Budding tailors welcome

Macclesfield College will welcome fashionistas, textile enthusiasts and design aficionados on Thursday (19th July) as it holds an open day to launch a new tailoring academy and its ABC level 5 diploma course (the highest standard in bespoke tailoring).

The academy is the only training provider in the whole of the UK accredited to deliver this top standard in bespoke tailoring.

Combining the heritage of tailoring training with key production skills and cutting practices, the specialist qualification will be delivered by renowned master tailor Brita Hirsch.

Brita – who has 30 years’ experience of bespoke tailoring and textile engineering, working with the most discerning of customers – was successful in a crowdfunding campaign last year to re-establish the production of an authentically British cloth, ‘The Northern Cloth’.

In all, 461 backers pledged a total of £35,843 to help bring the remarkable project to life.

The course Brita leads at Macclesfield College has been designed in collaboration with the Saville Row Bespoke Association as an alternative to traditional tailoring apprenticeships and will provide students with a grounding in all areas of the craft of bespoke tailoring.

Students will learn individual pattern drafting, planning and cutting, bespoke trouser, waistcoat and coat making, ironing and shaping, fitting and hand finishing.

Delivered as full-time study starting in September and running through to July, the hands-on course will provide students with both the knowledge and practical skills they need to seek employment in a tailoring environment or work as a self-employed tailor.

Brita commented: “Gareth Southgate’s waistcoat has attracted almost as much attention as the England manager himself during the World Cup tournament, demonstrating the enduring appeal of fine tailoring and bespoke garments.

“This new course will cover all the technical aspects and practical skills required for a professional career in tailoring.

“Applicants will be expected to have an equivalent of level 3 experience in garment making, as this course will focus on developing the high-level skills expected in the bespoke fashion sector.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming potential students to find out more.”

The open days will take place at The Tailoring Academy, Pickford Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6JB from 10am on Thursday 19th July and also on Thursday 30th August.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to view the facilities and talk to course leaders about the course’s content, entry requirements and college life.

Registration to attend the open days and further information on The Tailoring Academy can be found here.