Somewhere on Savile Row, a gentleman elegantly clad in a chalkstripe suit steps out from behind a vintage Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe and makes his way down the row. He has a coffee appointment with Kimberley Lawton to discuss his journey through cars, culture, and clothing to the doors of LAWTON, where he has become a cherished bespoke client and friend. The images accompanying this discussion are the product of Paul’s unique taste, which we wanted to explore to uncover the stories behind his style.
Paul was dreaming up an evening suit—“Serge Gainsbourg louche, Parisian 1970s elegance, with a touch of the New York Dolls”—when he approached Kimberley to bring his tailored fantasy to life.

Over the course of five chapters, from consultation to fittings and the final touches, these visions took form under Kimberley Lawton’s masterful hands and stylistic guidance.
“Kimberley somehow translated that vision into her house style. We talked, shared ideas, and photos,” Paul recalls.

It’s hard to pin down a typical day for Paul. The one common thread in his life is “evolution and change.” Whether describing his work in technology and design, his love for underground London music and fashion subcultures, or his hobby of restoring old bikes and cars, Paul says, “The only constant is that once anything becomes too mainstream, I lose interest!”

Paul’s wardrobe is a vibrant kaleidoscope of pop culture references and the social tribes of his youth. His LAWTON wardrobe includes a bespoke double-breasted chalkstripe jacket with two pairs of trousers—a common and recommended practice in bespoke tailoring, as trousers wear out faster than jackets and sourcing the original cloth years later is unlikely. He also owns a pair of black gabardine flares, which he loves to pair with Cuban heels, denim, leather, LAWTON long-point collar shirts, and knitwear, along with a cropped 1970s Lee 101J trucker jackets and a Schott Perfecto.
“Swishing around town in tailored high-waisted flares feels great—just a little bit subversive,” Paul admits.

What brought you to LAWTON?

“It was the LAWTON house style that initially attracted me. It seemed so well-defined, contemporary, and fresh—everything the traditional bespoke houses lacked. Plus, it had that rock-and-roll vibe I was looking for.”

A house style is the philosophy that upholds a brand’s sartorial attitude. Over the years, the LAWTON house style has developed a distinctive personality with strong sculptural integrity. This style provides a framework within which clients can dream, create, and explore their relationship to their garments. Far from limiting their fashion choices, these parameters offer a guiding philosophy that helps clients build a complete and aesthetically coherent ensemble.
“I like that I can mix and match all the different pieces and there’s a coherent look, a common vibe,” Paul says.

“I first saw Kimberley at her Savile Row pop-up and later giving a talk about her bespoke process at the V&A Fashioning Masculinities exhibition in 2022. Her inclusive approach, along with her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm, convinced me to contact her and begin the process.”

How did you feel the bespoke process went?

“I loved the process. You need to dive in and spend time thinking about the styling, where and when you’ll wear the suit. There were lots of decisions to make, which can be overwhelming, but once Kimberley understood my vision, I trusted her to guide me, and it became easy. Seeing it all come together was very rewarding—and surprisingly emotional.”

During the consultation, Paul was guided through customising every detail of his bespoke coat and trousers. With endless options for personalisation, it can be a daunting process for many, but Kimberley expertly guides clients through the possibilities, helping them appreciate the full potential of their wardrobe. The choices made often reflect a client’s lifestyle, personality, and cultural tastes—sometimes in ways they weren’t even aware of.

What are your five favourite albums and why?

“Serge Gainsbourg - Histoire de Melody Nelson. Forget everything you know about Serge and Je t’aime… moi non plus. Listen to this with open ears. It’s truly inspired—a thousand indie bands followed in its wake. Pretentious, moi!?

Lou Reed - Street Hassle. I could have picked many different albums Lou was involved in, but the title track on this one has all the grit and grime you could ever need. Sha-la-la, man. Sha-la-la.

Sly and the Family Stone - Greatest Hits. I know a greatest hits album is terribly uncool, but WTF? There’s zero filler here. Get your flares on, get your heels on, and dance.

Malcolm McLaren – Paris. No, honestly. Malcolm has been a true inspiration over the years. I miss him, his mad capers, and the chaos. This week I’m really into his take on Paris—it’s all about fashion and sex.

Heartworms - A Comforting Notion. OK, it’s an EP, but when it was released, I was dreaming up a list of musicians who would look amazing in a LAWTON suit. Heartworms were at the top of my list, and Kimberley made it happen. JoJo looked fabulous in that LAWTON suit, and that’s a treasured memory.”

What are your five favourite films and why?

Casino - The epic Scorsese crime drama based on a real-life story. Stunning performances, a soundtrack to die for, and amazing cinematography. Oh, and have you seen Robert De Niro’s wardrobe?

Two-Lane Blacktop - The ultimate American road movie. All that languid tension, wide-open roads, and very few words. “How fast will she run?” “Depends on who’s around.” Nice.

Rumble Fish - Beautiful high-contrast black-and-white. Matt Dillon and Mickey Rourke at their peak (with a mumbling Tom Waits). Everyone looks magnificent in their sweaty vests. The Motorcycle Boy reigns.

The Clash: Westway to the World - Don Letts captured the start of the punk movement as it happened. This is an insider’s view of the rise of The Clash, the coolest gang in town. Documenting London's best-dressed band at their peak.

One Plus One - Jean-Luc Godard’s behind-the-scenes look at the Rolling Stones recording “Sympathy for the Devil.” Mick’s ruffle shirt, Bill’s red boots, and Charlie’s button-down Oxfords—timeless style. Just fast-forward through the avant-garde bits.

How do you feel in your suit?

“It always feels amazing to wear it. It boosts confidence, presence, and sexiness. Wearing a beautifully crafted, perfectly fitted suit in a gorgeous cloth gives you the feeling that you’re a little more attractive than you actually are!”

“Beautiful craftsmanship and sustainability are other aspects I love. These clothes are made to last and to be repaired or altered as you grow or shrink, making the investment even more worthwhile. The whole process was fabulous, and I would thoroughly recommend it. In fact, a second LAWTON suit is being completed as we speak…”

Layered in LAWTON: Rock 'n' Roll Elegance with Paul

Behind the Seams: Crafting the LAWTON Shirt Collection