Couture Pattern Cutter

A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced Couture Pattern Cutter to join the Suzanne Neville atelier in Harrow-on-the-Hill.

We are looking for a highly skilled manual pattern cutter with an exceptional understanding of fit, proportion and garment construction, to work across our bridal and eveningwear collections.

This is a hands-on creative and technical role, working closely with Suzanne and our Head Pattern Cutter to take designs from initial concept and sketch through pattern development, toile and fitting to the finished gown.

Everything is created and made within our Harrow-on-the-Hill atelier. Every gown is individually cut and made by our own team, allowing our pattern cutters to remain closely involved with the garment throughout its creation.

Our gowns are known for their structure, corsetry and exceptional fit, so a strong understanding of the female form and the ability to create beautifully balanced and flattering patterns is essential.

Responsibilities of the Couture Pattern Cutter:

• Creating complex patterns manually from sketches and design direction
• Developing new bridal and eveningwear designs from initial pattern through to the finished gown
• Creating and developing toiles and making accurate alterations following fittings
• Working closely with Suzanne and our head pattern cutter to interpret designs and develop them technically while retaining the original design vision
• Creating structured bodices, internal corsetry and more complex couture constructions
• Achieving an exceptional standard of fit across a variety of silhouettes and body shapes
• Working confidently with a wide range of luxury fabrics, from structured mikados and satins to crepes, lace, organza and more delicate fabrics
• Translating fitting adjustments accurately back into patterns
• Working closely with our cutters and machinists throughout the making process
• Maintaining the very high standards of fit, construction and craftsmanship associated with Suzanne Neville

What Suzanne Neville is looking for:

• Strong professional experience in manual pattern cutting within couture, luxury or high-end womenswear
• Excellent technical pattern-cutting skills and the ability to create a garment from a design or sketch
• A thorough understanding of corsetry, structured bodices and internal garment construction
• An exceptional eye for proportion, balance and the female form
• Confidence fitting garments and resolving complex fit issues
• Experience working with couture, bridal, eveningwear or high-end occasionwear
• An excellent understanding of fabric behaviour and how different fabrics affect cut, construction and fit
• Meticulous attention to detail and a very high standard of workmanship
• Ability to work independently while enjoying being part of a close, highly skilled atelier team
• A genuine passion for the craft of pattern cutting and beautifully made garments
• Experience with Gerber or digital pattern cutting is a plus – for the right couture pattern cutter, training can be provided.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished pattern cutter to become an integral part of that team, working on new collections as well as the individual gowns created for our brides and private clients.

Application

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you would like to join Suzanne Neville.