Why I Dropped a Career in Luxury Fashion, and became a Uniform Designer

A few years ago, the question “so, what do you do?” used to be a simple one. 

I was working in one of the most prestigious fashion brands in the world (think trench coats and checkered lining) and the reaction to my answer was often one of surprise and awe.

Unfortunately, the glamour ended there. 

Although working in high fashion is exciting and dynamic there was also a feeling of complete void, of working towards something that felt pointless and unnecessary. Making gowns worth thousands of pounds for celebrities to would wear once, only to throw it in a pile somewhere, seemed wasteful and although it was fun to see your work in magazines, for me there was always a lingering question of “is this it?”

It was then, amongst my screaming manager, that I started to think of other ways to use my love for design and clothing but use it in a more effective and maybe more helpful way.

Then one day I had the all important, rather elusive, “ah ha” moment. Uniforms! 

I felt there was a huge gap in the market for uniforms that were comfortable and stylish, with good fabrics and flattering fit. In addition, with millennials are at the forefront of most customer service businesses, cheap £15 polyester uniforms just weren't cutting it anymore and staff looked as dull as their grey waistcoat.

The idea began to spread in my mind like fire and every where I looked I saw staff members who seemed uncomfortable in their uniform with an undertone of secretly resenting the company who forced them to look so outdated.

I think its important to take into account how staff look and feel because if they feel good in their uniform, ultimately the business will benefit from an increased energy, higher spirits and most importantly projecting that feeling onto the customer.

Times are changing, fast, and being part of that change in helping companies portray their brand image in a positive (and fashionable) way through staff uniform is really exciting, and I look forward to reshaping this aspect of the hospitality experience.