July 5, 2015
Meet Stacie Sylvester - The Couturier who cares about your individuality.
This talented intelligent designer from London UK, pretty much knows what she wants and is looking forward to an exciting career in fashion.
With plans to open a store dedicated to fittings and plans not to mass produce her clothes, Stacie is someone we should call to get back our individuality.
With a strong belief in sewing beautiful one-off pieces for her clients, her art is empowering individual style.
She becomes your mind’s eye and brings to life your clothing fantasies of class and luxury.
Get to know Stacie
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As a young entrepreneur it can be difficult to establish your company in a society shaped by seasoned professionals that have been in the business a long time. How does ‘Stacie Sylvester’ offer a unique service that no other companies offer?
I just let myself spill into my work; my ideas, my style, my taste, my love for it, my everything and that distinctly defines all of my pieces. When a customer comes to me with an idea it becomes our idea as we work together to bring it to life and you just can’t get that anywhere.
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What inspired you to create a multi-functional service that not only manufactures and sells clothes that have been tailored to a client’s specific requirements and measurements but also works alongside the clients to help make their stylistic dream come alive?
My own personal experiences led me to start SSBC as I was tired of going out and seeing other women in the same clothes as me. I couldn’t be upset with her for having the same taste as me, but I wasn’t happy so I started to make my own clothes then didn’t see why I couldn’t do the same for others.
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Each tailor/designer has a unique personal style that reflects the styling and the ethos of the brand. What is the style taste behind your brand and how will that attract a large-scale audience?
I’m all about the individual. Bringing you back in touch with your personal style. That thing that makes you, you. That’s the ethos of the brand and because of that I’m not trying to attract a large scale audience because then my business will lose it’s heart.
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Tailors are famous creatives who can take any outfit and make it appear smarter, more casual or even more seductive. When a client comes to you with a clearly constructed idea how do you process that vision and make it a reality?
Everyone is different, some like to be in full control of the design seat and want it an exact way, some have and idea and are open to suggestions either way we need to both get on the same page straight away lol otherwise there will be problems down the line!! Clients always have pictures or have seen something they like and just want it replicating so I always start with the image. I can’t draw as well as I would like which is a massive pain but hey, no ones perfect! So I often don’t sketch I just go straight to the patterning; creating the template from which the garment will be constructed from. Then on to the paper fittings or muslim fittings. Basically fitting the mock up made of tissue paper or muslim to the client to get the sizing correct. Then onto the sourcing of fabrics, which a selection of are sent to the client for approval. Once a decision has been made the cutting of the fabric and construction of the garment begins. Depending on if the item is bespoke or not, several visits during the construction are needed in order to get the fit perfect. Then voila! There you have it. Your dream outfit with the perfect fit!
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Every entrepreneur is inspired by other businesses, designers, family or friends that influence the development of the brand. Who would you cite as the inspiration behind ‘Stacie Sylvester Bespoke Clothing’ and why?
The frustrated person who can’t find what they are looking for on the high street. You are the reason I do this.
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In order to create a successful company there must be inside knowledge of the way a business is run. Did you have any previous experience in other businesses and if so where?
I’ve never run my own business before but have had plenty of admin jobs which have helped massively with the paper work side of things. Apart from that, I’m just doing my best.
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Each brand has a set target audience that it aims to attract every season. What is your target audience and is there an age range?
No age range and no exact target audience, just whoever likes things a little different.
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How realistic were your expectations for ‘SSBC’ when you first started out?
I had no expectations. I just wanted to do what I loved and I wanted to share the benefits of it with others. Everytime I have a happy customer I am so proud that something I made with my own hands has now made someone else’s day.
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When creating a business an entrepreneur must look ahead at the trends that will shape the industry that you work in. What do you use to obtain the latest business/fashion/tailor trends in order to be your step ahead?
If I told you I’d have to kill you!!
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What are the main obstacles that you have faced when marketing your brand and how have you solved these issues?
I don’t have enough buying power yet to advertise the amount that I would like. The common mistake of small businesses is to think small. I think big, its just that big has an even bigger price tag when it comes to implementing successful marketing plans. I’m only in my first year too so I’m sure that will change soon enough
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Sometimes a company and their client may have two completely different perceptions of what the product must look like. How do you work together with a client that does not share your creative vision?
If they don’t share my creative vision then as long as their creative vision is doable, I’ll take a step back and let their idea take front and centre stage. I don’t mind being the “ghost dressmaker” once in a while.
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Each brand would like to be represented by a client that can take their company forward? Describe your ideal client?
Anyone who wants more from an outfit. Anyone who wants to make a statement whether it be on your wedding day or at a festival or on a Friday night, you have every right to be as individual as you feel.
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Where can you see your company in five years’ time and what do you expect to gain from this experience?
Oh wow 5 years. I’d love to have a shop where I employ a few handy helpers to get through the huge workload I now have ;) I wouldn’t want to loose the personal touch of what I’m currently doing so I would still like to be the first point of contact in the consultations at least and I will 100% still be making the clothes myself, otherwise what’s the point of having my name on the door if your not getting a piece of me. I’m learning everyday and I’m excited to think to the future of my business because it’s only going to get better.
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Finally, Gives us 4 of your favourite Musicians you listen to when you are in your zone.
Erykah Badu!!! Specifically Baduizum Live Album 1992. My mum used to pay it around the house and its stuck. My fave album to this day.
I like to listen to mixes more than artists so here’s my lot:
Paul Reynolds – Closing Space 2013
Eric the Tutor – Neo Soul Mix OR one of his choice old hip hop/rap mixes
I like a lot of grove, soul & disco so I listen to a self complied spotify playlist of my faves
And I listen to Ibiza global radio if I don’t know what I fancy
That’s more than 4 but I couldn’t of left anything out.