For tailors’ everywhere, fashion’s fascination with traditional construction and tailoring fabrics breathes new life into what must be the second oldest profession in the world. Back when his maternal grandmother ‘Missy Khora’, first set up shop little would she think some 117 years later, the tradition would continue with Joe Allen's creative insignia hailing from the dynasty dating back to 1895.
Having studied Clothing Technology before becoming our Head Designer & Tailor enabled him to continue the tradition after graduation from the London College of Fashion in 1975. Being grounded from the time he was a toddler (observing his grandparents at work) found him at the age of four picking cotton out of basting for suits… meaning, as a young boy he learnt from his parents the mysteries of sartorial craft. From humble wet-rag pressing to pin-point construction; Joe’s career has been deliberately low key, but nonetheless he is a master of his trade and a leading fashion designer in the British fashion industry. His design consultancy based in Cross Street, Islington has been in existence for 40 years. His works have been featured in magazines such as: Harpers & Queen (now Harper’s Bazaar) and Elle. Throughout this he has contributed to innovation, not just in fashion but also in the development of new textiles by collaborating with the International Wool Secretariat, ICI and the OMC Group to develop designs which aimed to test the structural ability of new fabrics developed for the fashion industry. His works have been shown at various leading trade shows in Europe and the UK. His ability goes on providing the industry and consumer with garments in tune with the times and in keeping with his clients’ high expectations. His reputation is based on impeccable standards and quality, which has generated his flourishing business. His commitment to training and quality has led to him taking up appointments, in design and garment construction at: Gloucester College of Art, The London College of Fashion and the Royal College of Art. Teaching at these institutions has led to a number of collaborations with couture designers such as: Katharine Hamnett, Darla Jane Gilroy, Vogage, Luella, Taishi Nobukimi and Laura Ashley as well as corporate design groups. Joe Allen and his team’s work includes commissions for the likes of INXS, Lulu, Madness, Terence Trent D’Arby, Annie Lennox, Dave Stuart and Peter Denton of the rock band ‘KOOKS’ apart from rock royalty, Joe’s clients include the Royal family, bankers, lawyers and authors. Told off for attempting to expose Royal silhouettes, fighting back with affirmation of musician’s outfit creations he has continued to buck the trend while surviving solely on the word of mouth. 2015 brings with it a new frontier for the once demur, a venture into cyberspace. From altruism to self-actuation the service could not be more holistic, guaranteeing a garment of longevity, all needs for special occasions and impeccable aftercare. Joe Allen Master Tailors is a company made of seasoned and new era tailors, designers and image consultants inspired under Joe Allen's tutelage.
