Since 1849, Huntsman has clothed the upper echelons of society for over 170 years, earning a reputation that transcends mere fashion.
Huntsman’s clientele reads like a veritable who’s who of global influence, spanning royalty, Hollywood luminaries, and industry captains.
Our exploration into the illustrious wearers of Huntsman suits offers insight into the enduring appeal of this Savile Row tailor across various spheres of power and prestige.
In this article, we uncover not only who wears these suits but also why they’ve become synonymous with success and refined taste.
Royalty and Nobility
The Crown Jewels of Huntsman’s Clientele
Huntsman’s royal patronage dates back to the 19th century, with Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha among its earliest and most influential clients.
Prince Albert’s sartorial choices set the tone for Victorian elegance, influencing men’s fashion for decades to come.
This royal connection has persisted through generations, with King Charles III continuing the family’s long-standing relationship with the brand.
Charles, known for his advocacy for sustainable fashion, embodies the Huntsman ethos of timeless style and quality craftsmanship.
Prince Arthur of Connaught, a style icon of the early 20th century, was frequently spotted in Huntsman’s impeccably tailored suits.
The brand’s appeal extended beyond British shores, dressing European royalty like King Constantine I of Greece, who maintained his preference for Huntsman even in exile.
Prince George, Duke of Kent, known for his fashion-forward approach, often turned to Huntsman to realise his sartorial visions.
In Spain, King Alfonso XIII infused Madrid’s royal court with a dash of Mayfair sophistication through his Huntsman wardrobe.
The influence of Huntsman on royal wardrobes reached its zenith with King George V and King Edward VII, whose patronage cemented the brand’s reputation as the epitome of regal attire.
Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, was also a devoted Huntsman client. His impeccably tailored suits symbolized British authority during a pivotal moment in history.
Political Figures
Dressing for the World Stage
In politics, where appearance can be as crucial as policy, Huntsman has dressed some of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.
Britain’s post-war Prime Minister, Clement Attlee, was known for his understated elegance, achieved through Huntsman’s craftsmanship.
Sir Winston Churchill frequently turned to Huntsman to create his signature look, including his famous ‘siren suit’ – a one-piece garment designed for quick dressing during air raids.
Churchill’s relationship with Huntsman spanned decades, with the brand crafting suits that helped shape his iconic image of resilience and determination during Britain’s darkest hour.
Across the Atlantic, Henry Kissinger navigated the complex waters of international diplomacy in Huntsman suits, projecting power and authority.
Ronald Reagan, who brought Hollywood glamour to the White House, often chose Huntsman for state occasions, helping him transition from actor to statesman.
These political heavyweights understood that a Huntsman suit was more than mere clothing; it was armour for the world stage, conveying gravitas and commanding respect.
Hollywood Icons
Bringing Savile Row to the Silver Screen
Huntsman’s relationship with Hollywood has been long and fruitful, dressing some of cinema’s greatest stars on and off screen.
Gregory Peck, the epitome of old Hollywood charm, was perhaps Huntsman’s most famous devotee.
Peck’s collaboration with Huntsman extended beyond the silver screen, influencing his personal wardrobe and public image.
The ‘Gregory Peck’ suit, still available today, is a testament to this enduring relationship.
Clark Gable, the ‘King of Hollywood’, relied on Huntsman to craft the debonair persona that captivated audiences worldwide.
Rex Harrison‘s Professor Higgins in ‘My Fair Lady’ showcased Huntsman’s ability to create period-accurate yet timeless pieces.
Paul Newman‘s preference for the brand demonstrated its appeal to both British and American conceptions of masculine elegance.
Peter Sellers brought his comedic genius to fittings, with his Huntsman suits playing a crucial part in creating his various on-screen personas.
Omar Sharif‘s Huntsman suits helped bridge the gap between Eastern and Western styles, creating a global aesthetic.
John Huston, the legendary director and actor, was also a Huntsman aficionado. His suits lent gravitas to his imposing presence both behind and in front of the camera.
Rudolph Valentino, the great lover of silent cinema, chose Huntsman to create the sleek, romantic silhouettes that made him a style icon of the 1920s.
These actors not only wore Huntsman suits but also helped to define the very image of the well-dressed gentleman for generations to come.
Music Legends
Sartorial Harmony
Even in rock and roll, where rebellion is the norm, Huntsman’s creations were sported by the genre’s most stylish musicians.
David Bowie favoured Huntsman for his refined looks, particularly during his ‘Thin White Duke’ phase, proving that tradition and innovation could coexist.
Eric Clapton turned to Huntsman to create a look as timeless as his music, demonstrating that even in the world of rock, there was room for sartorial sophistication.
Bing Crosby‘s relationship with Huntsman took an interesting turn when the brand created a denim dinner jacket for him after he was refused entry to a hotel for wearing jeans.
This anecdote perfectly encapsulates Huntsman’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating bespoke solutions for their discerning clientele.
Ivor Novello, the Welsh composer and actor, was another Huntsman devotee. His Huntsman suit collection reflected the elegance and refinement of his musical compositions.
