London Tailor On T&T Tailoring Trinidadian tailor Andrew Ramroop, owns the Maurice Sedwell store (established 1938) on the renowned Savile Row in London. Ramroop has committed to opening a bespoke tailoring establishment in Trinidad in the proposed Dock Road Fashion Strip. He shares his perspective with BT&T on the potential for Trinidad and Tobago to be a world competitor in high quality suiting. With established and new players already well-placed in key fashion districts in major cities, what potential is there for T&T developing a lucrative bespoke tailoring niche that could become a significant foreign exchange earner? There are huge opportunities for new businesses that offer high quality merchandise and exceptional service. It is of vital importance that the matter of high quality be addressed as that is what would distinguish local suppliers from ‘cheap’ suppliers in other territories. My company attracts 70 per cent of its business from abroad, a large percentage of my overseas business comes from North America. North America is on T&T’s doorstep. It is an untapped resource of business for T&T tailors. However, to get a foothold in such markets, Trinidad and Tobago’s tailors have to be able to offer high standards in cut, fit and finish. So, to be precise in answering your question, there is huge potential but local suppliers have to raise their game to compete and, to do so, they must be trained to international standards. Are you serious about setting up a Maurice Sedwell shop in Trinidad? It is in my plan to introduce the Maurice Sedwell brand to the local market. We have a customer base in 56 countries including Trinidad. All of those customers come to London for our reputed service. We would offer our standard of service by giving the customer a new shopping experience. We would be offering a comprehensive collection of luxury goods – including apparel, shoes, men’s and women’s suits and casual wear - all made in England and Italy. However, my ultimate aim is to be able to source local manufacturers that are able to produce to our standards as we exercise very strict quality inspection. What do you think of the proposal to develop a Port of Spain Fashion District? This idea has to be well thought out. A focused Fashion District could be a good idea in that it can attract visitors to Trinidad as well as discerning local shoppers. However, the District must build a reputation for exceptional quality and service. Therefore, the stores that occupy the spaces have to stand for something that distinguishes itself from the Malls or High Street.
34 • Business Trinidad & Tobago
What kind of investor, if any, do you see being willing to finance projects in T&T’s fashion industry? Investors within the fashion industry are mostly interested in high quality production at a price which they can then export exclusively – not for local consumption. There is possibly a win-win situation for Trinidad manufacturers. By that I mean exchange rate advantage, favoured nation import/export duties and lower salaries than that of developed nations. If manufacturers can produce to the required standards, exercise discipline and deliver on time then there would be huge opportunities for investors. Trinidad and Tobago would be well advised to focus on developing skills to cater for niche market products. As a small island with a small population and limited workforce we would face a huge challenge in competing with countries such as India, China, Sri Lanka. However, if we focus on high quality production in shoe, apparel, handbags and such like for the high end market, we would not only produce within our limited resources, but build the island’s reputation for quality production. Are you also talking about making suits in different sizes and selling to high-end stores in the US and then they custom fit the garment when the customer makes a purchase? Both. In time, if T&T builds a reputation for exceptional quality in production [and service] customers will come to visit them as they do to come to see me. However, in an effort to maintain the business and get a faster turnaround on orders, tailors would have to visit their customers. Also, T&T needs to urgently develop making suits to sell to high-end stores in North America and Europe and custom fit when sold. The other opportunity is to offer Made to Measure whereby the customer orders at the stores and the manufacturer produces to order – that is the most lucrative option - but all three options will pay handsome dividends.