Alex James Alex James Alex James

The final stage of our project with the Woven Textile department of Central St Martins is coming together. Over the summer months, we've had four brilliant students who've each completed a month's internship in our design studio. They've had the chance to see many of our collaboration projects from beginning to end - Alina was a great help whilst we designed our Spring/Summer 2010 collection for a Korean brand that we consult for, and Kate, Georgina and Georgia became integral members of our design team as we were art directing and styling photoshoots for the Rake Magazine (the latest shoot will be in the December 2009 issue).

The overall project winner was Lauren Chiu, whose fabric developments really impressed us, and her cloth was woven into a length by British mill Clissold. Her project's muse was Blur bassist Alex James - her fabric was inspired by his country farm (his very big house in the country!) and lifestyle, creating a luxurious vivid moss green fabric with a delicate maroon and ochre overcheck. We decided to contact Alex to see if he'd like to become involved with the project, as it would prove a perfect end to a brilliant project that we've loved being a part of. Having seen Lauren's fabric, he was very enthusiastic to promote the Central St Martins students' work, and we are currently in the process of creating his dashing Bespoke 3-piece suit.

Alex came to meet me and the team last week, and had his first fitting at the Bespoke house. We both agreed that the suit should be slim and clean since the fabric is so eye-catching, and he decided on a 2-button notch lapel jacket with angled flap pockets and an overlapping ticket pocket, with a rich chocolate shot lining. The waistcoat will have 4 welt pockets, and tapered slim trousers. Alex chose a couple of pockets for the internal of the jacket, a pen loop and a pocket for his mobile.

It's great that the project has moved in such a positive direction and that Alex has become involved at this stage - the suit will be a great promotion for the University of the Arts and especially the Woven Textile Department. His suit will be ready for the New Year and I'll keep you posted on the progress!

I'm currently in Korea with head designer Stacey to present our Autumn/Winter 2010 collection, and we had a stop over in Japan so that I could show her our stores out here and of course take her to karaoke!! I'll update fully when I get back to the UK next week.

Email Tim: timsblog@timothyeverest.co.uk