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Russell Scott-Lawson is as enthusiastic today as he was when he first opened Hawkes Essentials in Cardiff's beautifully preserved Morgan Arcade over fifteen years ago. It's not difficult to see why his enthusiasm, good taste, and thorough knowledge of tailoring have translated into the clothing emporium that well-dressed men from near and far choose to visit. With the wedding season now truly upon us, Russell is busier than ever.
SUIT OF
AMOUR
With the wedding and events season in full swing, why should you choose Hawkes Essentials for gentlemen's formal wear?
If you look the part, you'll feel the part and will, more likely, enjoy yourself. At Hawkes, we're happy to guide you in your choice of outfit for the event.
My advice is to keep things simple - less is more. Don't throw too many colours together when a standard repetition of colour will do. A black suit, white shirt and silver tie looks stylish and classy because if you mix black and white, what colour does that give you?
What's so important about having a suit specifically tailored?
Most people don't need a made-tomeasure suit. Spectacular results can be achieved with a suit that's off-thepeg if it's properly altered. At Hawkes, we carry six different shapes of suit and can generally get a fit spot on.
However, if you do feel like treating yourself to a bespoke suit, it will look fantastic and you'll get exactly what you require such as slim lapels or pink button holes. In fact, I think we can even make you a pink suit within our 300 strong choice of swatches.
How long does the process take?
On average it takes about an hour to measure you. We discuss your choice of cloth, linings, style and the event it's required for. The next six weeks will be spent cutting the cloth by hand for a perfect and lasting fit. Any style or size can be accommodated and we fit customers from 38 short to 50 long. The result is a perfect fitting and highly individual garment made to your exact requirements.
Do you offer accessories?
We like to support British and European brands, so our shoes are mainly from British sources such as Jeffery West, R M Williams and Grenson, all of which are handmade in this country. At Hawkes Essentials we have a range of exquisite accessories including ties from Van Buck, as worn by John Snow on Channel 4 News along with Jonathon Ross and Stephen Fry. Our leather bags are often admired by all at many a station and airport.
I hear you are the official sponsors of the Glamorgan
Cricket Team.
Yes, in line with Hawkes Essentials propensity to provide clothing for every occasion throughout the year, sporting or otherwise, it is a natural fit for us to be an official supplier for the Glamorgan Cricket Team, which we deem a great honour. The boys also use us for many other events, having suited Shaun Tait and Jamie Dalrymple for wedding suits recently.
What's your background?
I was born in London and brought up in Exeter, Devon. I wasn't much of a stickler at school, with most of my reports saying Russell who? as I spent much of my time fishing. I finally took some O levels and A levels later in life but owe my success to a book called Rich Dad, Poor Dad and all the mentors in my life.
Describe your career to-date?
I had my first job at 14 and I've had one ever since, from a fisheries manager, outdoor pursuits instructor, chef, and architect's assistant but retail has always been in my blood. The former owner of Hawkes was a Harry Fentons Regional Manager who sold me the business ten years ago, having owned seven shops at its peak. I'm now looking to expand Hawkes to Cheltenham, Taunton and maybe even Bath.
What do you think makes Hawkes Essentials so special?
Genuine old school service without being pushy and we won't sell you anything that looks unsuitable. Also, we believe in offering customers the highest quality - it's what our reputation has been built on over the years.
As well as running a successful business, Russell is also recognised as an authority on designer menswear and is often quoted in the press.
Photography by Sian Trenberth www.sian-trenberth.com
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SISTER MAGAZINES
 
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