Every stitch carries a story, and at the India Habitat Centre, the morning was devoted to one shaped by ambition, heritage, craftsmanship and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. The launch of Bespoken: From Tunapuna to Buckingham Palace, authored by Ashok Kumar Bal, brought together an audience of design, fashion and literary enthusiasts at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi on Saturday morning to celebrate the extraordinary journey of master tailor Professor Andrew M Ramroop OBE CMTT.
Describing Bespoken: From Tunapuna to Buckingham Palace as more than a biography, Bal said, “It is a roadmap for creative conviction for aspiring dreamers. In many ways, it is also an attempt to decode a phenomenon.” The book began with a chance encounter at a tailor’s shop in Mumbai, where Bal noticed a framed certificate from the Savile Row Bespoke Academy bearing Andrew Ramroop’s name. Curious, he began researching Ramroop’s life and work. “I discovered that his story was nothing short of a modern-day epic. The curiosity led to discovery, discovery led to a journey, and that journey led to this book,” he said. He continued, “The book ultimately captures a journey of audacity, resilience, struggle, devotion, dedication and triumph of the human spirit.
Ramroop, meanwhile, spoke about the philosophy that has shaped his approach to tailoring and style. Dressed in a suit he made for himself in 2002, he said, “This suit speaks what Bespoken is all about: sustainability. It outlasts fashion. Fashion is a moving target, but style and elegance outlast fashion. They are an expression of individuality.”
{{/usCountry}}Ramroop, meanwhile, spoke about the philosophy that has shaped his approach to tailoring and style. Dressed in a suit he made for himself in 2002, he said, “This suit speaks what Bespoken is all about: sustainability. It outlasts fashion. Fashion is a moving target, but style and elegance outlast fashion. They are an expression of individuality.”
{{/usCountry}}The book traces Ramroop’s journey from his childhood in Trinidad and his Indian ancestry to his move to London, his rise on Savile Row and his evolution into a globally recognised master of bespoke tailoring. It also explores his philosophy of craftsmanship, his commitment to sustainability and individuality, and his role as a teacher and mentor. Reflecting on what he hoped readers would take away from the story, Ramroop said, “I wanted it to be a story of strength, perseverance and purpose - one that is inspirational, encouraging and motivational.”
The book launch was presided over by Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India, who also reflected on Ramroop’s presence and contribution. He said, “For me, and for many people who have followed his work, Andrew is really the god of ultra-bespoke on Savile Row.”