Emma Willis
Launched: 1999
The story: Having worked for other menswear
brands, Willis launched her own label in 1989, focusing on bespoke shirts made
in England from the finest materials. Initially she sold her bespoke shirts in
City offices before putting down roots on Jermyn Street in St James in 1999.
All her shirts are designed, cut, stitched and
finished at Bearland House in the centre of Gloucester – “British bespoke shirt
making is rare as is having one’s own manufacturing employing and training
locally,” says Willis, who also established a charity Style for Soldiers in
2008, which provides smart clothing to injured service personnel.
The service: Willis, who employs an all-female
team of cutters, makes beautiful bespoke shirts using the very best Swiss and
Italian fabrics in quiet, elegant designs and colours. Her clients are mainly
men, and span everyone from film producers to hedge fund managers, farmers and
property dealers, but she has many female customers too and a ready-to -wear
collection on Net a Porter.
Why she loves it: “Our shop is very social
with our customers often meeting and befriending one another,” she says. “I get
visitors from all over the world and post pandemic this has been even more
enjoyable with the sense of relief to be able to see each other again and meet
new people.”
For Willis though, the best part is the people
she meets in her shop. “I never know who it may be next and all those amazing
contacts have enabled me to do with my charity and other initiatives.”
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