Hello! My name is Laura and I’m a fashion designer. I am originally from Latvia, however I moved to England in 2012 with my two children and I am now based in East London. I am deaf and come from a deaf family.
Growing up, I loved immersing myself in crafts, knitting, sewing and crochet and I decided to focus on creating my own designs as inspired by my Mother who is also a deaf professional seamstress well known throughout Latvia.
When I first moved to London with my two daughters I didn’t know what to do. My first step was to learn the English language and to learn BSL. Growing up in Latvia we were only given the opportunity to learn Russian or German so I didn’t know any English beforehand.
I studied at mainstream college and was awarded the Shining Star Award for the best Further Education student of the year in July 2016 while studying English as a second language before moving on to get a diploma in Bespoke Tailoring.
I then began working on Savile Row at a bespoke tailor, part of the team that worked on measurements and adjusting fabrics and offering tailored services. The materials would come to me at the end of the process where I would work on them by hand, sewing where required.
I worked there part time, all the while loving the experience; the wonderful atmosphere, the scents of the fabric, working with a range of beautiful materials. I did this all by myself with a hearing team without an interpreter.
I was blown away to be nominated for the Award of the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange in February 2018, where I was invited – along with another nominee – to Buckingham Palace.
I was absolutely amazed by this, I felt overwhelmed and incredibly moved by the experience. I was in the presence of some of the most famous fashion designers with fashion being displayed from 53 countries across the world.
I met future queen Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge Sophie Helen Rhys, the Countess of Wessex, and some of brightest fashion designers, shakers in Fashion including: Livia Firth, Hamish Bowles, Anna Wintour from Vogue, Stella McCartney, Princess Eugenie, Naomi Campbell and Adwoa Aboah.
I had an interpreter with me for this experience which was absolutely beautiful but unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to take photographs inside the venue. It was an absolutely unforgettable event.
I eventually achieved my diploma and planned to increase my work on Savile Row to become full time but unfortunately COVID hit and lockdown changed all plans.
It was during lockdown when I began sewing again at home and I was reminded of my original dream which was to have my own business. I had held off my business plans for some time while I worked and studied, but I found myself feeling re-inspired.
I saw during lockdown how there were lots of discussions about sustainability and repurposing fabrics. This inspired an idea to repurpose denim fabrics and create new items of clothing and accessories from old pieces of denim jeans, jackets and so forth.
I presented my recycled jeans collection at London Fashion Day in October 2023, for which I thankfully to the organiser and owner Kostiantyn Lieontiev. I am also thankful to my BSL interpreter Irina Drytchak for supporting me.
It was a dream come true for me to be part of a modern, beautiful event where models were used to show off the clothing. The organiser supported me to find my own models and others were shocked to find I was the only deaf fashion designer, and someone who had moved to England quite recently too!
I won the Textile Fashion Designer of the year award in December 2024 which was a huge achievement.
I had forgotten just how much hard work I have had to put in. Looking back there have been so many barriers growing up in Latvia and more hard work was needed to get me to where I wanted to be as a fashion designer.
But I realise I should feel proud of myself and thankful to God for bringing me to where I am.
I was able to get funding for my own interpreter for my business and together we attended many fashion shows to showcase my work internationally – with invites across the world which took me by surprise.
Looking back, I have had so much success that I feel incredibly grateful for. I can now look with excitement to the future!
I would like to set up my own website and develop a team around me – as I currently work alone. I would also love to be more widely known as a deaf fashion designer.
I would also like to get to know other deaf fashion designers. I was aware of a husband and wife team that worked together but I believe they stopped trading around lockdown – I would love to be in touch with anyone who works in the field.
For any young budding fashion designer reading this, my advice to you would firstly be, don’t give up! Always stand up for yourself and be true to yourself when aiming for your dreams – follow what your true desires are and where your skills lie too.
Laura Tailor creates recycled denim outfits for both women and men to create a second life for her beloved eco-friendly denim.
By doing this, she makes sure your old and unwanted clothes don’t end up on the ground and instead are turned into fabulous new outfits. Laura Tailor also makes a variety of unique accessories.
Instagram: @LauraTailor_
Facebook: LauraTailor
Jo
January 27, 2025
Wow Laura, I’m blown away with your ability to uproot yourself along with your daughters to start a new life, studying English and extending your knowledge too with working with fabrics too! You are a golden star for us all to follow your example to be able to realise a dream and not let your deafness get in the way. You are a shining inspiration to us all. Thank you.