UPTIGHT CLOTHING
COMPANY PROFILE
Uptight Clothing is small independent company, specializing in hand-made,
bespoke corsets and corseted gowns; it was founded in 1999 by fashion and
theatrical costume Interpretation graduate Janice Whitehorn.
After graduating, Janice honed her design, cutting and making skills in theatres such as Manchester’s Royal Exchange, and London’s Saddlers Wells, Covent Garden Opera House and Shakespears Globe Theatre. Having learned how to bring out the best in all shapes and sizes of women, Janice realised that her true passion was to introduce some theatre into the world of fashion design. Janice’s mission was to use her costume and fashion skills , along with her creative vision to produce beautiful couture corseted gowns that would make any occasion truly special.
Janice started Uptight Clothing part-time whilst still working in theatre, but demand for her stunning gowns meant that she could leave the theatre and devote herself full-time to Uptight. After expanding to bigger premises every six months to accommodate increasing demand, Uptight moved to its current location in Bedfordshire – a spacious studio with a client showroom.
Uptight Clothing’s specialty is corsetry. Janice has created bridal gowns, evening dresses, and a wide range of made-to-measure corseted underwear. She believes that her skill lies in her desire and ability to bring out the best in every woman, especially those of non-standard sizes who find it difficult to buy clothes for special occasions. Many of Janice’s customers are voluptuous ladies; an Uptight corset can take up to 8 inches off their waists, whilst still being comfortable to wear. The result is that they look and feel fabulous, without having to resort to radical dieting. A bespoke corset also benefits slimmer women, with small backs but large busts - an impossible shape to fit elegantly off the peg. Women with this type of figure often have to resort to wearing a bigger size that makes them look larger and frumpy. An Uptight corset fits the ribcage, supports the bust and nips in the waist – the results are spectacular!
An Uptight gown is individually designed, cut, fitted and hand made to order,
by Janice, (and help from a much a needed new part time assistant Bex!) allowing
total control over your gown, every step of the way. You will see your dream
dress grow from a Drawing to a finished gown, with each fitting, allowing
for the design to change and grow as it is made. Each gown is unique, and
made from luxurious fabrics, often decorated with beautiful hand embroidery,
appliqué, and beadwork. The dresses vary from outrageous, theatrical,
fairytale creations to those with simple fluid lines and a concealed corset
for a glamorous silhouette. Janice also designs and makes tiaras, and other
jewellery to complement each outfit.
Janice still undertakes occasional film, theatre and television work. Most recently she has made costumes for West End productions of The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat, and Sleeping Beauty, Faust and A Soldiers Tale at the Royal Opera House, also for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and East Enders. But is now spending nearly all her time on Uptights bridal gowns.
For more information, or to make an appointment to view a collection of gowns, corsets, and jewellery contact Janice Whitehorn on 07884477286, or visit the Uptight Clothing Web site at www.uptight-clothing.co.uk.
Note; Due to receiving excessive amounts of cold callers/nonsense calls,( and being very busy in the workroom sewing) Janice may not be able to answer your call immediately, you may go straight to the answer phone. Please don't be put off by this, Just leave a message with your Name, number and any details, and Janice will ring you back as soon as she can, usually within the hour, or as soon as she can. Sorry for this inconvenience.
Past to present......
Just having a spring clean, and found the pictures of the first wedding dress I made when I was a art school in 1996!
How I managed to turn a fabric painting project into an outfit.... definitely a sign of things to come....
A recent design.. real bride Jane- 2006
