Patrick Grant is a talented fashion designer.
Edinburghka will tell you more.
He also leads the bespoke tailoring house Norton & Sons of Savile Row, as well as the clothing lines E. Tautz & Sons and Community Clothing.
Early Years
Patrick Grant was born in Edinburgh.
After finishing primary school, Patrick continued his studies at Edinburgh Academy. Later, he enrolled at Barnard Castle School.
According to Grant himself, his parents felt it would be better for him to study away from home, especially since Barnard Castle School had a strong rugby program, a sport he was extremely passionate about at the time.
Thus, while studying at Barnard Castle, the future designer honed his rugby skills and participated in several important matches. Unfortunately, an injury put an end to his aspirations in professional sports.
Education
Following this, Grant pursued engineering at the University of Leeds. He chose this field due to his deep interest in understanding how things work.
After graduating, the future designer moved to the United States, where he took on a variety of jobs. He worked as a ski instructor, nanny, summer camp counsellor, and gardener.
Reviving a Legend
In 1995, Grant returned to Britain, considering a career in marketing. Initially, he collaborated with cable manufacturers BICC, and later joined Bookham Technology, a company producing optical components.
In 2004, Grant earned an MBA degree with financial support from Bookham. His dissertation, completed in the autumn of 2005, addressed the revival of luxury fashion brands, notably focusing on Burberry.
Becoming a Business Owner
In 2005, Patrick learned that the tailoring company Norton & Sons had been put up for sale. The low asking price caught his attention.
Deciding to sell his house and car, and with additional help from a bank loan, he successfully purchased the business. However, he soon realized the company was in terrible shape.
Over the next three years, Grant rejuvenated Norton & Sons, significantly enhancing innovation and enthusiasm among management.
Additionally, he refocused the business on bespoke tailoring.
Thanks to Grant’s dedication, the company soon experienced growth in clientele and production volumes, leading to substantial profits. Thus, the business was saved.
Another Venture
In 2015, Grant became the owner of the Cookson & Clegg clothing factory, which was established in 1860. Initially, the company specialized in leatherwork, primarily making uppers for shoes.
By the 1930s, the factory expanded its product range to include jackets, helmets, and other leather goods for the British Army.
In the second half of the 20th century, Cookson & Clegg became a major supplier of military outerwear and hosiery for the army.
After Grant took over ownership, the factory began producing outerwear using traditional woven fabrics alongside modern technical materials. Patrick is, of course, directly involved in approving designs.
Today, the factory also produces trousers and jeans and occasionally collaborates with several British clothing brands.
A New Brand
In 2016, Grant launched another brand—Community Clothing, focusing on sustainable fashion.
Notably, this company not only produces clothing but also plays an active role in ensuring continuous employment for sewing factories.
Photos: gq-magazine.co.uk, thesun.co.uk