The Story of the Clove Suit

Since it first launched, it’s been a repeat sell-out, refreshed and reinvented in numerous vibrant shades. Alice explains where the idea came from and what suiting a woman means to her…

Crafted in Italy from luxurious Italian velvet, inspired by her own love of suiting and an extensive collection (20 at last count), the Clove story comprises an immaculately tailored trio; the blazer, waistcoat and trousers.

A new season update on the timeless Temperley design, we saw its return in three fresh colourways for Autumn Winter 23: endlessly wearable Black, regal Fig and acid-hued Chartreuse. Fully lined, with button detailing, they can be worn together on bare skin for a modern take on the classic suit or experiment with the collection’s separates, like our June Tail Shirt, to curate a truly unique look.

Since it first launched, it’s been a repeat sell-out, refreshed and reinvented in numerous vibrant shades. Through whimsical purple — a nod to Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze — to fierce, limited edition red, it’s retained its original cut.

It’s a landmark time for suiting, with Saville Row’s offering just beginning to reflect the zeitgeist: the first female-only tailoring house opened in 2020. Women are finally being liberated from the back rooms and taking front of house roles — a shift both attributable to the refreshing of out-of-date traditions and a growing market for female tailors.

Alice explains where the idea came from and what suiting a woman means to her…

Where was the idea for the Clove suit conceived?

‘Everyone thinks I am a dress person, but I love tailoring. It began with a vintage men’s three-piece suit from Endell Street, which I used to style with a pair of Converse again and again through college. It was a revelation. Since then, my collection has grown to twenty I wear on rotation, so it makes sense as a key story in every collection.

‘Though the Clove has a tomboy edge, the velvet gives it feminine and flattering feel when worn with heels or flats. It’s versatile — I like to wear my waistcoat and blazers over dresses, as well as together.’

Can you describe the power of a suit?

‘I feel most confident in a suit. It’s so simple: you don’t have to think about anything else as it’s a head-to-toe look, yet when done right you instantly look put-together.’

What does creating women’s suits mean to you?

‘Since we shifted our business model to be direct-to-consumer, we’ve been able to listen more to what our clients want — and they love them. It feels important to give women the freedom and easy confidence that comes from intuitive, well-cut suiting. As with all my designs, I wear them constantly, so it’s amazing to see others enjoying them and making them their own.’