See a new luminosity of fashion and interiors with Jessica Light’s bespoke trims and tassles

Jessica Light set up her own label in East London just over four years ago with the view to produce trims and tassles. Knowing that there was a gap in the market for such items that needed new colours and materials, Jessica decided that creating a handmade bespoke service would be an exciting intervention. Now, one of the last trimming weavers left in England, Jessica has walked into a fashion and interior dream world, producing contemporary and unique pieces with impeccable quality.

After studying at Trent Polytechnic for a degree in textile design, Jessica was advised to contact Wendy Cushing, a passementerie specialist. Taking Jessica on, Wendy trained her on the job, which led her to working in fashion jewellery for the likes Christian Lacoix, Thierry Mugler and John Galliano. She also took on the opportunity to look at fringing on a much larger scale. In completely impressive style, Jessica has even been able to fringe the balcony pieces at Buckingham Palace.

The working day for Jessica isn’t a typical one as every job she takes on is different.

Finding the time to create her own collections as well as bespoke pieces, her recent creations have featured a whole host of unusual materials, from netting and yarns to leather and paper. She has also used dolls heads as tassle tops and created tassles from elastic and string ensuring that each one of her designs is a statement feature.

Inspiration for her eccentric collections comes from absolutely everywhere! From books to films, architecture to museums, Jessica likes to mix ideas together and ensures that her work isn’t too literal when she starts the making process. She also often researches other craft techniques to combine them with her skills for different scale and colour combinations.

With Jessica’s business booming at the moment, she has a bright future ahead of her. With regular customers such as Dorothy Wightman and work history with Giles Deacon and Vivienne Westwood, her small idea of making trims and tassles has become a huge success. The newest collection launched online in April and has created a roaring trade on the online store.

Being a true role model and keeping traditional industries alive in this modern day and age, Jessica has managed to create a truly inspiring label. The Buckingham Palace fringe that Jessica replaced had lasted for 98 years, and unless she passes on the skills to someone else to do this, there won’t be anyone to do it. She aims to teach others her skills she has to keep this trade and her name alive.

Discover more of Jessica Light’s world here.

Kellie Griffith