About Us
Our mission is to breathe life back into the exquisite craft of handmade garments. The age of careful cuts and curated fabrics seems a distant memory – a thing of story books. We want to change that. We aim to inject the life and soul back into bespoke tailoring and dressmaking.
Everyone is unique, and your clothes should reflect that. Each Lucy J garment is hand crafted with care in our Cambridge-based studio.
See below to learn more about us and how we make your bespoke garments
Everyone is unique, and your clothes should reflect that. Each Lucy J garment is hand crafted with care in our Cambridge-based studio.
An interview with Lucy J
When did you first develop a passion for tailoring?
I have always been interested in making things. My Mum taught me to knit when I was tiny. When I was about 13 I decided to teach myself to make a dress. I bought a simple pattern and followed the instructions. I soon realised that I had a flair for sewing. I was soon making things as gifts for friends and family - including ties for my Dad and Granddad.
What made you decide to go into business?
The best way to learn something is to do it! I was studying business studies and, to understand how to run a business, I decided to set on up making ties.
Originally, it was just for a one off event, selling them at a fair. I made 30 ties out of crazy fabrics, set up my stall and.... it was a hit. I've never looked back.
Where did you train?
Originally I taught myself to sew but, when I realised that this was what I wanted to do for a career, I started to work with a professional seamstress. She taught me how to make my own patterns as well as some of the more advanced sewing techniques. She has also taught me more about running a bespoke sewing business.
She continues to coach me as the business grows.
What is the best part of the process for you?
I love the final fitting. There is a real please for me in seeing something that really fits and seeing the expression on a clients face.
They’ll put the item on and…. “Ah!” it just feels wonderful – like a comfy pair of slippers.
A handmade garment should be something you love wearing all the time and which expresses who you are. That’s what I love to create.
What is next for LucyJ?
We have recently expanded our range to include wedding garments so growing this range is where I am currently focussing. I've recently partnered with two other tailors so we are now able to kit out an entire wedding party!
After that, who knows? I’m always learning and building my skills so let’s just see where that takes me.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bespoke garment take to make?
This depends on the item you have ordered. Below are some indications of how far in advance to place your order to be sure of delivery.
- Ties and Bowties - 1 week
- Waistcoats - 2 weeks
- Bridesmaid dresses - 1 month
These are timescales for a single item – if you want more than one, please multiply by the number of garments.
Don’t forget, with handmade items, the longer you give us, the better. The last thing you want is for it to be rushed.
Do I need to come for fittings?
Not necessarily. We provide a remote fitting service too.
We can send you measuring guides so you can send us your measurements from which we make the calico toile. We will then send this to you and, using skype, have a fitting session online.
Getting the calico right is the key so we will have as many fittings as it takes at this stage. Then, once the perfect calico is back with us, we make your garment from this.
This process does take a little more time but it allows us to create the perfect bespoke garment for you wherever you are in the world.
What if you don’t have a fabric I like?
We have access to a wide selection of fabrics – more than you would find in the high street. Get in touch if you have something specific in mind and we can tell you some of the fabric sellers who should be able to help you.
It is even possible to have custom printed fabrics if you want something very specific. We can recommend some fabric printing companies.
Can you ship overseas?
Yes, we can. Please speak to us about our shipping options and costs.
Do you do alterations?
We do not offer a general alteration service for ‘off the peg’ clothing. We do provide some alterations for our own garments – such as reworking a bridesmaids dress after the wedding – but general alterations are often more complex.
Can you use a fabric I provide?
We would need to see the fabric to know if it is suitable and to be sure there is enough for the garment you have in mind. Please contact us to discuss this in more detail.
The Bespoke Tailoring Process
1. Measuring up
We start by taking a range of measurements. Everyone is different and this is where the bespoke journey begins.
2. Calico
Using your measurements we create your garment in calico - an inexpensive linen fabric.
Also known as a 'toile' this prototype is used to make sure the fit is perfect in every dimension.
We can change this test garment as many times as we need.
3. Cutting your cloth
Only once the fit is perfect do we cut the cloth you have chosen. The calico toile is used to make the cutting pattern so the fit is perfect.
4. The Finished Garment
The perfect garment made just as you want it and fitting you exactly. Every part of the garment sits perfectly and it is so comfortable, you'll almost forget you are wearing it.
