March 7, 2023
Entrepreneurs, Female Founder Spotlight, Latest Articles

Inspiring Female Founder Spotlight: Antonia Ede

Antonia Ede started Montague Ede Bespoke Tailoring in 2016, after working as a cutter on Savile Row. Having trained at Hardy Amies, then worked her way up at Huntsman, this seemed like a natural progression, and Montague Ede now cuts all men’s garments for clients ranging in age from 2 to 92! All bespoke garments are made by hand either in the atelier in Mayfair, or within 100 metres on Savile Row.

Can you tell us a little about your background and the company?

After a degree from London College of Fashion, I started an apprenticeship on Savile Row, and totally fell in love with the craft. Years at Huntsman on the cutting floor followed, where I honed my own style before starting Montague Ede.

How did the idea come to you for the company?

Montague Ede was started as a means to keep tailoring both approachable and ethical. Because it’s made to order only, and using local suppliers, we have a very low carbon footprint and waste. It’s the antithesis to fast fashion!

How did you achieve awareness?

We are 90% repeat orders or word of mouth – you are only as good as your last job. That said, Instagram has proven priceless as a tool: our trade is very visual, so being able to illustrate make/design etc has been wonderful.

What are the key successes?

Year on year growth, or having one client refer several clients – it’s such a boost of confidence when someone is prepared to invest in you personally. I always joke that bespoke tailors are effectively very expensive hairdressers – it’s a similar bond!

What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?

Covid was a real struggle. We are deemed ‘non-essential retail’, so the trade had a huge number of apprentices in training who were suddenly in fear of their livelihood. Being a woman in Savile Row is fortunately becoming more common- when I started I was one of 4. I am one of few female cutters to start a family, and that comes with it’s own challenges, but I hope that I am showing it IS possible to do both!

What are your plans now/for the future?

To continue growing the brand. We have some gorgeous pieces coming through at the moment – really excited for the commissions 2023 has to offer.

What would you like to share with others to encourage them to start their own entrepreneurship journey?

The first step is the hardest. I haven’t had a full day where I’ve regretted taking the plunge: every fail is an opportunity to learn, but every win feels 10x better!

Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial success?

Failing doesn’t mean starting from scratch. You’re starting from past experience.

Who are the 5 people who inspire you the most and why?

What are your favourite inspirational /motivational quotes? ‘I did everything he did, but backwards and in high heels’ – Ginger Rogers, talking about how everyone always commented on how amazing Humphrey Bogart was as a dancer!

What are your Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn social handles and also website links so our readers can connect with you?