Elton John tailor's Mayfair penthouse for sale: Savile Row designer Richard James has also dressed Prince William, Hugh Grant and David Beckham
A Mayfair penthouse where one of Savile Row’s best known tailors drew up designs for Prince William and Sir Elton John has gone on the market for £2.5 million.
Richard James, whose clients have also included Tom Cruise, Hugh Grant, George Clooney, David Beckham, Daniel Craig and Jude Law, is selling up after 15 years living in the apartment and moving to Brighton, where he went to art college.
He said he often used the floor of the two bedroom duplex on Pollen Street to develop ideas for outfits that would be completed in nearby his tailoring shop at 29 Savile Row.
In 2011 he started work in the flat on the flamboyant stage costumes for Sir Elton’s Million Dollar Piano residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Six years later the apartment was again used for the initial designs for a shirt worn by Prince William for the cover of GQ’s July issue.
Mr James, who opened his shop on “The Row” in 1992, told the Standard:” This is the place where I was able to retreat from the bustle of Mayfair to think and create some of my most celebrated work.
“There were many times when you couldn’t see the floor of the penthouse for all the magazine and paper cuttings, fabric samples, open books and Swarovski crystals.
“I created the glittering wardrobe for my dear friend Sir Elton John’s ‘Million Dollar Piano’ show at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas whilst here and found the inspiration for suits worn by Prince William and George Clooney to name but a few.
“The cool and contemporary living space and the wonderful light here made it the perfect environment for sketching and provided the perfect inspiration for many suits, jackets and accessories that formed numerous Richard James collections over the years.”
Richard James, who also has a sportswear shop in Soho, says: “I have loved living in the penthouse but it’s time to relax away from the hustle and bustle of life in the capital to enjoy the fresh sea air and some good, long walks across the Sussex Downs.”
The 1,199 sq ft apartment also has a 125 sq ft wraparound roof terrace on the upper floor and a balcony on the lower level.
Robert Britten, sales manager at agents Dexters, which is handling the sale, said: “Richard James’ penthouse at 11-13 Pollen Street is one of the most stylish contemporary apartments in Mayfair.
"The floor-to-ceiling windows fill the living spaces with light and provide a fantastic bright and airy ambience. Finished to an exacting specification the architect designed penthouse provides exceptional open plan living space.”