Meet the Makers, ep 3: Hannah S, womenswear tailoring and made-to-measure.

Interview by Layla Sargent, Founder of The Seam, November 2025.

In a quiet corner of Clapham, South London, Hannah S. works in a studio lined with silks, lace, and half-finished gowns—each one waiting for her careful eye. A specialist in womenswear tailoring and bespoke eveningwear, she is known for transforming garments in ways her clients often don’t realise are possible.

Layla: What’s one project you’ve found the most joy in creating? Hannah: A customer brought me her wedding dress and asked if I could remake it into a christening gown for her goddaughter. It was such a sweet project. Giving that dress a second life—full of new meaning—was really special.

Layla: How did you first become interested in sewing and design? Hannah: I started working in a fabric shop when I was young. I met a wedding designer there who took me under her wing and taught me everything—pattern cutting, sewing, all of it. After that, I studied fashion design, worked as a designer, and eventually opened my own studio.

Layla: Was there anything earlier in your life that sparked that love of making? Hannah: Definitely films. I watched a lot of old MGM movies growing up. Easter Parade was one of my favourites—I adored Judy Garland. And my mum used to make my rhythmic gymnastics outfits. I think that’s where the fascination really began.

Layla: What do you wish more people knew about altering or repairing their clothes? Hannah: That you can change so much more than you think. People come in unsure of what’s wrong with a garment, and after a few pins they’re amazed. Tailoring can completely transform how something feels.

Layla: You’ve spoken about the emotional connection we can have with clothes. What does that mean to you? Hannah: We need to stop buying so much and choose things we’ll still want in ten years. This shirt I’m wearing—this was my grandmother’s. I have a photo of her in it. That kind of connection is what makes clothes worth keeping. I want people to buy with intention, with a plan.

If you’d like to work with Hannah or request a specific Maker, simply add their name when prompted during your initial enquiry on The Seam.