In the second in our series of interviews with some of the industry’s notable figures and rising stars, we talk to Lisa Tang – tailoring apprentice to Paul Jheeta – about how she began her career, who she looks up to and where she hopes to be in ten years’ time…

Where did your tailoring journey begin?

My parents were brought up in the generation where ‘make do and mend’ was very important. At the age of around seven, I loved getting my hands on my grandma’s sewing box. I’d attempt to use the thimbles, wax, threads, pin cushions, needles, etc. – they were like toys for me! She would get me to thread her needle and then teach me how to reattach buttons and repair small holes in clothes.

Mum kept her sewing machine on a table in the corner of my bedroom, where she would alter or mend clothes for the family. I was always very curious about how to use it and tried once when my auntie visited – we attempted to sew onto a piece of cloth, but the thread got tangled around the bobbin case and we thought we’d broken it! Luckily, Mum managed to fix it and – as a result – decided to get me involved in making cushion covers for the living room sofa. Countless washes later, they have endured a good 20 years of wear and tear!

Where did you study?

I studied an Art and Design Foundation course at Loughborough University, which was a great programme! In one group project, we made a dress out of paper, which one of the girls volunteered to wear for a mini catwalk. We also did a lot of illustration classes, which saw us developing our skills in drawing shoes, lingerie and body forms.

From there, I decided to undertake a BA in Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University. After interning at a few companies in the city, I eventually moved to London for work and decided to study a pre-apprentice bespoke tailoring course at Newham College.

Who inspired you to become a tailor?

During the 2012 London Olympic Games, I worked for a company that altered uniforms for the tech officials and Games Makers. I made a few connections there and one colleague was an apprentice at Anderson & Sheppard. Believe it or not, up until that point I had never heard of Savile Row, and she opened my eyes to the world-renowned tailoring happening on our doorstep. Soon after, I became interested in the techniques involved in bespoke tailoring, which is when I found the course at Newham College.

If you weren’t a tailor, what would you be?

If I hadn’t chosen to study fashion design after my foundation course, I probably would have opted to work in graphic design or illustration. I also love making things, so carpentry or some other job involving the practice and mastery of a craft would have appealed to me too.

Which designers do you most admire?

Cristóbal Balenciaga for his mastery in couture. Christian Dior for his extravagant and glamorous creations. Coco Chanel for her elegant and simple designs. Alexander McQueen for the theatrical excitement he created when showcasing his collections. And I also love Yohji Yamamoto for his androgynous, avante garde style.

Who is your style inspiration?

Paul Jheeta!

Have you encountered any obstacles as a result of being a woman in what many still see as a “man’s world”?

I have yet to encounter any so far – perhaps this is a sign that times are changing and more women are being accepted into the world of tailoring. As with any job, I believe that if we present ourselves professionally, have confidence and possess a good knowledge of the field in which we work, then we should never really be faced with any obstacles.