?
Being on the board for Women in Tailoring has been a particular highlight for me. It’s an honour to follow in the footsteps of women who inspired me when I was starting out. I’m also proud of leading our trunk shows in the U.s and Japan, representing the brand internationally, and building those client relationships on my own terms.

Who and what influences your personal style?
I’m a big film buff and love taking inspiration from classic Hollywood pieces or ’90s films like Casino and Goodfellas. I currently like a bit of androgyny mixed with quirky colours or patterns, and I am of course influenced by both classic tailoring traditions and contemporary fashion design. I also admire women in the tailoring sphere like Kathryn Sargent, who redefined what it means to be a cutter on Savile Row, and I’m inspired by peers who are unafraid to bring boldness and individuality into tailoring.

Can you talk me through the bespoke process?
It begins with a conversation, understanding the client’s lifestyle, tastes and how they want to feel in their suit. We then choose the cloth together before Dad and I cut a unique paper pattern tailored specifically to them. There are multiple fittings to refine the shape and details, ensuring the garment evolves with the wearer’s needs. It’s a slow, rewarding process that builds trust and understanding. Finally, after weeks of handwork, the finished suit is delivered. It’s something made exclusively for them, with no compromises.

Given the personal nature of making a garment from scratch, you must learn a lot about a person?
Absolutely. Bespoke tailoring is incredibly personal, you learn about people’s lives, their quirks, even their insecurities. You’re trusted with something intimate, and in that process, you meet fascinating characters from all walks of life. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Why is craft so important today?
Because it slows us down. In a world of fast fashion and instant gratification, craft reminds us of the value of time, skill and intention. A handmade suit isn’t disposable; it’s something you can pass down – a piece of living history that connects generations.

You can visit Richard Anderson at 13 Savile Row / Website

Molly is on instsgram as @iguessitsmolly