What Cloth Surgeon’s Historic Opening On Savile Row Means For South Asian Representation

Making strides in the world of fashion, Rav Matharu, the founder of Cloth Surgeon, has become the first designer of South Asian origin to open his store at Savile Row, London –– the go-to destination for the finest bespoke tailoring services that has always catered to very select clientele. It is a historic moment for the South Asian community to have its first tailored streetwear on the Row.

Many individuals of South Asian descent have shared their personal stories with Matharu, where their parents were denied service in the same upscale area back in the 60s and 70’s due to their ethnicity. The label is challenging the status quo by breaking down barriers for the next generation and by claiming space and changing the pre-existing narrative that burdened previous generations.

As South Asians were earlier not remotely supported enough to be able to break into industries such as music, fashion and arts, their recent success in these spaces is among a list of firsts for the community. Matharu hopes to be a force for change by bringing more underrepresented members to the forefront and pursuing their vision to build a collaborative space that can become a platform to help young South Asian creatives.

Merging two worlds of sportswear and Savile Row tailoring, Cloth Surgeon combines the nonchalant aesthetic of streetwear with classic men’s silhouettes, to create a timeless yet contemporary wardrobe. They are working with the biggest names and tastemakers in the industry, such as Riz Ahmed, Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Rocky. It is their unique persona that is helping the brand build a strong following.

Forming stimulating collaborations with brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, and Burberry, the label is carving a niche of its own that does not limit itself to a particular style identity or box but rather explores the many realms of design and expression. Moreover, Matharu believes the store signals that the community has arrived and this representation is exactly what the industry needed in terms of pushing South Asians forward.

Find out more about Cloth Surgeon here.

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