From sketch to dress: An interview with our Director Virginia Palm.
Gini Palm is the heart at should of Julie Fitzmaurice here in Harrogate, here we ask her a few questions to tell us more about her the driving force and the boutique in Harrogate.
Gini what is your background and what does JFM offer to the ladies of the North?
I previously ran a personal shopping business in london where the clientele included high powered business ladies as ladies requiring dressing for the season and those looking to be perfectly attired for their social calendar.
I felt Harrogate was missing that personal service and we offer a more affordable service to our ladies and most importantly we create bespoke garments which are made to measure and can fit any shape and size.
So you actually make couture garments?
Yes we can offer our styles, to fit any shape and size. it starts with an initial consultation where we take a set of measurements, clients are arranged an appointment where they will meet with either myself or one of my dedicated team of stylists, have a warm drink or some fizz, and get excited about their new outfit, we create a toile, do a second fitting and then a final fitting. My client last week was a size 22 and she looked and felt amazing. we are finding people are struggling to get outfits to fit them and here at JFM - we do just that.
What do you specialise in?
We offer a full bespoke and ready to wear garments here at JFM over two floors, our large boutique offerers a large accessory collection, including a hat collection, jewellery collections, accessories, including handbags, cloth bags, scarfs and the latest pieces that are on trend.
Our bespoke collections are aimed at Mother of the Bride / Groom. Special outfits for occasions which as the races, garden parties and special occasions.
Who is this service open to?
Everyone - we have clients visiting far a field because there is just no one who offerers the service we do. We have clients booking a mini break in Harrogate and spend the weekend with us, we have people who pop by for the latest ready to wear trends, it might be a pair of jeans or the latest printed scarf to accessories. We offer the full wardrobe here at JFM all under one roof.
Tell me about your team?
We have a small team of dedicated Stylists who have worked for JFM for a number of years, they are trained and dedicated to find the right styles for the clients, they are open, honest and here to help.
Do clients have to make an appointment?
No, we are open 6 days a week - Monday - Saturday 9.00AM - 5.30PM. We might ask clients to make an appointment if they want to book in for a made to measure service, but we find it nice for people to browse the collections and meet with us initially.