Asda launches designer suit range for Christmas party crowd

September 3, 2010

Asda is launching a range of Saville Row-designed suits for as low as £79 per suit, in the hope of catching the eye of those looking for affordable smartness for the Christmas party season.

The supermarket is offering a range of wool-blend suits, including a party-smart tuxedo, in a range of styles and colours. Waistcoats are going for £20, herringbone-pattern shirts with double cuffs for £16, and merino wool jumpers for just £16.

The range, which is being sold under the company's George label, has been designed by bespoke tailor, Charlie Allen, whose hand-made suits sell for £1,500 at the very minimum.

George's brand director, Fiona Lambert – who first worked with Allen on the launch of the George label in 1990 – said, “We're very excited to be working with Charlie and proud to be launching our first designer collaboration with him.”

The pair emphasised that the suits were not like previous budget, polyester suits that Asda and Tesco had both marketed for as little as £15. Allen, who has previously designed suits for the England World Cup squad, said, "This is ready-to-wear tailoring with traditional Savile Row-style detailing, such as a very good cut, slanted and ticket pockets, decorative linings and my signature softer shoulder."

Allen has also collaborated with Austin Reed, Katharine Hamnett, BHS and John Lewis, and is currently designing suits for the Arsenel football team. The range will be available in Asda stores from the end of October and will be available online.