“[I’m] 30ish and a Tailor with a Bachelor degree in Science with a major in Oenology, Then I studied pattern making and Menswear at Central st Martins collage and the London college of Fashion but more importantly I worked under Robert Emmett in London for 9 years. I have a wife, Tamsin who is an interior designer (tamsinjohnson.tumblr.com). She has influenced me a great deal especially in relation to color. Also my business partner and best friend Tom Riley has been a big influence on me.  Stylistically my step father influenced me the most. I used to sneak into his dressing room and stare at his suits. Back then we lived in the country so he wore a lot of tweeds and riding outfits. Henry Poole were his favourite tailors. He was very English in his tastes, which I love for country kit.  He is a true gentleman and from a young age he helped me appreciate the tailoring a Savile Row. I feel pretty chuffed that he lets me make his suits now.

Products from Pukimo Raivio

Kiton, grey sports jacket, size 50EU
Ralph Lauren, Black Label suit, size 52EU

[I’ve gathered my knowledge by] mostly by watching others and then by lots of doing. I am still improving. [My style is] pretty sporty and fresh but with attention to quality and detail. We try to approach each client with fresh eyes. We are all pretty different not only physically but also in personality, so you can’t have a generic approach. Saying that we do probably cut our suits more for the modern man, slightly less cloth than a classic cut. We use a lighter construction, softer shoulders and perhaps a more minimal approach when it comes to styling. I think that classic clothing is more relevant and practical for the modern man. [Media coverage] keeps me off the streets. [My hobbies are] gardening – I love gardens, planting something on a hope that it will grow is good for the optimism.

Start with some basic pieces that you can get maximum versatility from. Say a navy cotton suit is a good start for a young guy. You can dress it up as a formal suit, you can use the trousers and jacket as separates, you can easily add colour and interest with accessories etc. Also cotton is durable so it will last. The other main tip would be to trust your own instincts, nothing is wrong, there are no rules.”