Savile Row will be lined with a red carpet for the annual Concours
A NEVER-before seen exhibition of the private collections of suits owned by a former Rolling Stones drummer is going on display alongside his classic car in the heart of Mayfair.
Tailors Huntsman & Hagerty is presenting the Charlie Watts collection at the annual “Concours” event in Savile Row later this month.
Mr Watts, who died aged 80 in 2021, is said to have been a devoted customer of the brand and owned more than 200 of their suits. He was known to discuss fabrics and finishings with his tailor and loved to wade through swatches at the store.
Now some of his purchases are going on display alongside one of his classic cars – a 1937 Lagonda LG6 Rapide – and a panel discussion about his twin passions is being hosted by his official biographer.
It’s all part of the annual celebration of classic cars and master tailoring in Savile Row, which will be lined with a red carpet later this month for a two-day free event.
The Concours event aims to combine two “bespoke” worlds of craftsmanship. The tailoring houses and top-of-the-range car manufacturers will be showcasing their wares out in the street.
There will be talks and events taking place in supporting venues, including at the Royal Academy of Arts. Other highlights include an Austin J40 Continuation Holland and Sherry Edition “pedal car” and the fuselage of Spitfire PR.IV AA810.
Other cars include a Touring Superleggera Arese RH95, Lotus Evija, Everrati Porsche 964, Audi Q8 E-tron and a selection of some of the finest cars from private collections around the world, including a Ferrari 500 TR Spider, MG No 1, a 2024 Koenigsegg Jesko and a 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spyder.
Jenny Casebourne, head of portfolio at The Pollen Estate, the landowner of Savile Row, said: “The event is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to go inside the tailoring houses and meet the individual tailors, as well as experience the expertise and craft behind a bespoke suit first-hand.”
The City Lions – a youth scheme in Westminster – will be judging cars at Concours which runs on May 22-23, 10am-8pm.