Inside the world of Ruby Slevin, Founder of Banshee of Savile Row, One of the only bespoke tailoring houses for women on the Row
Ruby Slevin creates fully bespoke womenswear on Savile Row, combining the discipline and precision of traditional tailoring with a contemporary female perspective. Each garment is cut from an individual pattern and shaped through a series of fittings using traditional bespoke construction. For many of her clients, it is the first time they experience clothing made entirely around their body.
“I realised quite quickly that although the craft on Savile Row was extraordinary, it existed almost entirely within a male framework.”
Banshee of Savile Row was founded in 2019 from this realisation. While the Row has long been synonymous with the highest standards of tailoring, Ruby recognised that women were not often considered as primary clients in their own right. Some houses would occasionally make garments for the wives of existing clients, but there was little that was designed specifically for women from the outset.
“I felt there needed to be a space dedicated exclusively to women, both in terms of the garments themselves and the experience of commissioning them.”
Her path into tailoring was not linear. Ruby initially studied economics and began her career within the corporate world, working for investment firms before discovering a growing interest in sewing. What began as a personal pursuit soon developed into something more compelling. She returned to education in her late twenties to study fashion design, focusing on Irish heritage fabrics and tailored garments. It was during this time that she first encountered Savile Row.
“I had imagined I would go on to work for a fashion house, but I fell in love with the craftsmanship of Savile Row.”
Entering that world was both inspiring and demanding. Savile Row operates within a lineage of knowledge passed down through generations, where master tailors train the next. Ruby describes the experience as both intimidating and deeply formative, shaped by the generosity of those who shared their expertise and encouraged her to build something of her own.
The name Banshee carries a strong sense of identity. Rooted in Irish mythology, it draws from the figure of the “faery woman”, a symbol often misunderstood yet deeply powerful.
“In Irish mythology she moves between worlds and represents a powerful female voice. I loved that symbolism for a women’s tailoring house arriving on Savile Row.”
That idea of moving between worlds reflects how many women navigate professional, personal and creative spaces. Ruby’s work is shaped by this understanding, creating garments that allow women to move confidently through each aspect of their lives.
At Banshee, traditional bespoke construction remains central to the process. Each piece is hand cut and built using techniques such as a full floating canvas, forming the internal structure of the garment. At the same time, Ruby’s background in fashion design introduces a sense of expression that pushes beyond convention.
“It allows us to take the language of traditional tailoring and interpret it through a modern female perspective.”
The result is clothing that balances structure with individuality. Clients often arrive looking for garments that fit precisely and reflect their identity, whether for professional settings or beyond. Even within more formal requirements, there is space for subtle detail, silhouette and fabric to shape something distinctive.
“I am able to take the rules of Savile Row and push the boundaries through silhouette, cloth choice or subtle design details.”
The experience of wearing bespoke clothing can be transformative. Ruby speaks about the visible shift that occurs when a client sees themselves in a garment made entirely for them.
“Because the garment has been made entirely around your body, your posture changes. People stand differently and carry themselves differently.”
She recalls one client, a barrister, who described seeing herself in a Banshee three-piece suit before entering court.
“She felt something else entirely. Formidable.”
The process itself involves close collaboration with each client. Clients begin with a consultation at the Banshee atelier on Savile Row, where fabrics, design details and personal preferences are explored in depth. Measurements are taken, patterns are drafted and a toile is created to refine the fit before the final garment is constructed. Each stage builds towards a piece that reflects both the craft and the individual wearing it.
In 2022, Banshee became the first bespoke womenswear tailoring house on Savile Row to present at London Fashion Week, marking a significant moment in the evolution of the craft.
“It brought together the two worlds that Banshee sits between, fashion and Savile Row tailoring.”
This intersection continues to define the brand. Ruby’s work honours the heritage of Savile Row while expanding its possibilities, helping to expand the space for women within it.
Looking ahead, her focus remains clear.
“I am excited to see more women choosing Savile Row to have their tailoring made.”
Bespoke tailoring offers an alternative to clothing designed for short cycles of consumption. It creates pieces that are intended to last, evolving with the wearer over time. For Ruby, establishing womenswear tailoring on Savile Row is both a personal and professional mission, approached with creativity, individuality and a sense of momentum.
Something that resonates deeply with us at Ivy & Normanton is the clarity of that vision. Ruby is working within a centuries-old craft while opening it up to new perspectives, ensuring that women can fully participate in its future.
Supporting Banshee of Savile Row feels like supporting that continued evolution. What Ruby offers extends beyond tailoring. It is an experience rooted in skill, intention and a deep understanding of how clothing can shape the way a woman moves through the world.
And that is something we are proud to celebrate.