Hormazd Narielwalla

‘Dead Man’s Patterns’ was originally intended to be the final exhibit for Hormazd Narielwalla as part of his MA studies at the University of Westminster. However, since publication in May 2008, it has received critical acclaim from numerous art institutions around the world.

What started off as a candid conversation with the master tailor at Savile Row’s Dege & Skinner, developed into an ongoing investigation into the construction of bespoke garments and the release of his first limited edition book, Dead Man’s Patterns. The book’s popularity soared when Sir Paul Smith spied the book and decided to purchase six copies for himself. Hormazd’s work continued to develop and in October 2009, Paul Smith presented Hormazd’s first solo exhibition, The Study on Anansi in London’s Albemarle Street store, in amongst the carefully selected antiques and curiosities. His work was then featured in the New York Times after it was exhibited at the Scope Art Fair in New York. The British Library recently acquired a copy of the book, which has been added to their British Rare Books Collection. After completing a business degree in India, Hormazd left Mumbai in 2003 to study fashion at the University of Wales in Newport. This venture was unusual for someone from a middle class orthodox Zoroastrian Parsee family – who would have felt more comfortable had he pursued a career in engineering or dentistry. He has continued with his academic voyage and is currently studying for a PhD at the London College of Fashion, which he manages alongside his position as Artist In Residence at Savile Row’s Dege & Skinner – bespoke tailors since 1865.