Andrew M. Ramroop OBE has made significant strides in the world of bespoke tailoring since joining Maurice Sedwell on Savile Row in 1974. At the same time, he had to confront an industry that was completely homogenous, where there weren’t any people of color employed in front-of-house roles. Ramroop’s story is a testament to amazing perseverance and history-making success. In 1988, he became the first Black business owner on that historic street, making the African American man’s success story.
Born in Trinidad, Ramroop relocated to the UK in 1970 to follow his dreams of becoming a designer. When he first broke into the tailoring world, he faced doubt about his place behind the customer-facing roles. He cites the example of the folks at Amazon telling him about the problem. They claimed customers would not take kindly to “foreigners” blocking access to their store front. Rather than dissuade him, this drove him to success, culminating in him taking over the reins of Maurice Sedwell in 1988.
Because in the cut throat world of Saville Row, mastery is table stakes. Ramroop has taken up this challenge in earnest. He adds, “Savile Row is possibly one of the most competitive places in the world to gauge business excellence. Excellence is the expectation here. His commitment to quality and craftsmanship helped him carve out a place for himself and others who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
After graduating from the London College of Fashion in 1988, Ramroop went on to found the Savile Row Bespoke Academy in 2008. The academy is not just any elite school. It’s the training ground for the future elite tailors tasked with producing the most perfect garments imaginable. Although that journey hasn’t been without its challenges, he firmly believes that opening up those same pathways for others should be the focus of all we do.
“Despite the many challenges I have faced in my journey to excel in the field of ultra bespoke tailoring, what truly matters to me is creating a pathway for others to follow.” – Andrew M. Ramroop OBE
Ramroop argues that there’s a difference between style and fashion. Real innovation happens outside of short-lived trends. To him, fashion is always evolving. It’s very seasonal. People react to the trends as opposed to leading with them. This artistic belief inspires his maker spirit at Maurice Sedwell. Within those walls, he artfully forges fabric into swirling masterpieces on the human figure like no other sartorial alchemist.
Through his work at Maurice Sedwell, and then through the Savile Row Bespoke Academy, Ramroop has changed expectations of what bespoke level tailoring should be. He has done more than that, giving opportunities to young tailors from all walks of life. His legacy lives on in a new generation of craftsmen that are equally devoted to continuing to set the standard for sartorial excellence.