For 7 years, Stephen Kempson has been making Westport men look good.
Stephen Kempson London — the Post Road West shop, just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge — has earned a loyal following for its bespoke suits, jackets, pants and shirts, plus shoes, ties and cufflinks; tailoring; ready-to-wear items off the rack, and wardrobe consultation.
Wives and girlfriends regularly asked the British native to make clothes for them. Occasionally, he did.
Now he’ll do it a lot more.
Stephen Kempson, in his new women’s space …
Stephen Kempson London has just added a women’s department. It’s in its own space: the former Age of Reason toy store next door, with its own entrance (but connected inside).
Like the men’s shop, it’s tastefully decorated. It’s warm and welcoming, like a lounge or private club. The same knowledgeable, helpful staff of tailors is ready to help.
“We’ve kept the cozy feel,” Kempson says.
He’s kept too the “elegant, timeless, sophisticated” look of his menswear. But he’s adding the special look women want in, says, a classic overcoat, jacket or pants.
… and a view, looking onto Post Road West.
Kempson is working with several womenswear experts.
Michele Cosentino is one. The owner of Top Banana — a maker of vintage tennis apparel — she’s known him for years.
She was one of 8 female founders of accessories companies who participated in a special trunk show there last month. Milliners and jewelry makers joined designers of leather goods, shoes and bags to show their wares to 150 eager shoppers.
“So many people were interested, especially in the European collections,” Cosentino says.
She was surprised to see many women in their 30s.
“Made-to-measure usually draws an older crowd,” she notes. “But this group was looking for individuality and quality.”
Michele Cosentino models a coat. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Cosentino will continue to discover small artisanal companies. Her goal is to offer monthly showcases in Stephen Kempson’s women’s space.
“There are a lot of female entrepreneur designers here,” she says. Some were working before COVID. Others moved here, and/or began work, during the pandemic.
Next spring, another event will show fall and winter collections. Also in the works: in-home service.
When Westporters think of downtown, they sometimes overlook the shops, galleries and restaurants of Post Road West.
When shoppers were looking there for bespoke clothing, Stephen Kempson London offered an exciting option only for men.
Now, women have a great reason to cross that bridge too.