About me

Bespoke tailoring expert J. François-Campbell smiling while sitting in a bright professional studio, surrounded by tailoring projects, fabric rolls, and design equipment.
I am a 3rd generation tailor from a family of tailors.
I have spent decades working in the film, fashion and theatre industry.

How it all began.

Jay Francois started training in the art of garment construction at seven years old. Consequently, he learned from his father who ran a successful freelance business. Furthermore, this business specialized in making tailcoats for ballroom dancers and bespoke suits for famous Hollywood film actors. Moreover, this early exposure built a foundation of master-level craftsmanship. I also spent alot of time working with my mother who worked as a seamstress for world famous fashion houses.

Jay Francois realized by the age of 18 that he had already worked in the fashion industry for over a decade. Consequently, he initially viewed sewing only as a personal hobby. Furthermore, it served as a creative way to look fashionable on a teenager’s budget. Moreover, you can explore his full journey and professional services on our homepage. Accordingly, this early passion evolved into a lifelong career in master tailoring.

A chance meeting with an American costume designer at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London changed my perceptions.

Jay Francois has spent decades learning from master tailors and cutters. Consequently, he has mastered theatrical, film, and haute couture tailoring. Furthermore, he has mentored many students and upcoming professional talents. Moreover, he has successfully managed departments and his own enterprise.

He champions the art of sculpting fabric to enhance the body. Accordingly, his diverse background sets him apart from other sewists. Specifically, he uses secret techniques from the film and theater worlds. Consequently, these methods ensure a superior garment fit for every client.

Visualizing a concept and creating a working pattern is essential. Furthermore, he executes complex designs that others can only draw. Moreover, he has authored two industry-standard textbooks. Specifically, his books include “Simple Tailoring and Alterations” and “The Waistcoat Workbook.” Thus, he remains a leader in creative construction.

Bespoke tailoring expert J. François-Campbell smiling while sitting in a bright professional studio, surrounded by tailoring projects, fabric rolls, and design equipment.
"Being an experienced theatrical tailor means knowing what garment construction rules to adhere to, bend or break in order to achieve the desired effect for the relevant occasion."

Jay

I specialise in;

The design, draft, cut and construction of clothing which combines stretchwear, tailored canvassing and fashion design to sculpt one of a kind garments for a variety of events.

Essential sewing supplies for suit alterations, including ornate gold-handled shears, a tape measure, orange thread, and sewing needles on a clean white surface.

Design

The conceptualisation and imagining of the designs on paper.

A creative tailoring and design flat lay featuring fabric, gold-handled shears, a paper trimmer, and floral elements for mood board inspiration.

Source

Collecting the fabric and trimming samples for each concept.

An extensive archive of professional brown and white paper trouser patterns and garment templates hanging on a long metal rack in a studio.

Create

Prototyping and pattern cutting the concept into a three - dimensional garment.

Custom tailoring on a fashion runway, featuring a model in a sunflower-print crop top and a fringed wrap skirt under professional stage lighting.

Realisation

Constructing the collection of garments to a finished stage.

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