Fashion Designers
The Ultimate Endorsement
Huntsman has dressed some of fashion’s most discerning eyes, receiving the ultimate endorsement from fellow designers.
Alexander McQueen apprenticed at Huntsman in 1984 before revolutionising the industry with his own boundary-pushing designs.
His time at Huntsman significantly influenced his approach to tailoring, visible in his later work.
Bill Blass, the American designer, often turned to Huntsman for his personal wardrobe, bridging the gap between American style and British tailoring.
Hubert de Givenchy, whose own couture was the epitome of elegance, complemented his look with Huntsman’s suits.
Marc Jacobs, known for bridging high fashion and street style, appreciates Huntsman’s traditional craftsmanship, demonstrating the brand’s appeal to both traditional and contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Ralph Lauren, whose American Preppy fashion draws inspiration from British heritage, has been known to favour Huntsman suits, which speaks to the brand’s influence on global fashion.
Business Tycoons
The Power Suit Personified
In the corridors of power, a Huntsman suit is the uniform of choice for business magnates.
Gianni Agnelli, the Italian industrialist, was a devoted Huntsman client.
Agnelli’s fashion style, wearing his watch over his cuff or leaving his tie slightly askew in a styling technique known as Sprezzatura, was perfectly complemented by Huntsman’s tailoring.
These deliberate ‘imperfections’ in his dress, combined with the impeccable cut of his Huntsman suits, created a signature look that influenced men’s fashion for decades.
Sir James Goldsmith trusted Huntsman to create his powerful silhouette, understanding that in the world of high-stakes business, appearance can be as crucial as understanding.
Nubar Gulbenkian, the eccentric oil tycoon, was another notable Huntsman client, his suits as distinctive as his personality.
Gulbenkian’s penchant for flamboyant details, such as his famous orchid buttonholes, found the perfect canvas in Huntsman’s expert tailoring.
In their world, a Huntsman suit was not just clothing but a statement of success and a tool for projecting authority.
Literary and Artistic Figures
The Curated Wardrobe
The creative world has embraced Huntsman’s artistry, recognising the parallels between their own work and the craft of tailoring.
Cecil Beaton, the photographer and designer who captured the essence of style, was a longtime Huntsman devotee.
Beaton’s eye for detail and composition found a kindred spirit in Huntsman’s meticulous approach to tailoring.
Gore Vidal, whose cutting wit was matched by his cutting-edge fashion, often chose Huntsman for public appearances.
Vidal’s appreciation for Huntsman demonstrated the brand’s appeal to intellectual circles, where substance and style were equally valued.
Lawrence Olivier, the titan of British theatre, relied on Huntsman to create the regal bearing required for his Shakespearean roles, both on and off stage.
These cultural icons found in Huntsman a shared commitment to creativity and precision, their wardrobes as carefully curated as their words and images.
Contemporary Celebrities
The Modern Huntsman Man
Huntsman’s appeal continues unabated into the 21st century, attracting a new generation of style-conscious celebrities.
Colin Firth, whose dapper roles often mirror his personal style, is a notable Huntsman client both on and off screen.
Hugh Laurie brings a touch of British elegance to Hollywood, often spotted in Huntsman suits at red carpet events.
Brad Pitt, known for melding classic style with contemporary cool, has worn Huntsman for high-profile appearances.
Daniel Brühl, recently featured wearing the brand’s blue hopsack blazer in a Telegraph magazine shoot, underscores Huntsman’s ongoing relevance in contemporary fashion discourse.
These modern figures prove that Huntsman’s allure is as strong as ever, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary style.
Styling Beyond Huntsman Suits
Knowing what Hunstman stands for wearing the brand’s suits is the first step – granted, a small step – towards dressing like a confident and successful gentleman.
Perfect men’s styling starts with your unique body type and colour palette and only then, with the occasion, location, season, and time of the day – and this is a men’s styling secret that only expert image consultants know.
And if you want to learn, we’re here to help; start by knowing your body type and unique colour palette so you can select clothes for your body shape in colours that match your skin, eyes, and hair.
You must also know which fashion brands to shop from and, more importantly, how to style these garments, footwear, and accessories to create a look of subtle luxury and success.
After learning to choose fashion from heritage fashion brands according to your body shape and colour palette, you’ll have to master styling by occasion, location, season, and even time of day.
If you feel overwhelmed, worry no more – we’re here to help you in three easy and free steps:
1. Know Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man – free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Color Palette
Remember, fashion comes in various colours, but not every hue complements your natural colour. Take our free seasonal colour quiz for men to find the most suitable colours for you.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body type and unique colour palette, so the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, multiple outfit ideas, the most relevant fashion brands for your unique look, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
Last but not least is mastering how to style according to occasion, location, season, and time of the day; this is where our professional styling services for men, created by our expert image consultants and fashion stylists, come in.
Our paid styling packages are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market. Each is backed up by expert stylists who will guide you step by step in creating a personal wardrobe that communicates affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, owning luxury clothes isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must know your body type and colour palette and how to style according to the occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today and save headaches, time, and money; the first styling assessment is on us!
It’s time to show the world the confident and successful you, a gentleman of exquisite fashion taste.