We welcomed Kathleen Dentten to our February meeting to talk about her experience of working for the House of Lachasse, one of the leading couture houses in London famous for its classic styles. It was situated just round the corner off Berkeley Square.
She was always interested in dressmaking and embroidery at secondary school. After leaving school, she applied to several fashion houses but was accepted at Lachasse for a 5 year apprenticeship in 1967. She started in the tailoring department and just did sleeves at first under strict supervision. Customers had three fittings before completion of a garment Over the years she went on to make complete garments. She also managed to gain experience on the dressmaking side as well - dresses etc. She made a pink jacket for Barbara Cartland, who liked her clothes very tight. They held a Fashion Show twice a year at which 72 outfits were shown!
She left them when she married a man in the Forces and travelled all over the world.
In the latter years, she set up her own very successful dressmaking business including making theatre costumes in Norfolk which she sold two years ago.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 9 April at 7.30pm when David Reeve will be coming and talking about Royal Security.
Visitors are always welcome at our meetings. If there are any queries, please contact Pam Cooper, President on 01508 491674 or Lesley Sanders, Secretary on 01508 492155.
