Freeman of the City of London A Bespoke Suit for a Freeman of the City of London

Dressing well is a matter of precision. But dressing well for a historic honour? That demands something more – a sense of occasion, character, and enduring style. Fortunately, that’s exactly what long-standing client and friend Terry Stone brought to our doorstep.
Terry has been a client of Marc Oliver for over two decades. When he rang earlier this year, it was with a familiar energy and a special request: he was about to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London, and he needed something extraordinary to mark the moment – something that reflected both his personality and the importance of the day.

Terry’s career has been anything but ordinary. From his iconic portrayal of Tony Tucker in Rise of the Footsoldier to hosting the hugely successful Connection Criminal Podcast, he has always walked the line between grit and grace — and his wardrobe needed to echo that same balance.

When we sat down at his home, the conversation flowed easily — the kind that comes from years of trust and instinct. The coffee was hot, the ideas even sharper. We quickly aligned on the vision: a striking white wool suit with a fine black pinstripe. Classic and bold, timeless yet unmistakably personal.

But there were practical matters to consider. Would the London skies cooperate? Could we source the right cloth in time? And what about the tie — Terry confessed he didn’t own one that would do the suit justice.

“I’ll take care of it,” I promised. And so, the work began.

Days later, we found the perfect white merino wool and had it shipped to our atelier in Milan. I flew out personally to oversee the pattern cutting, review linings, and handle the details — because this was not just a suit. This was a once-in-a-lifetime garment.

As fortune would have it, we were also producing a dress jacket at the time, cut from a black treasure box cloth woven with a whisper of 24-carat gold. It was luxurious beyond compare — and just enough remained to craft a matching tie. It was the final stroke of brilliance.
Five weeks later, the finished pieces — suit and tie — arrived at Savile Row for final touches. A fitting date was set, and as I rang Terry, his excitement was palpable. You could hear it in his voice — the anticipation, the pride, the knowledge that something special was on its way.

And when the day of the ceremony finally arrived, the London sky turned a perfect blue. Friends, family, and dignitaries gathered at the Guildhall to witness Terry Stone become a Freeman of the City of London. A tradition dating back centuries — now with a new chapter written in white wool, black pinstripes, and subtle gold.

It’s worth noting: Terry is the only actor besides Sir Michael Caine to receive this honour under his stage name. A fitting distinction — and a fitting suit.

At Marc Oliver, we don’t just tailor clothing. We mark moments. And this one will be stitched into memory for years to come.

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