Peter Johnston graduated from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, in 1993 with a BSc in Clothing Management before moving to London to pursue postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Art, where he earned an MA in Fashion Menswear.

Specialising in men’s bespoke tailoring, he developed expertise in pattern cutting, garment construction, and sartorial styling. During his time at the Royal College of Art, Peter became the first British entrant to win the prestigious Italian tailoring and design competition, the Ago D’Oro (Golden Needle), hosted by Brioni in Italy.

In 1995, he was appointed Head of Design at Kilgour, French & Stanbury, one of Savile Row’s most distinguished tailoring houses. There, he redefined the brand’s bespoke offering, launched an entry-level bespoke service, and introduced Kilgour’s first ready-to-wear collections across London, New York, and Tokyo.

By 1998, Peter had taken on the position of Head of Design at Dunhill, London, with responsibility for the global direction of all branded and licensed collections.

In 2001, he became Creative Director at Chester Barrie, Savile Row, overseeing all Chester Barrie collections and coordinating the design direction of private-label ranges for leading international names including Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Turnbull & Asser, Hackett, Oswald Boateng, and Huntsman.

In 2003, Peter launched his eponymous label, PETER JOHNSTON, offering Scotland’s premier bespoke tailoring service by private appointment.

The following year, in 2004, he was appointed Creative Director at Onward Kashiyama, Tokyo, where he collaborated with Isetan and Mitsukoshi department stores to debut a Peter Johnston ready-to-wear collection and bespoke service distributed throughout Japan.

In 2011, he extended this international partnership as Creative Director for Saks Fifth Avenue, New York, introducing a collaborative Peter Johnston ready-to-wear collection and bespoke tailoring service across the United States.

Today, in 2026, the PETER JOHNSTON brand is firmly established as Scotland’s leading bespoke tailoring house, upholding the craft traditions of Savile Row while embodying a distinctly Scottish elegance and authenticity.