Misan was founded 30 years ago as a trade supplier to the British ready-to-wear fashion and couture markets. The philosophy was simple, to provide the finest European cloth available to meet the needs of world class designers. The formula proved highly successful and in 2011 the first retail store was opened on historic 4 Berwick Street in Central London. One year later, demand prompted the openin
g of a second store at 52 Berwick Street to widen the range and address the needs of a new customer base. The reason for the company’s rapid growth and popularity can perhaps be attributed to the long-standing relationship the company has with the fashion industry. This allows the selection of fabrics to be directly on-trend and of the same quality and design as what is being shown on the catwalk each season. This is invaluable for local designers and students looking to standout in a relevant way as well as being highly appealing as an immediate source for the large global fashion brands based in Central London. The first store was Misan Fabrics. In a short period of time it has formed its identity as a luxury fabric store specializing in silk, lace, jacquards, embroidery, brocades and cashmere. Vintage pieces from the Misan archive that have been collected throughout years are another feature of the store. A range of interior fabrics for upholstery are another popular part of the offering. It is a great source for fashion designers, students and renown costume designers. Misan Textiles opened a year later at 52 Berwick Street and has developed its own identity since then. The highlights of the selection are the ultra-modern technical cloths, a n impressive wall of leather hides in all colours and surface finishes and a wide range of cottons both woven, printed and knitted. The customer the store attracts is a combination of fashion students on the lookout for the latest innovation from the catwalk and a growing market of home dressmakers as well as key companies from the local fashion and entertainment worlds. Another feature of this store is a clearance basement that is an Aladdin’s cave of high quality cloth, a must-go destination on the street. In March 2014, a new concept was launched at number 32. Misan Brothers is a tailoring specific store with a menswear flavor. Misan Brothers deals in the best of British and Italian cloths from some of the most iconic mills in the world. The shop stocks a concise selection of both modern and classic fabrics ranging from superfine wool and mohair to cashmere, shirting cotton, linens, cotton suiting weights, tartans, tweeds, brocades as well as a range of hand-picked accessories including unworn designer sunglasses from the 1950s and 60s. The suiting selection transverses the menswear to womenswear spectrum from classic flannels, worsteds, pinstripes and prince of wales checks to some very bold contemporary options in unusual colors, textures and compositions. Customers of this shop include a discerning international clientele, tailors, costume designers, fashion designers, students and people interested in having something made bespoke. With the lively community of tailors in the Soho area the shop aims to encourage the bespoke trade and direct customers to tailors that may suit them.
