The Huntsman Team

THE TAILORS

DAVID HAYES

Coat Maker

“Bespoke tailoring is an art that needs to be nurtured and taught to other tailors, as to preserve this craft for generations to come. It is an important step to keeping this art alive which I feel Huntsman has recognised and does so through their apprenticeships. Having had the opportunity to be an apprentice with Huntsman, one of the best tailoring houses in the world, it has taught me that tailoring can be very satisfying with the right guidance. It is demanding and requires a lot of training but worth it.”

Meet David Hayes, Huntsman’s new coat maker. He returns to Huntsman after having originally trained in 1998.

As a coat maker, what is the most necessary part of your day?

I always need to get a cup of coffee in order to start off my day!

What do you think are the components of a really great jacket?

For me, a great jacket is all determined by how it fits you to how it makes you feel. That feeling you get when you put on a bespoke jacket, where the fit is perfectly crafted to you and your dimensions is one that you won’t be able to get from any other type of garment. I also feel that a great jacket must be timeless to be enjoyed for years and still feel relevant.

When are you most inspired?

I am most inspired when I have an interesting project at hand. I also feel very inspired by the cloth I’ll be working with as each cloth has to be approached in different ways.

What’s the most exciting thing you are working on?

At the moment I am working on a purple wedding suit which is a bit more unconventional but an exciting and inspiring cloth to be working with.

Having originally trained as an apprentice with Huntsman, what has changed most since you were last here?

Since coming back to Huntsman, it’s beautiful to see the diversity and inclusivity in the staff. Huntsman has adapted with the times and it is wonderful to see and be a part of such a progressive workforce committed to nurturing future tailors.

What is your favourite garment?

One of my favourite garments has to be a double-breasted dinner jacket as it is a timeless and sophisticated piece.

What is your favourite cloth to work with?

Flannel cloth is one of the best to work with, the way it can be handled is easier than other cloths and can create more effortlessly beautiful garments.

Why are apprenticeships important in bespoke tailoring?

Apprenticeships are vital in bespoke tailoring as it is a way to ensure that the craft will continue and be passed on. Without these apprenticeships, the beauty of bespoke tailoring would die out altogether.

DAVID 'SHANE' AIROLL

Head Trouser Maker

1972 - 2024

In Memoriam
As we continue to remember Shane, we invite you to share your condolences.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

DYAN J. PAEZ MOLINA

Trouser Maker

Dyan brings a passion for perfection to her work, learning the skills of the trade from the best trouser makers on the Row.

FRANCESCA LEE KERWIN

Trouser Maker

Vogue featured Francesca’s tailored menswear collection when it was shown at Graduate Fashion Week in 2015. She has come to Huntsman to perfect her tailoring skills.

STEVE VENN

Coat Maker

Sven, as he’s affectionately known, is the leader of the pack. He’s a champion coat maker, with a wealth of experience in the trade.

JOANNA SPREADBURY

Apprentice Coat Maker

“It’s vital to build a strong canvas, as this is what gives the garment its structure. If the canvas isn’t created well from the beginning then the whole garment can be wrong. When you press the canvas, it holds its shape and lasts a very long time. It almost feels like you are forming a human into the cloth. That’s how I imagine a garment that will fit the client perfectly.”

Meet Joanna Spreadbury, the newest coat maker apprentice to David Hayes.

What inspired you to become a tailor?

It’s the opportunity to create something beautiful with my hand

How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship in tailoring?

An apprenticeship can last between 3-5 years, but honestly even once you finish your apprenticeship, you continue learning new skills all the time. You can come across different challenges when encountering different types of cloth even after finishing your apprenticeship, so no matter what you always keep learning.

What has been the most important thing you’ve learnt so far?

The most important thing I’ve learnt is to work efficiently and methodically so as to not lose track of my process. Being methodical helps with repeating the same steps; if you do it right once, then you’ll always do it right.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on 2 two-piece suits for a father and son. It’s been a great project as I have David’s guidance and I am able to have a thorough understanding and vision of how David works.

What is your favourite cloth to work with? Why?

My favourite cloth to work with is tweed because of its weight. It can be structured well and it holds its shape. I love British woven cloth because it is a representation of our heritage and history as well.

What is the most important part of your day?

Each day is different, but I think the most important part of my day is organising myself. Having a clear understanding of what stage I'm at for each coat in order to not repeat steps and be able to do multiple things at the same time to compare canvases and my process.

What is unique about bespoke tailoring?

Bespoke tailoring is unique because of the relationships built with the clothes, cloths and most importantly the clients. I always like meeting the clients because it is a lifelong partnership that you form with them. The relationship you build with clients allows you to notice the changes that they go through from how their style changes to how they grow as a person. It’s the most unique experience that bespoke tailoring offers.

What is the most important part of process when it comes to coat making for bespoke tailoring?

I think the most important part is building a strong canvas. This is the foundation of the garment and the canvas is what gives it its structure. The whole process of creating a strong canvas must be followed with the pressing stage. When you press into the canvas with a heavy-weight iron, then the canvas holds its structure and it lasts a long time. It almost feels like you are forming a human into the cloth. That’s how I vision it to create a garment that will fit the client perfectly.

Loro Piana Exclusive Cloth Collection

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