In the heart of The City of London, Richard Farrugia oversees Oliver Brown's new City Store. A proud Londoner with Italian and Maltese roots, Richard's journey in the world of tailoring spans over five decades.
"I've lived in London all my life," Richard chuckles, reminiscing about his upbringing in Pimlico. "You could say I'm half Italian, half Maltese – I won’t tell you which half is which!!" he jokes with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, his warm personality shining through.
Richard's career is a tapestry of experiences, from his early days in fashion to his time at prestigious Savile Row establishments. "I left school at 15, no qualifications," he states. "But I was always drawn to fashion."
His path led him through London stores like John Stevens and Lord John where he started his career before immersing himself in the world of tailoring at Gieves & Hawkes. "I was hungry to learn more about tailoring," he explains. "So I moved to Gieves & Hawkes, where I spent over 16 years honing my craft."
Richard's journey later took him beyond London's, with stints in Milan and roles as area manager for Chester Barrie and head of Cremiuex on Savile Row. "I've had a varied career, working with some great people," he reflects.
At Oliver Brown, Richard's role as City Store Manager is a new chapter in his storied career. "I retired three months ago. I had dreamed of a life of golf and relaxation, but Kristian (Oliver Brown Founder) and Richard Fuller (General Manager) had other plans and tempted me back to open their City Store," he reveals with a grin.
His days as the store manager of the City of London location are filled with variety, with each bringing new challenges and opportunities. "Every day is completely different," he says. "But knowing that I've made a difference makes it all worthwhile."
When asked about highlights in his career, Richard's eyes twinkle. "The adventure of Oliver Brown in the city is truly remarkable," he says. "I'm privileged to be a part of it."
His passion for fashion extends beyond the workplace, with one of his most treasured possessions being a bespoke suit. "It's a prized possession," he admits a hint of nostalgia in his voice. Richard appreciates the overall bespoke experience; being an integral part of the process, resonating deeply with him. It's about more than just fabric and stitching; it's about creating a garment that is truly tailored to the individual, reflecting your unique style and personality. It is a profound feeling owning a bespoke suit.
Outside of tailoring, Richard's interests include football, travel, and culinary exploration. "I'm football mad," he laughs. "I might be biassed but Italy is my favourite place – Venice is a unique one-off." Richard lives in Fulham with his beautiful wife and three children, near his football team Chelsea. He is often found frequenting the independent restaurants on Fulham High Street on a weekend, and his favourite restaurant is The River Cafe. He describes his favourite things to do as “Trying different restaurants, enjoying food and topping up my tan.”
As for the future, Richard hopes to retire one day and enjoy the fruits of his labour. "But until then," he adds, "I aim to make my mark at Oliver Brown and witness my son's growth in the fashion industry."
And on a more personal note, Richard reflects, "It’s really nice to be working with my son Ollie who is a buyer at Oliver Brown, and see him mature and grow and start a career in Fashion. I’m a very proud father."
The new Oliver Brown City store is located at 66-67 Cornhill.