Inge Frances, a decades-in-the-making designer, began her sewing journey at eight when she joined a quilting after-school club. There, she honed her hand-sewing skills with unwavering precision. This newfound knowledge became the foundation for her creative pursuits.

Inge’s spare time was dedicated to exploring new techniques and materials, infusing her passion into her studies. The art studio provided her with a sanctuary where she could freely express herself.

During her school years, Inge’s interest in fashion led her to apply for a degree in Fashion Design at Falmouth University in Cornwall. Over the next three years, she allowed her ideas to flow freely. Her punctual arrival and late departure from the workroom, often staying beyond term dates, showcased her dedication. The countless pages of designs, hours spent sewing, and her holiday sketching solidified her desire to pursue this path further.

After graduating and returning home, Inge embarked on a hospitality career, working in various positions and companies to develop her customer-facing skills. She excelled at problem-solving and provided exceptional experiences to those she served. Despite her dedication to hospitality, Inge never abandoned her creativity. She continued sketching and sewing, transforming a spare room into a makeshift workroom.

The onset of lockdown marked the birth of Inge Frances. She began designing and sewing for friends and family, often working tirelessly, much to the amusement of her loved ones.

During this time, Inge also discovered new skills, including tambour embroidery, spinning and bobbin lace. These skills would later become the entertainment for her daily commutes to the studio.

In 2023, she decided to explore a side of fashion that had intrigued her since her university days: bespoke tailoring.

She joined The Tailoring Academy in Macclesfield, run by Brita Hirsch, for a year of intensive teaching in cutting and tailoring. This course refreshed her pattern skills and honed her hand stitching, leading to two L5 Diplomas and a certainty that this was her calling.

To enhance her studies, she also enrolled in monogramming courses hosted by Hand and Lock, completing three courses with the aim of joining more to expand her repertoire and complement her tailoring.