At this year’s BTBA (Bespoke Tailors Benevolent Association) Summer Party, held at the historic Merchant Taylors Hall, Gerson Henao and Wendy Berberi of Henry Poole & Co were awarded the Savile Row Bespoke Association Diploma in coat making. The diploma is a mark of excellence, awarded to those who complete the demanding apprenticeship program and demonstrate outstanding tailoring skills.
The scheme, run by the SRB (Savile Row Bespoke) association, is dedicated to preserving the craft of bespoke tailoring by passing knowledge from master tailors to the next generation. Gerson trained under Maria Gomes, while Wendy completed her apprenticeship under the guidance of Aidan Traynor. They were among several talented individuals honoured on the night, including Mateusz Gutowski, a trouser maker at Huntsman, and Oliver Newton, a coat maker at Norton & Sons.
Henry Poole & Co was proud to take part in the celebration. The Summer Party, hosted by SRB Chairman Mark Henderson, welcomed over 200 guests to the Merchant Taylors’ Hall on Threadneedle Street, a venue regarded as a spiritual home of British tailoring. Nearly 40 members of the Poole team attended the evening, joining Managing Director Simon Cundey in applauding Gerson and Wendy’s well-earned recognition.
The BTBA also plays a vital role in supporting the tailoring industry by providing grants to those in need who have dedicated ten or more years to the trade. Its ongoing commitment helps sustain the livelihoods of experienced professionals within the tailoring community. To learn more about the BTBA or to make a donation, please contact thebtba@gmail.com
