STAR of the controversial film The Da Vinci Code, Paul Bettany is stepping out in suits made in Crewe.
The English actor flew the flag for Crewe craftsmanship at the Cannes Film Festival when he wore a suit made by Cheshire Bespoke.
He is a regular customer of Saville Row suitmaker Tony Lutwyche who set up a new base, Cheshire Bespoke at Lancaster Fields, off Crewe Green Road, last month.
He came to the rescue of skilled workers made redundant when the Cheshire Clothing Company (CCC) went bust in March.
Already order books are flourishing and the workforce has doubled to 40.
Mr Lutwyche said: 'Paul is a great ambassador for British tailoring, always looking smart in a suit. He opted for a pin stripe three-piece which we were pleased to see him wearing at the premiere.' Designers, cutters, machinists and tailors are in full swing completing orders for Saville Row outlets and designer labels Oswald Boateng and Spencer Hart.
Robbie Williams has ordered several bespoke suits for his forthcoming tour and members of the Royal Family are also on the books.
Mr Lutwyche added: 'We arenotat libertytosaywhich members of the Royal Family but can say we have completed an order for Prince Charles which remained outstanding when Cheshire Clothing Company closed down.
'It's fabulous to have such immediate faith shown in the workforce.
'Saville Row has always known the skill exists in Crewe and the proof is being seen.
'Staff are delighted to see their craftsmanship sported on the backs of stars. It's not everyone who can say they have made a jacket for Robbie Williams.'
Most of CCC's former work-ers had been in the textile industry since they left school.
They moved to the Marsh-field Bank industrial estate from Chester Barrie, which also had to close its factory on Weston Road.
Mr Lutwyche, whose customers and friends include Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Cullen,said orders in the first month of operating from Crewe had exceeded his expectations.
He added: 'Talk to anyone in Saville Row,and they know a good suit comes from Crewe.'
