This week, we sit down with Michael Dixon, Scottish tailor and stylist at Suited & Booted; the luxury tailoring house with roots in both Scotland and the UAE. Known for impeccable craftsmanship and modern refinement, Suited & Booted create bespoke and ready-to-wear collections for clients who appreciate classic elegance with a contemporary edge.
We spoke to Michael about the enduring power of tailoring, the art of translating personality into clothing, and why the suit will always have a place in a world of fast fashion.
Michael, can you tell us a bit about your journey into tailoring and how you became part of Suited & Booted?
My journey into tailoring began as a kid with a love of film and music, where I became fascinated by how characters expressed identity through style. That early appreciation for aesthetics grew into a desire to help people communicate who they are through clothing. After years of working with top brands and showcasing Scottish craftsmanship internationally, joining Suited & Booted felt natural, a place that values authenticity, service, and quality. Here I’ve been able to combine craft, design, and business to help build something both classic and contemporary.
How would you describe the signature Suited & Booted aesthetic?
Our aesthetic isn’t defined by one look; it’s defined by how we interpret our clients’ ideas. We focus on fit, context, and how a client wants to feel in their garment. Once we understand those things, our team crafts a piece that reflects that vision. Stylistically, our tailoring blends modern structure with softer silhouettes; a fresh, wearable evolution of classic craftsmanship. We pride ourselves on being the people trusted to bring ideas to light, and that is exactly why our clients trust us with the monumental moments in their lives.
“Our aesthetic isn’t defined by one look; it’s defined by how we interpret our clients’ ideas.”
“Our aesthetic isn’t defined by one look; it’s defined by how we interpret our clients’ ideas.”
In a world of fast fashion, bespoke tailoring stands apart. What do you think keeps people coming back to the craftsmanship and personal touch of a tailored garment?
Bespoke tailoring lasts because it connects emotion and identity to clothing. A tailored piece carries meaning, from the fabric choice to the final fitting, making it deeply personal. Fast fashion is disposable; tailoring is lasting. It’s not just about what you wear, but what it represents. Investing in bespoke means investing in something that reflects you and endures over time.
You simply can’t replicate that kind of authenticity. That’s why true tailoring will never die, at least not for those who value quality, character, and meaning in what they wear.
You work closely with clients to help them express their individuality through clothing. What’s your process for getting to know a client’s style and translating that into a custom piece?
My process starts with curiosity. I get to know who the clients are, their work, lifestyle, and personality, before discussing clothes. That insight shapes every design choice, from fabric to structure. Every conversation reveals what they need their garments to do, and from that, we create pieces that not only fit perfectly but feel authentic to them.
Ultimately, my process is about listening deeply and observing carefully. When you combine those insights with craftsmanship, you create garments that don’t just fit well but feel right.
“That’s why true tailoring will never die, at least not for those who value quality, character, and meaning in what they wear.”
“That’s why true tailoring will never die, at least not for those who value quality, character, and meaning in what they wear.”
Suited & Booted now offers ready-to-wear collections alongside bespoke tailoring. How do these lines complement each other?
Our ready-to-wear collections allow clients to experience our craftsmanship instantly, while our bespoke and made-to-measure services take that further. Each season’s RTW line is designed in-house with the modern gentleman in mind, offering immediate access to our style and serving as a gateway to the deeper bespoke process, creating a seamless experience across both worlds.
For clients investing in their first bespoke suit, what advice would you give them?
Fit is everything. The key areas: chest, back, shoulders, and armhole. Create the foundation. From there, balanced lengths and proportions ensure harmony. The artistry lies in subtle adjustments that make a suit look effortless, never too tight or too loose. Classic fit and form never go out of style.
Start by understanding your needs. Is this the beginning of a wardrobe or a one-off piece? For a wardrobe, build foundations with timeless, versatile colours; for a single piece, decide whether you want impact or understated elegance. Listen to expert advice; restraint often creates the most enduring results.
“Classic fit and form never go out of style.”
“Classic fit and form never go out of style.”
Do you notice parallels between tailoring and interior design in areas like proportion, texture, or colour?
Both tailoring and interiors balance proportion, texture, and tone to create harmony. In both, the beauty lies in subtlety: when everything just works. I often draw colour inspiration from architecture, landscapes, and interiors, especially given our brand’s ties to Dubai’s luxury design world, where environment and clothing are part of one cohesive vision.
Luxury tailoring and luxury property both celebrate craftsmanship and individuality. What do you think unites the two worlds?
Both celebrate craftsmanship, individuality, and attention to detail. A beautifully made suit or a thoughtfully designed home goes beyond function. It reflects personal taste, creativity, and intention. In both worlds, the value lies in how something feels, not just how it looks. Therefore, an appreciation of something beyond its utilitarian use.