The stunning visual spectacle - presented by FAME: the Foundation for Fashion Apparel Manufacture Export - takes place at the National Academy of Performing Arts on the 25th November at 7pm with a VIP cocktail reception at 6pm, and features celebrities from the world of performing arts including the international operatic star Neil Latchman and the sensational pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe.
The FAME-Caribbean 2K17 initiative, was launched this autumn by the Internationally renowned Master Tailor Andrew Ramroop OBE, with the aim to catalyse the Caribbean fashion industry.
In a unique position, respected by Presidents, Prime Ministers and Hollywood stars who call on his world class tailoring talents, Andrew Ramroop also passionately supports his homeland and says, “FAME-Caribbean 2K17 is the brainchild born out of my experiences in the menswear industry for the last fifty years. Having travelled extensively on invitation to international fashion events, visited manufacturing facilities and fabric spinning mills, I have seen first-hand how much improvement is needed in the Caribbean in the areas of high quality craftsmanship, design and delivery. FAME-Caribbean’s primary objective is to address these needs by positioning ourselves to offer sustainable business development, mentoring and support to practitioners in Trinidad & Tobago.”
Tickets are available at the National Academy of Performing Arts Box Office.
The Hibiscus Foundation is a non-profit organisation, responsible for securing financial and other support for care of HIV-positive children.
The Savile Row Academy was set up by Andrew Ramroop in 2008 to pass on his immense knowledge to the next generation of elite tailors. Fostering young talent is key to his vision of the company’s future.
Andrew Ramroop and Neil Latchman are available for selected interviews.
Please contact: Andrew Ramroop on +44 07947 692478
Additional Briefing on Andrew Ramroop:
Andrew Ramroop OBE, who left Trinidad alone at aged 17 to become a Savile Row tailor, was awarded Black British Business Person Of The Year 2017 on 19th Oct 2017.
“There was no way I would possibly expect to be chosen as Black British Business Person of the Year - not in my wildest imagination. I am still feeling 6’ tall,” says Andrew Ramroop, now CEO and Master Tailor of the Savile Row Ultra Bespoke tailoring house Maurice Sedwell Ltd.
The glamourous Black British Business Awards, celebrating "exceptional performance and outstanding achievements of black people in businesses operating in Great Britain", were attended by Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities, at a sparkling Central London award ceremony. The BBB Awards are endorsed by The Rt Hon Theresa May MP Prime Minister and Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, amongst many others.
Andrew Ramroop is now widely considered to be one of the world’s finest tailors. But coming alone to London from Trindad to train in tailoring, Andrew’s story is one of hard work and single-minded pursuit of his dreams.
He studied at LCF where he talent shone, finishing the three-year course in two years. But upon applying for apprenticeships on Savile Row, he was turned down for many. "In those early days my accent wasn't what it is now and I was applying for jobs to be at the front of the shop to cut and to fit and to meet clients," says Mr Ramroop. "People wanted to protect their own businesses and they were being realistic in saying this guy won't suit the front of the shop."
In 1974 however, he was seconded to Maurice Sedwell and when Mr Sedwell sold the business in 1988, Andrew was able to purchase it after many years of hard work.
Without the help of banks who would not lend to him, he has since expanded the business from 0% to approximately 75% export, and has built its reputation of exceptional quality to become one of the most respected tailoring houses in the world.
Today Andrew Ramroop is amongst the world’s most sought out Ultra Bespoke tailors. Totally self-made, one of only three bespoke tailors left on Savile Row, and the only black person to own a tailor's store on Savile Row Andrew Ramroop has proven that commercial success in today’s Britain is not been confined to the white middle classes.
The string of accolades recognising his talents includes an OBE for services to Tailoring and Training; Chief Advisor to the World Federation of Master Tailors; and in 700 years of tailoring, he is the only tailor to be conferred Professor for Distinction in the Field of Tailoring by the University of the Arts, London.
Marking its 80th year, Maurice Sedwell Ltd. is planning a celebratory exhibition of tailoring which will be accessible online.