Apprentice wins TV competition to become best young tailor in the UK (From Haringey Independent)

Apprentice from Tottenham wins TV competition to become best young tailor in the UK

10:22am Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

An apprentice from Tottenham won a TV competition to become the best young tailor in the UK.

Emma Martin, 24, who is an apprentice coat maker, fought against hundreds of competitors to win the title in BBC 3’s Young Tailor of the Year programme, which aired on Sunday.

To win the title, Miss Martin had to complete a number of tailoring and design tasks including padding a collar, stitching a waistcoat and making a pair of trousers.

She said: “I didn’t really know what to expect when I entered. As soon as the first task was set it became pretty obvious it was going to be gruelling, brutal even at times.

“It’ll be so satisfying when I complete my apprenticeship, hopefully this year after two tough years of learning and working.”

Miss Martin, who spent her two year apprenticeship at Dege and Skinner tailors in Savile Row, said there will be a window display of her work at the shop.

Miss Martin spent two years studying bespoke tailoring at Newham College before starting her apprenticeship.

As part of the competition, she was interviewed by experts from the industry and had to answer a multiple choice exam.

Chris Hall, tailoring manager at Newham College, said: “We are very proud of Emma – this was a challenging test of her skills, and it’s brilliant to see her do so well.”