After touring with a band in 2000, I was broke and answered an ad for a job at Savoir. In the interview, the owner, Alistair Hughes, asked if I knew how to sew.
I was a bit cocky in my answer and added I would be an asset to his company. “We’ll see,” he said, and asked me to stitch some materials as a trial. When I was called with the job offer, I was shocked: I’d never had a full-time job before.
What goes into making one of your beds?
We use only natural materials, such as curled horsetail, cashmere, lamb’s and yak wool, and cotton. The mattress is finished using a hand-slipped closure and hand side stitching. The topper is made of hand-teased horsetail with a lamb’s-wool outer layer and a natural case that uses our trademarked Trellis ticking. The bed is completed with bespoke upholstery and a headboard selected to match the preference of each client.
Is that why they are so expensive, with prices ranging from $13,000 up to $250,000?
We do use the best materials, but when I am asked that question, I reply that your health is your wealth. You don’t need all the research that’s out there to prove that if you sleep well, your health is better.
Do you add any personal touches to the process?
I put so much heart and soul into the ones I make that I call them “my children.” I like things neat and looking good. I’m all about precision. My personality is unique — I have my own sartorial styles — and this complements the company ethos. Each bed is made to order and unique. I was honored to be selected to create our Royal State Bed, which retails for more than $175,000.
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