SCOTLAND’S oldest bespoke tailor, Stewart Christie & Co, has entered a new chapter in its 300-year history with bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith becoming an investor. The celebrated tailor, known for dressing royalty and Hollywood stars, has opened a ladies’ tailoring studio in Edinburgh, and Alexander McCall Smith joins existing shareholders, including Managing Director Daniel Fearn and Creative Director Vixy Rae.
Alexander McCall Smith, the internationally bestselling author, has invested in Scotland’s oldest bespoke tailoring business, Stewart Christie & Co.
Renowned for dressing royalty and Hollywood stars, the tailor has been a stalwart in the industry for over 300 years. Alexander McCall Smith, famous for his literary works, including the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, joins the company as an investor alongside Managing Director Daniel Fearn, Creative Director Vixy Rae, and Chairman Prof James McCallum.
The announcement follows the unveiling of a new ‘by appointment’ studio for ladies’ tailoring in Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, adjacent to the existing men’s tailoring emporium on 61-63 Queen Street. The ladies’ tailoring studio, which opened in the summer of 2023, occupies the space formerly dedicated to The Chaumer tearoom. Despite the shift, afternoon tea continues to be a cherished tradition at the location.
Stewart Christie & Co’s Creative Director, Vixy Rae, expressed excitement about the development: “This is such an exciting moment for Stewart Christie & Co – not only are we welcoming the delightful Alexander McCall Smith aboard our company, we also recently opened our first-ever ladies’ bespoke tailoring studio. Alongside our expansion into ladieswear, we’re really looking forward to launching our new website early next year, with an online fabric store so clients can build their own garment virtually.”
Alexander McCall Smith shared his admiration for Stewart Christie & Co: “There is nowhere quite like Stewart Christie & Co. This firm has been a vital part of the Scottish clothing and textile industry for a very long time. The team of James, Daniel, and Vixy have been tireless in their support of Scottish textiles and tailoring, and that is what prompted me to offer support in the first place. It is a great honour to be able to support that.”
Stewart Christie & Co’s ladies’ studio at 61-63 Queen Street requires advance booking for appointments, ensuring a personalised experience for clients. Appointments can be made by calling 0131 225 6639 or emailing info@stewartchristie.com.
