Tailor Pepys

Welcome to Tailor Pepys

I'm Karen Frances Smith, and through Tailor Pepys I would like to share three decades of expertise in historical costume craftsmanship. With an extensive background as the men's cutter and head tailor at the National Theatre on London's South Bank, followed by a decade as a pattern cutter for Film & TV, I founded Tailor Pepys to give me an opportunity to expand on my freelance work and explore my love for historical costume in more detail.

Tailor Pepys Vision

Crafting History, One Stitch at a Time

Initially, Tailor Pepys will be a home for my freelance work as a cutter but, born out of my passion for historical detailing, the aim is to expand to supply beautifully crafted items starting with linens, underpinnings, shirts, and chemises inspired by the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Eventually, I hope it will grow into a comprehensive source for historically inspired items, embracing the exquisite detailing that defines each era.

In all things I will aim to use traditional fabrics where possible such as linen, wool, leather, and silk, ensuring authenticity in every creation.

As they say, watch this space! I will also set up an Instagram and Facebook page where my progress can be followed.

Services Offered

• Period & Theatrical Pattern Cutting
• Tailoring and Construction
• 19th & 20th Century Tailoring
• 16th, 17th & 18th Century Menswear
• Ladies Period Corsetry and Draping
• Machine Embroidery
• Soft Leatherwork
• Team Management
• Workroom Management
• Stock Ordering

Portfolio

Productions for Theatre, Opera, Stage and Screen

Aside from my 10 years at the National Theatre, London, my portfolio includes costumes for iconic theatre productions such as One Man Two Guvnors, Phantom of the Opera, Showboat, Les Miserables, Girl from the North Country, Richard III and Shakespeare in Love. Operas Medea, Die Meistersinger, Mikado, Tristan and Isolde also feature as do musicals Carousel and Funny Girl. Finally my TV credits include historical and fantasy TV productions such as Outlander, BBC Musketeers, Carnival Row, Beecham House, Cursed, Silo and Becoming Elizabeth with the new season of Shardlake just released.