He’s impeccably dressed – but then you’d expect nothing else.

Tailor John Parrett has lived and breathed fine fabrics and clothes since his childhood.

His many years working in Central London for some of the biggest names in menswear, including Austin Reed and DAKS Simpson, beyond his wildest dreams.

“I just loved it,” said John as he recalls his time employed by companies with stores resembling Grace Brothers in TV’s Are You Being Served.

“I worked for some amazing names where service counted for everything.

“For a boy who dreamed about being in men’s fashion this really was a dream come true.”

Sixteen years ago the opportunity presented itself to set up his own business.

What was to become Fox Tailoring began life in Essex.

Within four years, it had spread to Dorset after John’s frequent visits to Bournemouth persuaded him there was business to be made.

Today Fox Tailoring, and John’s very personal service, is synonymous with style.

As his website points out: ‘You never get a second chance to make a great first impression.’

Based at his Compton Acres office in Poole, and with his ever-present tape measure, John offers a head-to-toe styling service.

He uses high quality and colourful fabrics from the UK’s best cloth merchants for made-to-measure suits that will grace any occasion.

John likens his approach to a doctor.

He said: “I like to take the time to find out about my client’s lifestyle and how they feel about their body image.

“Then, together, we work out the most flattering design and complementary colours.”

Entrepreneur, and loyal customer, Ty Temel in a Fox Tailoring velvet detailed tuxedo, pictured with bride and now wife Claudia, at their wedding. Picture: Chelsea White Photography.

It could be a smart casual jacket for the weekend or more formal workwear although the move towards ‘dressing down’ has resulted in less demand for business suits.

Fox Tailoring also provides everything to accompany the suit, or jacket, ranging from shirts and silk ties through to cufflinks, brogues made in any colour you fancy and even umbrellas.

His business savvy has led to John’s work constantly being in the public eye.

Locally several high-profile businessmen, as well as Shane Tyler Finlayson of the Dreamboys dance troupe, are brand ambassadors for Fox Tailoring, effectively acting as walking adverts for his tailoring skills.

John has also teamed up with Gareth Gates to supply the singer and musical theatre star, pictured right, with suits for his stage shows and public appearances around the globe.

He provides up to ten suits a year, guaranteeing exposure and coverage in celebrity magazines and websites.

New initiatives include becoming a retailer for ETCH suits, offering made-to-made menswear from as little as £299 for a two-piece suit.

John said: “This really is the most amazing value.

“It could transform the wedding market where, for not much more than the cost of hire, you could actually buy your own suit.”

Fox Tailoring is also launching a new line of ladies’ clothing.

High profile events organised by the business include a James Bond-style Fashion Show & Gala Dinner in aid off Dorset Children’s Foundation at Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel on December 2.

Now 72 – and with more than 50 years in men’s fashion – John has no immediate plans to retire.

He said: “I will one day but I really love what I do and count myself as very fortunate.

“It can be stressful, especially at the moment with supply issues, but I still enjoy it.”

• foxtailoring.com