In this interview, we are introducing Jet Shenkman, founder and creator of the London-based couture brand Eponine.
For the last 10 years Jet and her team have been making bespoke clothes for a list of high-profile clients, the Princess of Wales amongst them, in her Kensington-based atelier.
Eponine is a family-run, British luxury label specialising in unique and joyful womenswear. Known for their bold use of colour, and textiles and their sharply tailored, sleek silhouettes, Eponine has come to be celebrated as makers of exuberant collection pieces that turn heads, embolden and delight.
How did you start out in your career?
I started my early career as a secretary at the Dutch Foreign Office, first posted to London and then to Japan where I met my husband. I was probably the world’s worst secretary as I am creative at heart. As soon as I left my office job I threw myself into the home and fashion styling in Japan. That is where the first seeds for the start of my own business were sown. We travelled a huge amount and I started collecting kimonos and fabrics I came across in Thailand even then
Who or what do you take your inspiration from?
My main inspiration comes from the elegant shapes of the 50’s and 60’s, an era when women dressed in feminine shapes with lots of accessories like hats, gloves and bags.
Who is your fashion/products aimed at?
I guess that our collections are mainly aimed at the over 40’s, probably due to the price point, we love commissions for the younger generations too. Especially working with brides-to-be, it is always such an honour to be trusted with an important commission like that.
What sets your fashion apart from other high-end couture?
Our use of an eclectic mix of vintage fabrics which means that we can make one-off pieces that stand out in a crowd
Who have been your favourite clients to dress?
There have been quite too many to mention but dressing the Princess of Wales has been the highlight of my career
How is your work received internationally?
We have introduced an online couture service where we can make a selection of our pieces in standard UK sizing. We do have, however, a considerable client base abroad who visit us each time they pass through London.
What is the typical design process like for the Eponine team?
We always start with sourcing fabrics, and after that, we start designing the shapes. One of the designs that we always include is a fitted body with a full skirt. It is a style I love and it has become one of our staples we include in each collection.
How do you choose your fabrics and where are they sourced from?
We source all our wool fabrics from established mills in Yorkshire and Scotland. For our unique pieces, we source from Romania, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan. For our next collection, I am working on a collaboration with embroiderers in Ukraine and Uzbekistan which is very exciting.
How do you want women to feel when wearing your designs?
Confident, joyful and feminine
How do you incorporate art into your designs?
We believe firmly that art and fashion are closely linked and therefore we will be curating works from selected artists and give them an opportunity to show their work in our studio and showroom.
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