Hailing from East London, Rav Matharu is the founder and creative director of luxury menswear brand, Clothsurgeon. Bridging the gap between traditional tailoring and modern streetwear, Clothsurgeon offers both seasonal collections and a fully bespoke service, with the likes of Nas and Kendrick Lamar as clients. We chatted with Rav to find out more about the man behind the brand, his inspirations and design process.

The name Clothsurgeon was born in the second year of my degree. I would always cut patterns with a surgical blade/scalpel, the tutor said ‘ahhh your like a surgeon…’. It stuck and I set up a website almost instantly. The name works well with the bespoke side of the business as it is like I’m surgically making a second body layer.

Does your interest in sportswear stem from your background playing football?

Most definitely. It initially started with football boots, and as I got older I was interested in the technical and lifestyle apparel product. I would search eBay everyday after school for vintage Nike, Jordan, Starter and Champion product. It was not hype back then, it’s just something that caught my eye.

How does your design process differ from working on a collection to creating a fully bespoke piece?

With a collection I aim to tell a story, from research to design to refining each item, to create a collection I am happy with. Bespoke is more of a personal collaboration between me and the customer, starting with their initial idea and working together to really create the perfect piece for them and their specifications.

Right now, I would say Japanese Nylon.

How would you describe your personal style?

Eclectic and versatile, one day tracksuit and cap next, day could be a smart ivy look. I’m equally comfortable in both.

What’s your ultimate fashion essential?

Footwear and jewellery. I tend to dress quite simple, minimal and comfortable most of the time, so the small details set it off and people can see what I’m into by those things.

If you had to live in one outfit for a whole year what would it look like?

It would probably be all black, Clothsurgeon jacket, pants and tee, with Vans Vault Slip Sn or Converse Chuck 70s.

Photography by Philipp Raheem

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