Hawes & Curtis

Ralph Hawes and George Frederick Curtis founded Hawes & Curtis in 1913, with its first store at 24 Piccadilly Arcade. The two outfitters created a brand that served the elite. In 1920 the pair were tasked with outfitting Lord Mountbatten. Hawes & Curtis then became the preferred shirtmaker for the Duke of Windsor. In 1922, the Duke granted the outfitters its first Royal Warrant. Since then, the brand received three more Royal Warrants, the last one ending in 1985. Hawes & Curtis are credited with coming up with the spread collar, which they created to suit the Duke’s famous Windsor knot. The outfitters also introduced the backless waistcoat. Hawes & Curtis built a reputation as the pioneers of evening wear for a period that spans over 100 years.Entrepreneur Touker Suleyman acquired Hawes & Curtis in 2002. The outfitter launched its website in 2006, availing its whole collection to the public. The brand specialises in British men’s and women’s clothing. It’s a shirt connoisseur that offers a broad category of shirts, including business casual, formal and polo. The product range provides other dress alternatives, such as suits, knitwear and accessories. Presently, the company has over 20 stores across the UK, with its flagship still on Jermyn Street in London. The brand has online stores for Australian, German and American customers.