Eleanor Gibson · Costume maker
The person altering your dress also sews for theatre, TV and film.
I love to work on exciting costumes and have been making them since graduating and very fortunate to be involved in some fantastic productions. I will bring all the care and attention to all everyday, special occasion or heirloom textile that is brought to my small studio space.
Items with history and a personal connection are especially interesting to me as they hold a window to the past and all the creatives that have come before.
What I specialise in
Period and contemporary womenswear construction, including ladies’ tailoring and some menswear tailoring technique. Corsetry, handling tulle, leather, hand and machine embellishment, from lace appliqué to hand-rolled silk hems.
Trained at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London: BA (Hons) Costume for Performance.
The studio
A private home studio in Lewes, appointment only.
Every fitting is completely private. You will also be met by Cleo, a wire fox terrier, and Bonnie, a Deerhound lurcher, who consider themselves essential to the process. Dog-free fittings are arranged gladly; just say when you book.
A safe and inclusive space
Clothes are meant to fit your body; your body is never meant to fit the clothes.
Having clothes pinned and measured can be a vulnerable experience. The studio is a completely private, body-neutral and inclusive environment. There is zero judgement regarding size, shape, gender expression or natural weight fluctuation. Nothing is measured out loud, no number is commented on, and the tape goes back in the drawer.