Kipper & Chalk

We catch up with designer and tailor Imogen Johnson-Gilbert about her label Kipper & Chalk.

What inspired you to start Kipper & Chalk?

I fell in love with tailoring whilst working on Savile Row, but I was extremely aware that my peers would never be able to experience it because of the price points. I wanted to find a way to make custom tailoring more accessible. Having a garment made especially for you is such a wonderful thing, I want as many people as possible to experience it.

What is it about Kipper and Chalk that sets you apart from other tailors?

I think our customer service is second to none. Creating someone’s ideal garment is a collaborative project, it requires a lot of time spent with each client trying to get their vision just right.

Tell us about your current favourite pieces.

I have just collaborated with an amazing hand embroiderer on a small collection of jumpers. It has been wonderful to work with another medium and each jumper uses 7 plastic bottles which would otherwise have gone to landfill. The design is based on a whimsical sketch I did whilst showing a customer the difference between peak and notch lapels

I also love the bespoke overcoat I made last year in the softest Donegal tweed and lined with a photograph of the customer’s whippet. It took about 65 hours of hand sewing to finish it and I am hugely proud of it.

How did the residency at The Crossing benefit your business?

My business relies heavily on customer-facing work and until the Pop Up I had been working from studios without a high street presence. The Pop-Up allowed me to test my theories about how a store rather than a studio would affect my business without having to take on a long-term lease. And it gave me real data to include in my business plan.

What's next for Kipper and Chalk?

In October I opened my first bricks and mortar shop, so I am focussed on getting that up and running in the current climate. I would never have had the guts to take the plunge without opportunities like West Brompton Crossing - so thank you so much!

Find out more at www.kipperandchalk.com

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