Studio 104 in PCIAW®VOICE Magazine's Luxury Uniform Feature

ecently PCIAW asked Studio 104 to contribute to their luxury uniform feature in their latest edition PCIAW®VOICE magazine alongside their autumn Summit & Awards. PCIAW is a global network for professional clothing, representing businesses involved in design-led uniforms, functional workwear and lifesaving PPE.

Being one of their only members who specialise in luxury, they asked us to spotlight classic, tailored corporate clothing projects designed for elegance and sophistication in luxury establishments. Stylish uniform that is worn with pride and instilling passion in team members, as well as made for practicality and ease of movement.

Here is our feature below:

Studio 104, World-leading Uniform Specialists For Luxury Retail

Studio 104 has built a strong reputation through its dedicated, high-end and personal service supplying exclusively designed contemporary uniforms to the world’s finest luxury brands. With decades of experience in the sector the company’s rise to success has been driven by its exceptional blend of passion, creativity, collaboration & quality assurance, combined with an essential commercial lens.

Studio 104’s end-to-end service is delivered through its trademark high-level expertise in all areas from concept, design and garment development through to ethical manufacturing, testing, quality control and the final fitting. The result is an impeccable client offering ultimately focussed on exquisitely crafted uniform, born from the culture of place for the pride of the brand’s people.

Two projects that exemplify the Studio 104 philosophy are prestige retail clients Fortnum & Mason and De Beers fine jewellery. Each project has been closely developed with the brand, their sales teams and retail environments, culminating in fabulously successful uniforms and long term business relationships.

The exciting new K11 MUSEA in Hong Kong was home to this first momentous outpost, a luxury environment described as an urban park for culture, gastronomy and retail. Studio 104’s concept entitled ‘Outside In’ focussed on how the uniform would seamlessly transport Fortnum & Mason’s rich heritage from its celebrated home in London to its new contemporary location, 181 Hong Kong.

As part of Fortnum and Mason’s first international opening outside the UK in their entire 300 year history, this legend of luxury retail came to Studio 104 to revitalise its uniform collection to suit multiple settings, both modern and traditional, as well as in temperate and warmer climates.

The design team were given the privilege to visit the private company archives to assist with the creative development. Three centuries of regal retail culture, visible through its packaging, advertising and visual displays, it was important to stay true to the brands storytelling legacy with uniform designs that are quintessentially British, creative and easily recognisable.

Traditional Savile Row tailoring styles and techniques were incorporated to establish a strong link with British culture. The uniform included Michelin-style bib shirts, classic doorman coats, trousers rather than chinos, white hospitality jackets and long starched aprons, made using techniques like horse hair canvas in collars and lapels, as well as hand sewn button holes and linings.

The iconic collection celebrates the unforgettable experiences inside this legendary department store frequented by generations of royals, creating an unparalleled dialogue between customer and staff that makes the everyday truly unique.

For De Beers’ 35 international flagship retail stores, Studio 104 developed a contemporary uniform range reflecting the brand’s luxury status and the heritage of their diamond expertise. Naturally the diamond became the source of inspiration and looked to draw on its key qualities to inform the designs.

Sharp, skillfully cut lines and strong angular formations, reflecting the diamond’s brilliant cut, inspired the seam detailing and the striking silhouette. A concealed placket created a clean finish and a beautiful neckline to dramatically show off a diamond necklace.

To compliment the  De Beers' flagship interior, a timeless colour spectrum was introduced, derived from the earthly elements. A spectrum of midnight blues plays out against a fresh uniform palette of delicate, natural tones. This distinctive palette complemented the sharp tailoring across both the men’s and women’s designs.

Impeccable execution & craftsmanship went into delivering the final creation. Marrying an elegant contemporary feel with a classic edge to accentuate a diamond’s exceptional cut and imbue a level of grace within the staff.

Studio 104 are the experts in creating high quality and atelier-led uniform for heritage and contemporary luxury retail, across beauty, fine jewellery, accessories, visitor attractions & department stores. They have a complete offering from a full bespoke service through to their thriving 104 Collection, a house-designed range where new uniform can be ordered and shipped at twice the usual pace and to a smarter cost.

Studio 104 create the best bespoke and custom uniforms for some of the world's most respected luxury brands. Our vast global client portfolio includes a profusion of leading luxury, premium, heritage and contemporary hotel and retail brands, including The Savoy, NoMad, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Sea Containers, The Dorchester, Great Scotland Yard by Hyatt Unbound, JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Malmaison, Shangri-La The Shard, St Martins Lane Hotel, Chateau Denmark, De Beers, Chatsworth House, Fortnum & Mason and Japan House London.    

Written by Stephen (Brand & Marketing Manager)

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