In Conversation with Founder Anna James the Label

I originally launched my business in 2015 which focused on men’s and ladies’ made to measure tailoring with a small ready-to-wear collection. It didn’t take me long to realise that the women’s ready-to-wear collection had huge potential and after three years of planning and designing I rebranded and relaunched in April 2023 to embark on an exciting new journey with Anna James.

 Limited-edition pieces and slow fashion are at the forefront of my designs. Small quantities of each design are produced, and we only make more if we know it’s in demand. This keeps the production less wasteful, and exclusive to our customers. I carefully source premium quality fabrics, including 100% wool, velvet, linen, needlecord and silk from the UK and Europe. And I ensure all pieces are made with the same attention to detail as you would expect from an exceptional Savile Row tailor.

Over the past 18 months, Anna James has expanded its range of statement womenswear pieces to include a classic collection that is made up of our best-sellers and is available all year round. This year the seasonal collections, initially focusing on the hard-working blazers, include the exciting launch of the exquisite two and three-piece suit.

I had an unconventional route in to tailoring and fashion when I became the manager of a tailoring company in Sloane Square and I fell in love with the craftmanship. However, I have always loved textiles and subsequently my fabrics take centre stage in my designs.  

 

Where did the unique designs of your clothing pieces come from?

The designs themselves are not unique as classic and timelessness is key, however the inside of all the pieces are embroidered with empowering and inspiring quotes in colourful thread which gives the garments a unique touch.

 

How do you choose high quality materials for your designs? What colours and fabrics work best?

One of my favourite parts of Anna James is sourcing the fabrics and trimmings. Many of our pieces are made from dead-stock and end of the line fabrics which will take me down a rabbit hole of fabric books and samples for days! The fabrics have to be mid-weight, so that they work all year round, and I tend to lean more towards earthy colours especially in autumn/winter. Texture is the ultimate decider on a piece of fabric, it has to scream luxury, comfort, and sophistication, making it irresistible to both the eye and the touch.

 

Who is the most inspirational celebrity you have spotted wearing Anna James?

Alex Jones wearing Anna James on BBC’s “The One Show” was a big moment. She comes across very down-to-earth and approachable and I admire how she balances a demanding career and motherhood.

 

Can you tell us about the DICE campaign?

I am passionate about women supporting women and championing other women. Fuelled by this I have launched the DICE (Dream, Inspire, Confidence, Empower) campaign focusing on: empowering women through my designs, raising funds towards selected charities and shining the spotlight on inspiring female-founders through monthly DICE Conversations. When women support women, amazing things can happen!

Have you any exciting launches planned in the coming months?

With party season and Christmas fast approaching we have two stunning suits launching later this month; a sumptuous navy velvet two-piece suit and a standout tux three-piece suit with Italian silk trimmings, which will be a showstopper.

 

Name three things you believe a statement piece should be.

A statement piece should have:

1) Personality - a bold colour or a pattern with a unique design that is eye-catching.

2) Tailored fit - a flattering and well-tailored silhouette ensures the blazer complements your shape and adds sophistication to the overall look. 

3) High-quality fabric and detailing - the pieces should be made of luxurious or standout fabrics like velvet, cord or tweed and finished with special details, such as silk buttons, embroidery, or an unexpected lining.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

In five years, my vision for the brand would be: To be a trailblazer in offering exclusive, slow fashion collections, making it a go-to brand for customers seeking longevity and style over fast fashion trends.  To solidify Anna James as a purpose-driven brand and expand the DICE campaign by becoming more involved in social impact projects. To have a dedicated in-house team to ensure my vision and ethos for Anna James are consistently reflected across all aspects of the business to help contribute to the brand's sustainability and longevity. And to try my hand at public speaking at female-founded start-up panels!

Do you have a special scent memory? As we know, fragrance has the power to emerge us in an instant, and our sense of smell is the most powerful of all our senses, closely linked to memory and mood. Is there a special scent that connects you to a place or to a person?

I was recently given a hand cream and the scent immediately took me back to my childhood with my maternal grandma. She was the matriarch of our family and was an incredible woman who could turn her hand to anything. She dressed impeccably; her timeless effortless style will always be a huge inspiration to me.