Meet the Designer: Alexandra Wood

1. What first sparked your love for tailoring? Was there a “this is it” moment for you?

I discovered that I had a natural talent for instantly visualising what would suit a man just by looking at fabric swatches. It’s something that came effortlessly to me—I could see the full picture before it was even made. I’ve always loved the clean lines and precision of tailoring, but I wanted to take that further, designing not just suits, but entire wardrobes that make dressing effortless and stylish for modern men.

2. You’ve made history as the first female designer on Savile Row—what was that journey like? Any “pinch me” moments?

It’s been an incredible journey, and to be honest, it wasn’t always easy. Savile Row is steeped in tradition, and stepping in as a female designer meant carving out a space where one didn’t really exist before. But I didn’t let that hold me back—I focused on designing tailoring that modern men actually wanted to wear, rather than simply following old-school rules. One of my biggest pinch-me moments was seeing my designs on the cover of major magazines, knowing that I had broken through in a world that was once exclusively male-dominated.

3. Savile Row has a reputation for being quite traditional. How did you shake things up and make it your own?

I brought a fresh, contemporary edge to tailoring. Traditional Savile Row suits can sometimes feel rigid or outdated, so I focused on creating pieces that were sharp, modern, and effortlessly wearable. I also introduced a more enjoyable, streamlined process—shopping for a suit doesn’t have to feel like a daunting experience, and I wanted my clients to actually enjoy it. That’s why I make it easy, whether through curated capsule wardrobes or bespoke suits that fit seamlessly into their lifestyle.

Modern tailoring and style

4. Your suits have a modern edge—how do you keep things fresh while still honouring classic craftsmanship?

I respect the tradition of tailoring, but I always ask: “How can I make this better?” I focus on cut, proportion, and fabric innovation to ensure my designs feel fresh and relevant. A suit should feel comfortable, stylish, and effortless, not stiff or overly formal. By working with luxurious, lightweight fabrics and modern silhouettes, I blend classic craftsmanship with a more contemporary, wearable feel.

5. What’s the biggest style mistake men make when getting a suit? Be honest!

Wearing a suit that doesn’t fit properly! No matter how expensive or stylish a suit is, if it doesn’t fit, it won’t look good. A lot of men go too big, thinking it’s more comfortable, but in reality, a well-tailored suit is both comfortable and flattering. The other mistake? Ignoring their personal style. A suit should reflect who you are, not just tick a box for work or events.

6. Do you think there’s a “right” way to wear a suit, or should guys feel free to break the rules?

There are a few golden rules—like fit and proportion—that should always be respected, but beyond that, I encourage my clients to own their style. The modern man doesn’t want to be restricted by outdated rules, and I design with that in mind. A suit can be styled formally or casually; it’s all about confidence and knowing what works for you.

7. What’s your take on current menswear trends? Any that you love—or secretly wish would disappear?

I love that menswear has become more relaxed and versatile—you don’t always have to wear a suit in a traditional way to look polished. The move towards effortless tailoring with smart casual elements is exactly what I design for. Trends I could do without? Overly tight suits! Slim is good, but too tight just looks uncomfortable and unflattering.

Behind the scenes

8. When a client walks through your doors, what’s the process like? Do you instantly know what’s going to suit them?

Yes, within minutes I get a strong sense of what will work for them—their personality, lifestyle, and body shape all play a role. From there, it’s about creating a wardrobe that feels effortless and natural for them. Some clients want a full wardrobe built from scratch, while others need a capsule collection that simplifies their day-to-day dressing. Either way, I make the process easy, enjoyable, and completely stress-free.

9. What’s the most unusual or fun request you’ve had for a bespoke suit?

I do get asked for some weird and wonderful designs, but I actually steer most away from anything overly eccentric. It can be exciting to have a suit created but it’s often regretted when taken too far off what would actually suit that person.

10. You work with busy professionals—what’s the secret to helping them look effortlessly stylish without spending hours thinking about it?

The key is versatility and simplicity. I design wardrobes that work together seamlessly, so they never have to think about what to wear—it’s just there, ready, and always looks great. Whether they’re heading to a meeting, a weekend away, or an event, their wardrobe works for them, not the other way around.

The business side of things

11. You’ve been featured in GQ, Forbes, and Tatler—how has that shaped your brand? Do you ever have a “wow, this is really happening” moment?

Absolutely! Seeing my work in some of the world’s most respected style publications has been an incredible moment of validation. It’s not just about the recognition—it’s about knowing that what I’m doing is resonating with men who want more from their wardrobes.

12. Sustainability is a hot topic in fashion. How do you incorporate it into your work?

Sustainability is naturally built into bespoke tailoring because we create pieces that last a lifetime. I focus on high-quality fabrics, expert craftsmanship, and timeless designs that don’t follow fleeting trends. A well-made suit or wardrobe means fewer, better pieces, rather than fast fashion that’s discarded after a season.

13. Any exciting projects or collaborations coming up that we should keep an eye on?

There are always exciting things in the pipeline! I’m expanding my reach internationally and am working on some really exciting brand collaborations. 

Quickfire fun

14. If you could suit up any celebrity or historical figure, who would it be and why?

Idris Elba – his style is the perfect balance of effortless, modern and cool, which is exactly what I aim for in my designs.

15. One absolute style rule you live by—and one you love breaking?

Rule I live by: Fit is everything. No matter how great a design is, if it doesn’t fit right, it won’t look good.

Rule I love breaking: Wearing suits too formally. I love showing clients how to mix tailoring with casual elements to make it feel modern and easy.

16. What’s the best piece of style advice you’ve ever given?

“Invest in quality, simplify your choices, and dress for how you want to be seen.” A well-curated wardrobe gives you confidence and makes life easier. Understated is always better than over the top.

Images: Alexandra Wood Bespoke