In Conversation with Emma Willis: The Magic of Bespoke Clothing
Tuesday 17th June | 18:30 for 19:00 | Drawing Room | £15.00
Home to some of the finest traditional gentleman’s shirt makers in London, Jermyn Street is globally recognised for its high quality artistry and craftmanship. It is therefore no surprise that since 1999, this renown street for quality and excellence has been home to Emma Willis London, championing traditional English Shirt making techniques using luxurious Swiss and West Indian Sea Island Cottons.
Emma Willis MBE DL — renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the luxury clothing brand, Emma Willis London, is widely recognised as the first female shirtmaker on Jermyn Street, paving the way in a traditionally male-dominated industry, establishing boutiques on both Jermyn Street and, more recently, Old Burlington Street in Mayfair.
From her beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse workshop in Gloucester—Bearland House—Emma leads a skilled team producing over 10,000 hand-cut garments each year. She is passionate about British craftsmanship and the training of young people, employing and mentoring the next generation of cutters and seamstresses while preserving traditional tailoring skills.
Emma’s impact goes far beyond fashion. In 2008, she founded the charity Style for Soldiers, supporting the rehabilitation and wellbeing of injured service personnel through bespoke clothing, custom-designed regimental walking sticks, and large-scale reunions that foster connection and healing. Her efforts earned her a Points of Light Award from Prime Minister Theresa May and recognition from the then HRH The Prince of Wales, who attended a Style for Soldiers Christmas reunion in 2017.
She has been appointed MBE for Services to Entrepreneurship, received an Exemplar Employer Certificate for her work employing refugees, and plays an active role as a Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. Emma also serves on the Board of NHS Op RESTORE and is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Gloucestershire for her role in launching the university’s fashion degree and her ongoing dedication to youth training and employment.
In conversation with Rag Member Helen Erhabor, a passionate advocate for leadership and entrepreneurship, Emma will discuss the Magic of Bespoke Clothing, starting with her journey to becoming Jermyn Street’s first female shirt maker, her work with the styles for soldiers charity and the leadership lessons she has learnt along the way.
Emma Willis is a trailblazer whose story blends style, substance, and purpose. Do not miss the opportunity to hear from a woman redefining legacy, leadership, and compassion in British business. Afterwards, you are warmly invited to join us at the supper table in the Coffee Room for a two-course meal, where the conversation with our guest speaker may continue in a relaxed and convivial setting.