Julie Dutton - Designer Dressmaker

From my earliest years I was ‘a maker of things’ and my favourite book, given to me by my grandmother was ‘The Pictorial Encyclopaedia of Fashion’. I used my pocket money to buy a book called In Vogue when I was 10! Then as a teenager I was guided along by a creative family and inspirational teachers who recognised my need to get to Art College and beyond…….

In the early 1980’s I studied for a degree in fashion and textiles at University of Westminster and whilst there created my first evening dress, selected for the final in the prestigious Smirnoff Fashion awards. This was probably where I got the bug for designing for special occasions.

As a young Londoner I had to earn a living and found a position as a junior designer pattern cutter. I worked in the heart of the East End of London, before Brick Lane became the famous fashion hub it is today. The joy of seeing my designs in Top Shop and Miss Selfridges made the full days and long commute worthwhile. It was a great opportunity, working hard, but also to watch and learn, and this included travelling to cities across the world on fashion reconnaissance!

Newly married in the early 90’s, we moved to the US and I spent time at www.sheepstuff.com helping with their unique hand knitwear designs in hand dyed wool. This brought me full circle to my days as a little girl who learned to knit, crochet and sew and renewed my love of all things handmade, the experience inspired the artisan in me and has helped lead me to where I am today.