Kathryn Sargent makes history as the first female Head Cutter on Savile Row
As they say, behind every great man is a great woman – and to prove the point we are proud to present our new Head Cutter at Gieves & Hawkes, Kathryn Sargent.
Since she started at Gieves & Hawkes nearly 14 years ago, Kathryn has worked her way up from apprentice to the most prestigious position on Savile Row. Despite being one of only a handful of women in a very male industry, her enthusiasm and talent saw her rise through the ranks to make history as the first ever female Head Cutter on Savile Row.
“I have always liked men in suits,” Kathryn explains, recalling that her father “even did the gardening in a suit.” After graduating from the Surrey Institute of Art and Design with a degree in fashion design, a work experience placement on Savile Row cemented her lifelong passion for tailoring. “I realised this was what I wanted to be a master of,” she says.
Kathryn takes over from Peter O’Neill, who hung up his shears last year after 20 years at Gieves & Hawkes. “I am delighted to be making history by becoming the first woman to hold the position of Head Cutter in Savile Row. I have had such an amazing career at Gieves & Hawkes and it continues to go from strength to strength. I look forward to brilliant new challenges and hope to inspire future generations.”
You can download coverage of Kathryn’s appointment in the national press here
Read more:
Kathryn Sargent’s profile
Kathryn nominated for Women of the Future Awards
A most interesting article in The Times that bears your name.
You mention your father doing gardening in a suit. My father did the same but went a little further. He visited the Belgian Congo on missionary work in the 1960s. I asked when he was to acquire his khaki outfit, and he replied “I’m not, I’m going in a suit”. This he did, in sweltering temperatures, complete with handkerchief in top jacket pocket – which was one day stolen by a local. He promptly ran after him to retrieve it. Today, he might not have got away with it so lightly.
Well done Kathryn I have just seen the article on your appointment to Head Cutter, well deserved and I remember many moons ago you assisting as a junior on my fittings, eventually taking over the head role yourself. It only seems like yesterday not 14 years ago, I will be visting soon for a new batch of your fine workmanship.