Meet Sabina, Oliver Brown’s coat making apprentice at our flagship store in Chelsea.
Originally from Surrey, it was actually her father who first introduced her to London’s iconic Savile Row. She fondly recalls the moment he first took her there, and how she immediately fell in love with her surroundings - it was its rich heritage and display of exceptional craftsmanship which ultimately sparked her passion for tailoring.
Sabina was originally drawn towards a career in tailoring because of her lifelong love of creation - whether it was painting, drawing, or sewing, from a very early age Sabina always found joy in creating things. She says that she finds the process of bringing something to life through her hands both “satisfying and rewarding”.
Sabina's college education in Fashion and Design laid the foundation for her career, but it was at the Savile Row Academy where she truly refined her skills. After completing an immersive nine-month course, Sabina was honoured to be offered a position at one of the most esteemed tailors on the Savile Row, Maurice Sedwell. Here, she gained invaluable experience working alongside some of the world’s finest tailors, skills which she subsequently applied at her next job, Michael Browne, another one of London’s prestigious bespoke tailors.
At Oliver Brown, Sabina mentions that she thrives not only because of the work that she does, but also because of the wonderful people she works with. She has formed close friendships with her colleagues, creating a supportive and collaborative atmosphere that is truly special for a workplace, making every day something to look forward to. Sabina explains how these relationships make the challenges of tailoring feel all the more rewarding, where she constantly feels supported.
A particularly special aspect of Sabina’s role is the opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s finest, including our esteemed Head Tailor, Paul, whose four decades of expertise have had a profound impact on her. Sabina describes Paul as a “wizard” of tailoring, and feels privileged to learn from him, as well as from Isaac, our head cutter and longest serving employee, who leads the bespoke department with his extensive knowledge and skill. Additionally, Jessica, another key figure within the bespoke team’s continuous guidance has also hugely helped Sabina shape her craft.
One of Sabina’s proudest moments in her career thus far was crafting a shooting gilet for our founder Kristian. From conception to completion, she was involved in every step of the process. She describes how watching her creation come to life from the earliest stages to the final product is an incredibly fulfilling experience, and is currently working on another one for him.
Outside of tailoring, Sabina is passionate about physical fitness and loves being constantly surrounded by nature. Running, walking, and using outdoor gyms in her local parks are some of her favourite activities. Travelling is another huge passion of hers, with her dual heritage being half Filipino, she cherishes going back to Manila where her mother’s side of the family are from. The Philippines, with its breathtaking landscapes, holds a special place in her heart as one of the most stunning destinations the world has to offer.
Looking ahead, Sabina is eager to broaden her skills and expand her repertoire. Currently focused on coat making, she has ambitions of mastering trousers and waistcoats, and is super excited about what the future holds as she continues to grow in the world of tailoring.