We sat down with passionate owner Ansar to discover how they can make a suit spectacular – and how he's looking to change the face of groomswear for good.

Talk us through your background and how you got into groomswear.

It was a childhood passion. I began helping my parents make garments at the age of 12, but at the time it wasn’t the fashionable thing to tell my mates that I was going to pursue a career in sewing! I waited until I was 24 and had finished university before I began making pieces for work colleagues, friends and family. This then progressed into a formal business.

How did you recognise a niche in the market for tailored, bespoke suits?

One of the key frustrations over the years has been the lack of choice for grooms – lounge suits and classic morning suits being the only two options. What if you wanted to design your dream outfit? That’s where we realised that Atelier Rahman should fill the gap in the market place – offering a high quality luxury experience with full design and tailoring service resulting in truly unique outfits.

Your style is pretty unique – where does the inspiration come from?

We wanted to reinstate the idea that grooms could and should be the centre of attention and focus on their wedding day. The collections therefore blend classic tailoring techniques with contemporary design and are inspired from a variety of sources – for instance the baroque period where men were far more flamboyant and bold in their choice of colours and extravagant in their rich choice of fabrics (satins, silks, brocades and velvet) and cuts - think frock coats!

 THEN THERE’S THE DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO BREAK STEREOTYPES. WHY CAN THE GROOM NOT WEAR WHITE? WHY CAN’T THE GROOM NOT HAVE A 2-METRE TRAIL IF HE SO WISHES? THAT’S BEEN AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION. 

ANSAR, OWNER AND DESIGNER AT ATELIER RAHMAN

What’s been the craziest request you’ve received from a client?

One of our clients requested wolf fur (faux of course) to be added to their suit on the day of the collection of the completed suit, just two weeks before the wedding! Just 48 hours later the fur had been added, creating what the client referred to as his ‘Game of Thrones’ dream wedding outfit.

Talk us through the service a groom receives from you.

Before we even start to think about designing the outfit, the first step is to get to know the couple – who are they, what do they like and dislike, what venue have they booked, etc.

We then think about the functionality of the fabric and the theme and colours, before the magic happens on the cutting table….

- Developing the pattern block by striking chalk to create the pattern directly onto the cloth
- Stitching and construction
- First base ready for fitting
- Alternations
- Final construction and wrapping, tagging and bagging ready for collection day

Collection day always begins with a celebratory drink, rollout of our blue carpet (we don’t do red carpets…blue is the new red) and a few obligatory photos!

We then offer style support on every day wear, handling any jitters that might be occurring pre-wedding, and even tackling issues of body-confidence for our clients.

PEOPLE ARRIVE AS CUSTOMERS AND LEAVE AS LIFE LONG FRIENDS.

ANSAR, OWNER AND DESIGNER AT ATELIER RAHMAN

What’s new for 2021?

Some of our new pieces are likely to have detachable pieces to create more-than-one look – beneficial for clients who have opted for a smaller ceremony but want to dress up for a fuller celebration when it’s allowed. We’ve teamed up with a very clever embroidery company – it’s a new service which we’re super giddy about. Anyone for a flame design on the hem of your trousers or a medusa on your sleeve?!

What would you say to a groom who was undecided over whether to wear a statement suit?

Guys – it’s your big day – have something designed that brings out the best features of your physique (and tones down other bits that you’re conscious of) and represents your true personality – it’s ok to be quirky, different and well…just you!

Where is your happy place?

The Atelier is number one for sure – so many happy vibes from our clients are packed in there. I also love travelling and bagging bargains of exotic fabrics and prints. It’s certainly an obsession.

To find out more about them, visit their dedicated Guest List portfolio!
Atelier Rahman
07543009277
hello@atelierrahman.com