Hi, I’m Emma, Olana’s head dressmaker. I make Olana's patterns, samples and specifications and once all of that is perfected, I teach the other Olana seamstresses the process for each piece.
When I am not working on new pieces, I am making the wedding dresses for our beautiful brides.
I started making clothes for my Polly Pockets when I was 8, out of my old clothes and my mum's sewing kit, then got my first machine from my grandma at 10. It was always my favourite subject at school, so I went on to study fashion at college, where I loved and thrived in sewing and garment construction. After college I did an apprenticeship, which taught me garment construction in much more depth, and I went on to become a sample machinist. Eventually I wanted something new, to work with independent brands and make more interesting pieces, and that's when Jodie and I met.
I joined Olana in 2021, just after I'd left my job to go freelance as a seamstress. Jodie had been using a small manufacturing studio, but as a new brand, they weren't prioritising her work, so she started looking elsewhere. I started with a couple of days a week working on Olana pieces in my garage sewing room. This process quickly felt more aligned with Jodie vision of Olana, and she asked me to come on for four days a week in the first Olana studio.
In the studio you'll usually find me working on a bridal piece or a new collection sample, tape measure round my neck, music on and coffee close by. Outside the studio, I'm probably at a gig, out for a run, travelling somewhere new, or sewing for fun.
My Favourite Piece to Make
I love the shirred pieces as I find the process really therapeutic.
However the favourite pieces I’ve worked on so far has to be the Sylvie Wedding dress. It's taken the longest time to get perfect, but I'm so happy with the outcome now. A real labour of love, but so worth it now it's done. It's actually the dress I want to wear at my own wedding one day, just don't tell my future husband.
My Favourite Pieces to Wear
It would be impossible for me to pick just one, there’s pieces that I’ve loved from the very start and pieces that I’m so excited to launch in the future. So I’ve picked 3:
Past: The Claude Trouser
The Claude trousers need a comeback, especially in French navy. They're the perfect width for a trouser, two deep pleats, a fitted waistband and a deep hem. So stylish, easy to wear, and easy to pair.
Present: The Jeanne Dress
The Jeanne dress in mini is my perfect autumn fun dress. The fabric is so soft it's super comfortable. I style it with knee-high chunky boots, a sleek baguette bag and some layered necklaces, and I’m good to go.
Future: The Gingham Collection
I love the gingham Collection coming next summer. It's so fun and versatile, I've already loved wearing some of the pieces this autumn...
I'm just testing them for you all.
Why I Love Being a Part of Olana
I love being part of a small team of women who are all so talented, passionate and just lovely to be around!
Being part of a growing independent brand means that you aren’t just a cog in a machine but everything you do is essential and valued. There’s a conscious to everything that happens at Olana as we create sustainable clothing using real people, real techniques and well sourced fabrics and trims.
On a selfish level, I get to spend my days being creative in a wonderful environment and it makes going to work… not feel like going to work! I’m lucky to be a part of that.
