Testimonials
Meet the competition’s previous winners and finalists and find out where they are now.
What makes The Golden Shears special?
What makes The Golden Shears special is its accessibility to anyone in their early career in the trade. The competition aims to create a level playing field regardless of applicants' prior experience or connections in the industry. It is great to have a competition that is specifically for bespoke tailors and truly values quality craftmanship in its judging.
What was the Grand Final like?
The evening itself was very exciting, and it was a nice opportunity to speak with various people in the trade, as well as judges and other competitors. It felt like a very proud moment to have my family at the event in the Merchant Taylors' Hall. The building itself is a special place to be for the final and the internal architecture really enhanced the impact of the garments on the catwalk.
Any advice for someone considering entering the competition?
I would say 'go for it!' The competition is an amazing opportunity to practise your craft and be creative without the confines of a project brief. I found The Golden Shears really expanded my world within the bespoke trade by becoming a professional reference point that tailors knew.
Silver Shears Winner 2025
I applied after hearing about the competition at university. My tutor in the second year, Rachel Singer, won the Golden Shears in 2019, so she was an advocate for the competition. After graduating London College of Fashion's (LCF) bespoke tailoring course in the summer of 2024, I was determined not to let my skills diminish over time. I decided a new project would be perfect! The reputation of the competition really attracted me, and I felt driven to try and gain recognition that was well respected in the industry.
Please talk us through your design and finished garment
I made a window-pane check safari jacket and a pair of wide-leg pleated culottes. Both cloths were from Scabal, who I had a good relationship with after winning student competitions that they sponsored as part of my course at university. I really wanted to push myself in terms of pattern-matching, and I am particularly proud of the matching across the pleated bellows pockets on the front of the jacket.
The jacket featured a ceramic belt buckle and imprinted ceramic buttons which were hand-crafted by my friend Will Osborne, who is a ceramicist.
What are you doing now?
Primarily, I work in my workshop in Soho making jacket bastes for Savile Row houses. i really enjoy working in the trade ad interacting with all the talented craftspeople that keep the industry going. I also take on my own bespoke commissions and have had the opportunity to do some freelance design consultancy work. Alongside this, I am a Visiting Practitioner on LCF's Bespoke Tailoring course where I help teach first-year modules on trouser and jacket making.
All updates on my work can be found on my Instagram: @tildajonathanbespoke
What is coming up next for you?
I have a very exciting capsule collection in collaboration with Paul and Joe in Paris being released for Autumn/ Winter 2026. The 'Tilda Jonathan X Paul and Joe Savile Row Capsule' is a collection of timeless womenswear tailored pieces showcasing quality fabrics and a lining designed and illustrated by me.