Knatchbull Collaborates With Mark Cross On Tuxedo-Inspired Evening Bag

It’s safe to say that the UK and US have a pretty special relationship – one that extends even into the realms of fashion. In need of an example? Savile Row favourite Knatchbull has tapped heritage American label Mark Cross for a chic handbag inspired by the sartorial tenets of British tailoring.

Knatchbull x Mark Cross: Inside The Collaboration

Savile Row womenswear tailor Knatchbull has unveiled a collaboration with American luxury brand Mark Cross: a limited edition evening bag, the Romy Tuxedo Clutch. ‘We wanted to design a bag that captures the textures and elegance of Knatchbull’s signature tuxedo suiting and felt that every detail should reflect the same precision and thoughtfulness that goes into our tailoring. We decided to work with our beautiful satin and velvet fabrics which have always been the cornerstone of our evening wear at Knatchbull,’ explains brand founder Daisy Knatchbull. ‘Working with Sean Spellman at Mark Cross, we have created a bag which combines signature tailoring with their unparalleled leather craftsmanship, resulting in a piece that blends timeless elegance with modern versatility.’

Daisy Knatchbull and Sean Spellman

The launch comes after Daisy spent three weeks travelling across North America, a region that has shown strong engagement and growth for Knatchbull. ‘We have steadily built the most amazing network of clients and friends through the trunk shows we’ve been hosting in the US over the past few years and understanding their tastes and expectations has been an important part of our business,’ shares Daisy. ‘[The Americans] have a deep seated appreciation for understated, beautifully crafted products that stand the test of time, and Mark Cross is a perfect example of a brand who demonstrates these qualities so it made perfect sense for us to collaborate on a bag together.’

Designed to complement Knatchbull’s eveningwear collections, the Romy clutch upholds sartorial elegance of a freshly cut tuxedo. All-black, sleek in silhouette, with a soft velvet outer and satin velvet inner, the duo have created a clutch that can be worn to any occasion (and encourage all kinds of compliments).

And with sustainability a core focal point for both brands, the two made sure that design details lived up to expectations: the clutch was made from FSC-certified bamboo viscose velvet, responsibly-sourced from Japan, and produced without using harmful chemicals that may impact the quality and longevity of the fabric.

In 2019 Daisy disrupted the Old Boys’ club of Savile Row when she opened the historic street’s first shopfront exclusively for women. Nestled in a quiet area of Mayfair, the Row is synonymous with bespoke tailoring and traditional craftsmanship and has attracted a wide range of renowned clients such as David Beckham, Mick Jagger, and the late Prince Philip and Winston Churchill.

While working at celebrated tailoring house Huntsman as their Communications Director, Daisy set tongues wagging when she attended the Royal Enclosure at the Royal Ascot in a top hat and tails – defying a 200-year-old tradition and identifying a gap in the offering available for women who value quality tailoring and garments that were customised for their own unique needs and style preferences.

The Deck went under a rebrand in 2024, emerging as Knatchbull – thereby tying Daisy even more closely to the brand’s ethos and future direction. Continuing with their made-to-measure offering (which highlights the use of premium fabrics from heritage mills around Europe), this new phase also welcomed a ready-to-wear collection, reflecting the needs of the Knatchbull woman to have easy access to a range of beautifully crafted silk shirts, jumpsuits, and jackets that worked in tandem with the more bespoke pieces.

‘A lot of women come to us wanting evening wear that is timeless, yet makes a statement,’ says Daisy. ‘They want the perfect cut suit, so they look sharp and elegant even if that suit might be in a quiet navy blue or black. This carries through to much of our ready-to-wear, which we design to be perfect staples to journey through your life with – it’s versatile enough to carry you seamlessly from a day at work or lunch with friends to an evening out.’

Community and collaboration have always been integral to the Knatchbull brand. In September, Daisy and her team launched an exclusive capsule collection with Aerin Lauder’s lifestyle brand AERIN, which featured knitted cashmere vests and a range of safari jackets in suede, lambswool, and cashmere.

The collection bolstered Knatchbull’s ready-to-wear portfolio, merging traditional British tailoring with a more laidback American vibe, designed for the modern woman who’s always on the go yet values a put together look. ‘A client might pair a cashmere knit with a suit during the day, then swap it for a waistcoat in the evening for a more elevated evening look,’ Daisy shares. ‘All of our pieces at Knatchbull are designed to evolve with you, rather than focussing on passing trends.’

The range was front and centre when Daisy opened her newest store in Chelsea this October, a swish outpost designed by multi-disciplinary studio MIRAHSTON that placed the brand in a prime position to reach a wider clientele.

How To Shop

The Romy is available online and at Knatchbull’s flagship store on Savile Row. knatchbull.com