Discover timeless female tailoring with the new Belle Brummell brand
Spark joy with elegant, feminine statement designs that’ll stand the test of time
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Think of the most famous names in fashion: Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford… the list goes on. However, female designers like Coco Chanel and Stella McCartney have historically been few and far between. Luxury fashion may be centred around women, but for far too long its designers have mainly been men. The result? Womenswear that borrows from menswear patterns to the detriment of silhouettes and details that women actually prize (criminally small or entirely missing pockets, anyone?). Faced with an array of oversized, uncomfortable jackets, for US-born designer Claudia Fisher the solution was quite simple: create a brand designed and tailored by women, for women. And Belle Brummell was born.
Fascinated by British tailoring expertise, Fisher sought out a female master tailor working on Savile Row to help her develop a line of jackets that are classic, softly structured, elegant and uber-feminine. Inspired by 18th and 19th century fashion, Belle Brumell’s jackets are made to measure at the brand’s London atelier using fine Scottish woollen fabrics. Rooted in British tradition, the brand’s name is also a genderbent nod to George Byron ‘Beau’ Brummell, the Regency-era dandy who dictated men’s fashion trends at the time.
The Lawrence No. 7 in Camel
The Reynolds No. 4 in Blue
Belle Brummell’s Couture Collection of jackets borrows elements from two distinct British styles: 18th century gentleman’s frock coats and 19th century ladies’ riding jackets. Instantly recognisable by their subtle hourglass shape and woollen fabrics, the jackets feature trims and panels made from plush velvets, soft satins and silk damasks and are finished with hand-made silk ornamentation. Think intricately embroidered geometric bands, custom gold-gilt hardware, black beaded and silk-covered buttons, vertical piping and detachable silk ornamental drops.
Leaning into the brand’s passion for classic design and impeccable craftsmanship, Belle Brummell offers three jacket styles named after famous 18th century portrait painters: Thomas Lawrence, Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough. The Gainsborough draws on couturier Charles Frederick Worth’s ball gowns with its silk jacquard panels, embroidered cuffs and flared inverted pleats, making for a stunning evening jacket that would dress up your favourite little black dress with ease. The Lawrence jacket, meanwhile, features a high collar and five inverted pleats on the back for a flowy, formal day-to-night silhouette. Finally, the Reynolds is an elegant day jacket featuring velvet bands offset with fluffy trims at the cuffs that’ll pair well with a pencil skirt or wide-leg trousers for the office or jeans and Chelsea boots for a weekend in the country.
The Kauffman in Navy with Sparkling Navy Boucle
The Gainsborough No. 3 with Gold Accents
More recently, Belle Brummell has introduced the Kauffman, named after
Angelica Kauffman, the brilliant female painter from the late 18th century and
one of the first members of The Royal Academy of Art. Whilst still preserving
the flawless interior tailoring and flattering profile, the jacket is available in an array of colours. Planning the wedding of your dreams? The brand’s stunning new bridal offering, The Gainsborough bridal suit in ivory, is as romantic as it comes.
As well as boasting the finest tailoring, Belle Brummell’s offering is grounded in slow fashion. “We only make the garment after we first meet with our client,” explains Fisher. After an initial consultation, material is ordered for individual jackets before being handcrafted into a custom creation in a process which can take up to ten weeks. This may sound lengthy but, when you consider each jacket is made using 37 different pattern pieces for a perfectly draped fit, it’s easy to see why the results are worth the wait.
Keen to invest in one of Belle Brummell’s beautiful showstoppers? The brand will be showcasing its collection at the Blenheim Palace Salon Privé classic car show from 28 to 31 August 2024. Alternatively, book an appointment at 31 Savile Row to browse the pieces or shop our favourites below.
The Gainsborough No. 1 in Pink
The Reynolds No. 4 in Blue
The Lawrence No. 9 in Black/White Puppy check
Shop the full collection at bellebrummell.co.uk or call 01273 731642. If you are interested in the new Kauffman jacket, reach out to [email protected].
