STUDIO

My studio consists of two rooms on the first floor of a large, light and airy Victorian house. Right on the main Twickenham to Kingston road, it is very easy to find and has plenty of parking on site. Alternatively it is literally next door to Hampton Wick railway station and thus only 30 minutes from London Waterloo.

The workroom is full of all the equipment, paraphernalia and work in progress... a glimpse behind the scenes of the fashion process. The fitting and consultation room is calm and quiet, full of samples of fabrics and books and magazines to help us in the design process.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

In 1994, after gaining a degree in English and French, a friend and I opened Atissu, in Covent Garden's Floral Street. We sold interesting fabrics and, crucially, offered a dressmaking service, thus taking me into the realms of those whose work is their passion. After marrying and having children, I moved the studio into home to do the whole working mum juggling act, which became even more important after my divorce. My boys are now pretty self-sufficient, allowing me to move out of home!

I really love my work. The challenges are never-ending and no day is ever the same... except that it often includes some sewing! I work with lovely people and beautiful fabrics, producing clothes which I know will be loved and cherished. Lucky woman!

CLIENTELE

I have all sorts of clients, from those who have been with me for many years and who I know very well, to people who may just have one very special item made. I seem to have made something of a speciality of mothers-of-the-bride/groom. Experience shows that this can be a tricky role to dress for, especially with all the other wedding plans to contend with, and I very much enjoy taking good care, and making the whole pre-wedding time as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

I also make a lot of working women's wardrobes, providing them with clothes that give extra confidence, which can often really help in the tough world of work. Day to evening wear is often very useful for these busy women too. I do special occasion wear, often tailored to particular events, and outfits for the social season.

I really enjoy the variety and the challenge of making sure that my clients are perfectly dressed for whatever the occasion, whatever the lifestyle.