SCENES
BEHIND
THE
The Modiste
What We Believe
Why? Because we know that every women has the power to feel eternally exceptional.
How? With devotion to exquisite quality and skill, we believe in truly treasuring our finest clothing forever.
What are we? – We are your personal seamstresses. We take pride in being the change that brings the personal seamstress trade and art of valuing clothing construction back to the UK.
Our Story So Far
The Modiste is the home of bridal seamstresses, specialising in all elements of bridalwear from bespoke dress design and construction to luxury bridal alterations and reconstructions. First launched in 2016 by Jennifer Katherine Crooks, The Modiste has helped thousands of brides get married in their dream dress.
Disheartened by the fact their creations were typically only worn once, Jennifer and her team launched a new line, The Modiste Modify, to champion the ‘Modify Movement’. The service reimagines wedding dresses into slips, robes, lingerie, jumpsuits, newborn gowns, baubles and much more, to help brides re-love their dress for years to come.
Jennifer Katherine Crooks
Founder & Managing Director
Jennifer Katherine Crooks is the founder and managing director of The Modiste - the home of bridal seamstresses. Since originally launching the business in 2016, Jennifer has created bespoke wedding dresses for thousands of brides, but was disheartened by the fact that they’d likely only wear it once.
With a love for slow fashion, Jennifer, and her growing team of 11 seamstresses, are spearheading a new ‘Modify Movement’, tackling the last frontier of wedding waste - the dress.
Jennifer discovered her love for dressmaking at an early age when she was taught to sew by her gran. Despite failing her GCSE in textiles and being warned to pursue another career, Jennifer was accepted into the London College of Fashion and later Nottingham Trent University where she studied period costume, learning classic techniques of corsetry, tailoring and construction.
Our
Story
The Modiste is a modern and welcoming seamstress atelier.
As expert dressmakers, we know that no
one is a standard dress size and so we design and handmake clothes to fit and flatter the individual.
We believe in sustainability and style though traditional dress making skills and unique designs. Our
experienced team is here to offer you a real alternative to fast fashion and ways to value our clothing
forever. We look forward to welcoming you to you own private and luxury appointment.
Meet the team
Head Fitter
Cathy Mizen
From a period costume background, Cathy has been with The Modiste for 6 years and now manages up our fitting boutiques. Her skill and talent is
Head seamstress
Amy Preece
From a fashion design and construction background, Amy was Jennifer's first ever team member and has progressed up to workshop manager.
Operations Manager
Demi Hardy
...
Fitter
Ellie
From working directly in bridal, Ellie joined The Modiste in 2019 and is now managing her own brides and fittings, Ellie is highly skilled, trained and really knows her gowns.
Pattern cutter
Katherine
With many years pattern cutting and drafting experience, we don't know what we would do without Kat. Meticulous and highly skilled, Kat's work is a joy to behold.
Senior seamstress
Maryna
Joining the team from Ukraine, Maryna has worked in bridal for over .... years and offers the most stunning quality of work.
Seamstress
Ana
From a fashion pattern cutting background, Ana has become an invaluable member of our team.
Seamstress
Daisy
From a fashion and textile degree, Daisy's quality of work and beautiful designs are a joy to see.
Operations
Maria
From being with The Modsite for many years, Maria leads up all our operations and diary management. A big job and done perfectly!
Seamstress
Kika
Finishing her degree in Fashion design, Kika has been snapped straight up into working at The Modiste from her great skill and beautiful work.