Testimonials
Meet the competition’s previous winners and finalists and find out where they are now.
Victoria Demekhina
Silver Shears Winner 2023
Why did you apply for the Golden Shears?
I don't remember ever considering not participating. As soon as I found out about The Golden Shears, I knew it was something I had to do.
Please talk us through your design and finished garment
We were given the choice of making either womenswear or menswear garments, and to be completely honest, my choice was dictated by the fact that I only had access to a female mannequin. Looking back, however, even if I'd had both mannequins, I would still have chosen womenswear. I feel it offers a certain freedom, the opportunity to create very challenging designs while still producing garments that feel appropriate and wearable for a potential client.
The design itself was the hardest part for me, as it is not something that usually comes to me effortlessly. I knew that I would spend countless hours making these garments, so every detail had to be carefully considered before I started cutting. For my project, I used Fox Brothers flannels, a truly iconic cloth with a fantastic history. Their team was brilliant to work with, and they kindly offered a generous discount for my project.
The pattern was constructed in such a way that the two garments visually echo each other: the front overlaps of the jacket and skirt run at the same angle, and the centre-back seams on both pieces feature box pleats. The three-piece sleeves also incorporate box pleats. I chose bellows pockets for my jacket, and they are positioned just above the hem to accentuate an hourglass shape, and set at an angle so they run parallel to the front edge. As they say, "we didn't start it because it was easy, but because we thought it would be easy." The pockets kept collapsing, ad it took me a ridiculous number of hours to find the right interfacing materials and construction method to make them stand proud above the hem.
Additionally, there is a hidden construction detail, something that makes perfect sense in bespoke tailoring. Since the pockets are positioned at an angle, if they had been made using classic construction, the shape of the jacket could have been distorted by the weight of anything placed inside them. So, I decided to make a hidden pocket inside each one that runs vertically, and to let the internal canvas structure carry all the load.
I also decided to use ivory Cupro Bemberg as the lining. It was a temperamental choice to work with, but its translucency revealed the internal construction details I was proud of.
What were you doing before the competition?
At the time of the competition, I was preparing for my client-facing role at Samuel Brothers, a company specialising in military tailoring. It later proved to be a very special experience in my career.
What makes The Golden Shears special?
I find The Golden Shears truly unique, standing proudly among other fashion-related competitions. Its carefully selected panel of judges evaluates not only the garment's design but, first and foremost, the maker's tailoring skills. Additionally, the anonymity of the entries helps make the process as objective as possible. All of this allows participants to feel confident that they are being seen as well-rounded specialists within the industry, while also pushing them to the limits of their abilities.
What moment stood out?
I don't think I will ever forget the moment when my name was called to receive a prize, it felt as if time had stopped.
How did The Golden Shears leave its mark?
We are shaped by everything we go through, and The Golden Shears has been one of the defining experiences in my journey as a professional.
What is on the horizon for you?
I recently started my own company, which is a very exciting venture. There are many things happening at the moment, and I'm currently building a website to make that work visible.
My current social media is @engineerintailoring on Instagram, and my website @intailoring.com will be launching soon.
I'm working on incorporating digital elements into my workflow. Current advances in AI and 3D fashion design software make these tools very appealing to explore. Imagine using digital body scans and the physical parameters of a fabric to digitally visualise the fit of a bespoke garment and plan the pattern layout. Isn't that exciting?
What would you say to someone considering entering the competition?
Plan carefully, and use this opportunity to show the depth of your skills. It is a rare chance to have your work seen by people who truly understand the craft.