John Kent

“If you would be guided by me…”

John Kent began his training as a 15 year old apprentice in the East End of London at Bernard’s Bethnal Green. After five years he transferred to the West End, furthering his knowledge of cassocks, frock coats and gaiters for the revered Ecclesiastical and Court tailor Adeney & Boutrey (estd 1775), where he made breeches for the then Archbishop of Canterbury.
In 1966 he moved to Military and Royal tailor Hawes and Curtis.  It was here that he met shirtmaker Stephen Lachter and Terry Haste who would go on to succeed Kent as head cutter.  At this time The Duke of Edinburgh patronised Hawes and Curtis where Kent had the privilege of making the trousers for His Royal Highness. Kent continues to tailor for The Duke to this day; his services have been recognised with the Royal Warrant which he still holds.
In 1986 together with Stephen Lachter, Kent set up his own eponymous business.  In 2010 they were joined by their old colleague Terry Haste and opened a shop in New Burlington Street before moving to large premises at number 7 Sackville Street.

Clientele
HRH Duke of Edinburgh, Sir Donald Sinden, Sir Alistair Cook, Sir Terence Rattigan, Burt Lancaster, Rod Steiger, Tony Curtis, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, Lord Mountbatten and Arnaud Bamberger