Ede & Ravenscroft, a historic legal outfitter in London known for providing traditional court dress including wigs and gowns, has faced criticism from several barristers who say they experienced discrimination and discourtesy, particularly related to race and appearance. The firm, which has served the legal profession for over 300 years, is recognized for its high-end offerings, with wigs priced from £699 to £2,700.
The controversy emerged after multiple barristers shared their experiences on social media. Shelly Glaister-Young, a family law specialist at 42 Bedford Row chambers, recounted feeling unwelcome and demeaned during visits to the Ede & Ravenscroft store on Chancery Lane. She described an initial encounter more than two decades ago as marked by disdain, and said she left on the verge of tears. Returning recently with a barrister friend, both dressed in plain clothes, she reported being blocked by a shop assistant who demanded they move away from the customer service area. Glaister-Young said this conduct made her feel the shop was not a space for people like her, and she offered to accompany trainee barristers during their first wig fittings to help alleviate similar experiences.
Other barristers have corroborated the accounts of feeling marginalized. Ayanna Nelson, a criminal law specialist at 7 Bedford Row, stated that an employee advised her to straighten or relax her natural hair to "fit in better," which she identified as a significant and painful moment. Jason Hadden of St Ives Chambers expressed that he, too, has experienced poor treatment and “complete disdain” from the outfitter.
Yet, some barristers offered contrasting perspectives. Siobhan Tatum, a civil law barrister at Erimus Chambers, described her own interaction with Ede & Ravenscroft as positive and supportive, highlighting the “VIP treatment” she received when purchasing her first wig and gown. Similarly, Ben Rowe, a criminal barrister at Crucible Chambers, said he had always found dealings with the firm pleasant, including those involving female colleagues.
In response to the criticisms, Ede & Ravenscroft released a statement expressing pride in supporting customers during an important milestone and emphasized their commitment to welcoming and respecting all clients. Following the public exchange, the company’s head of retail reportedly reached out to Glaister-Young with an apology for the negative experiences she encountered.
The debate has also drawn attention from the wider legal establishment. Sam Mercer, a policy chief at the Bar Council, the professional body representing barristers, noted that no barrister should face such treatment, particularly at significant moments in their careers.
Meanwhile, offers of solidarity and support have emerged within the legal community, with senior barristers and judges volunteering to accompany and mentor new barristers during their initial court dress fittings to help ensure a more positive experience.