IF your idea of a tailor is a relatively aged gentleman with a tape around his neck and wire-rimmed spectacles perched on the end of his nose then it's time to think again.
Claire Boswell represents a new breed of designer tailors and has taken residence in one of the newly created retail units at Laxey Woollen Mills.
Claire Boswell Tailoring and Design followed an initial approach to the Mill's co-owner John Wood. Claire explained: "I had originally spoken to John to see if he would be interested in me making a few skirts using fabrics woven at the mill. We got talking and this is the result."
Claire sits comfortably within the framework of the successful MostlyManx concept and joins a number of artisans under the movement's umbrella who have work units within Laxey Woollen Mills.
She's originally from the Island and returned here after five years learning her profession at the London College of Fashion.
Claire said: "I initially studied for a diploma after which I completed a full three year BA Honours degree in bespoke tailoring followed by a further postgraduate course in pattern cutting."
She now occupies a spacious first floor unit which is her workshop and retail space.
Claire offers a highly flexible service from minor alterations to ready-to-wear garments through to full made-to-measure commissions.
She's also offering a unique made-to-measure coats service. Claire explained: "Customers can choose the style they want, the fabric and also the trims and buttons. The coats are then made up to the customers exact specifications and after a couple of fitting sessions they are ready to take home."
The opening of the tailor's shop at the Mill runs parallel with a resurgence in the popularity of natural wool products. Beyond the Island's shores the momentum is gathering pace with the Prince of Wales adding his weight to the promotion of wool as a fashionable, eco-friendly fabric for both clothing and home furnishings.
A scheme launched at the end of August last year aimed to help sheep farmers by boosting the price of wool worldwide. Until recently it was running at around 30 percent below its 1997 price.
The hope is to establish a new green label for woollen products and for shops to give a commitment to promote wool.
To find out more about Claire Boswell Tailoring and Design click here.
The article above was originally published in the Autumn 2010 edition of Manx Life, copyright Mannin Media Group Limited 2010.
