Turnbull & Asser
Ali Fayed (private owner) · United Kingdom
Turnbull & Asser is a London shirtmaker founded in 1885 and based on Jermyn Street. It offers ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and bespoke shirts, holds a Royal Warrant first granted in 1980, and is owned by Ali Fayed according to Wikipedia.
| Founded | 1885 |
|---|---|
| Founders | John Arthur Turnbull and Ernest Asser |
| Owner | Ali Fayed (per Wikipedia) |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Royal Warrant | First granted 1980 |
| Segment | Premium and contemporary |
| Website | turnbullandasser.com |
What is Turnbull & Asser?
Turnbull & Asser is a British luxury shirtmaker and menswear brand. It describes itself as the definitive British shirtmaker and offers shirts in ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and bespoke versions, alongside ties, pocket squares, knitwear, trousers, eveningwear, nightwear, socks and accessories such as cufflinks and braces.
History
The business was founded in 1885 as John Arthur Turnbull and took the name Turnbull & Asser in 1895 when Ernest Asser joined. It has traded from Jermyn Street since 1903. Wikipedia records its first Royal Warrant in 1980, granted by Charles, then Prince of Wales, and notes that the brand supplied shirts and ties for the 1962 film Dr. No and later Bond films. In 1915 it made an Oilsilk raincoat that doubled as a sleeping bag for the British military.
Products and positioning
Its signature details include the turnback cuff, known as the cocktail cuff. Woven ties are made in the company's Gloucester workrooms, and Wikipedia states that shirts and ties are still made at the Gloucester factory.
Business model and distribution
- London: a flagship on Jermyn Street and a bespoke store on Bury Street.
- New York: the Turnbull Townhouse at 50 East 57th Street.
- Online: a website with country selection and US shipping.
Earlier shops in Beverly Hills, Toronto and New York at the World Trade Center have closed. Wikipedia reports that Ali Fayed injected £1m in equity after a loss in 2018, while the brand's own site describes the company as family-run without naming owners.
Why it matters
Turnbull & Asser is a reference for the UK bespoke and made-to-measure shirt trade, combining a small number of flagships with in-house production and a strong film and royal association.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Turnbull & Asser?
Wikipedia names Ali Fayed as the owner of Turnbull & Asser. The brand's own website describes the company as family-run but does not name its owners.
Where is Turnbull & Asser from?
Turnbull & Asser is a British shirtmaker founded in 1885 and based in London. It has traded from Jermyn Street since 1903 and still makes shirts and ties in Gloucester.