I was always surrounded by creativity, and it was part of my world through my father, of course, but also through my mother – she’s an art teacher. We’re a very creative family, and fashion and design always appealed to me naturally, but it wasn’t until I got older and started helping at the shop on Savile Row that I realised how natural it felt to work with the different cloths and to understand people through what they wore.

While tailoring was around me from a young age, I didn’t plan to follow in my father’s footsteps initially. But once I began learning the craft properly, from learning the skill of front-of-house in 2020 to cutting a year or so on, I realised how rewarding and multi-faceted the work is. The reality has far exceeded any expectations I had. It’s not just about suits; it’s about storytelling, craftsmanship and building lasting relationships with customers.

A big challenge for me initially was navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry and earning trust, especially in the cutting room. Tailoring is rooted in discipline and tradition, and many teaching methods are still quite old-school. Gaining respect in that environment while learning the ropes, particularly as a woman, required resilience and attention to detail. Yet, challenging those long-standing norms proved incredibly rewarding. I was fortunate to be given an opportunity that many aren’t; to bring a fresh perspective to a deeply established craft.

Everyday is different. I might start on the cutting table, working with Richard’s patterns, fitting a client in the shop, or helping design the new ready to wear womenswear line at Rich’s. Some days, I’m assisting Richard or co-founder Brian [Lishak] with the business side of the company or preparing for an international trunk show. It’s a constant balance between the creative, technical, and customer-facing aspects of the job.

Our house style consists of an artistic and refined blend of traditional suiting and contemporary design known to be form fitting with jackets nipped at the waist, but within those lines there’s still room to be expressive. With womenswear especially, I’ve had more space to explore bold cuts, fabrics, and silhouettes while continuing to deliver the excellence and quality Savile Row is renowned for.

Last year, I led the design of a women’s bespoke three-piece suit in the bold purple Anni Check Tweed. Richard gave me the freedom to really explore my creative side, which led to some unique touches like crescent-shaped pockets and wide-leg trousers with turn-ups that add movement and flair. Working with Richard always helps strike that balance between creative expression and solid craftsmanship.

Leading a stretch of the Richard Anderson trunk shows across the USA is a great honour for me. I travel to places like New York, Boston and Palm Beach, fitting clients for their bespoke orders and introducing our new pieces. Being trusted with that responsibility and representing the brand internationally was both thrilling and affirming.

I’m also deeply inspired by my peers on the Women in Tailoring Board. I’ll be chairing the upcoming event, a significant milestone in my career, especially as many of the women who have inspired me most in the industry have held this role before me.

It’s difficult to switch off fully, it’s a fast-paced environment with deadlines to be met on customer orders. I do check emails and often stay involved even on holiday, especially with bespoke timelines. That said, I can’t say no to knitting in my downtime!

There are so many, but Kathryn Sargent stands out. She was the first female head cutter on Savile Row and has consistently pushed boundaries with grace and skill. I’m also fortunate to work alongside inspiring people on the Women in Tailoring board, their support and insight are invaluable.

A good leader should empower their team, set a clear vision, and lead by example. Richard and Brian have always demonstrated that, both meticulous and driven but also supportive, which encourages people to grow.

There’s been real progress, more women are taking leadership roles, designing, cutting, and representing brands. Initiatives like Women in Tailoring have helped bring visibility and community to what used to be quite a solitary experience. There’s still work to be done, but the shift is happening.

I’d love to see more inclusive education in tailoring, teaching methods that are updated for today’s world, not based on outdated hierarchies. Especially the precision of cutting, the emphasis on quality, and the discipline that Savile Row is known for. But these can sit alongside a more open-minded approach to design, education, and business practices. There’s space for everyone here, and the industry will only benefit from broadening its reach.

I have recently been approached by my old secondary school to give a talk about the tailoring sector and the job opportunities that lay within. It excites me to pass on knowledge to a new generation and hopefully inspire young creatives to decide on tailoring as a career choice.

Absolutely. People want careers that align with their values and interests, not just a job for the sake of it. That shift is especially evident in younger generations coming into tailoring, as they bring a fresh outlook and a newly refined talent.

In some industries, especially traditional ones like tailoring, it’s still assumed men hold the expertise or leadership roles. Women often must work harder to be seen and taken seriously, which feels like a tale as old as time. With more women working on the Row, that perception is slowly shifting.

Build your network and find mentors. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and never underestimate your ideas. The creative world needs fresh perspectives. Bring your full self to the table. And remember: talent is important, but consistency, kindness and professionalism will take you far.