Thoughtfully made

All E Nolan fittings, pattern making, and alterations are completed at The Dressing Room, with partial garment construction undertaken in Suzhou, China. “About 65 per cent of the initial construction is completed in Suzhou, then the garment is sent back to us. From there, five to six hours more work is completed in our workroom, before the client comes in for the second fitting,” explains Emily.

Outsourcing the initial step of the manufacturing process has allowed Emily more time to focus on the part of her job she loves the most – meeting with clients. Customers can be assured they’ll meet with Emily at every fitting, ensuring a continuity in the quality service and human connection she provides.

“It's really important to me that I don't hire other tailors, it would remove me from the best market research I have direct access to,” she says.

Clients can choose from a wide variety of stock cloths (E Nolan’s most popular fabrics, purchased directly from mills at a yield of 90-120 metres), or cut-length cloths at a premium. The latter are cut to the exact amount required for each client, and are at a higher price point as they incur a cutting fee from the mill and an individual freight price.

“I have access to over 600 fabrics from the world’s best mills in Italy, the UK, Japan and Germany. We work with natural fibres of wool, cotton, linen, tweed, boucle and velvet – all designed to enhance comfort,” Emily says.

Extensive comfort is an intuitive part of the C-Class, too. From the lavish upholstery to the ambient lighting, the vehicle provides a comfortable driving and passenger experience from the moment you climb inside.

Designed for life

E Nolan’s made-to-order model exists first and foremost to provide clients with their perfect fit, but the benefits extend to complete size inclusivity and reduced impact on the environment.

“The most important thing is making garments that fit. The added bonus of making one-offs is that there's no fabric wastage,” says Emily.

The thoughtful design, quality fabrics, and ‘slow fashion’ manufacturing process encourage pieces that will be treasured for years to come.

Always evolving

As E Nolan has grown, so has their offering. In addition to custom garments, the pandemic inspired the launch of a ready-to-wear collection available in sizes 4 to 22. The range has evolved to comprise a core stable of classic pieces – cotton knitwear and five different cuts of shirts – released in new fabrics each season.

Emily has also developed her own sizing measurements for the collection based on fitting data she’s personally amassed as a specialty women’s tailor.

The C-Class demonstrates the same progressive approach to design. Complete with a large, high-definition touchscreen in the centre console of the digital cockpit, a state-of-the-art multimedia system, and a keyless start function, the sporty Sedan exhibits luxury and innovation at every turn.

Although E Nolan’s first customers were mostly corporate professionals requiring a suit for work, the evolution of the brand has captured the attention of a variety of women and LGBTQIA+ people looking to incorporate tailored pieces into their everyday, casual wear.

“That's obvious to me in the choice of cloth. People are wanting to come in and get fitted for something that they can reach for three times a week,” Emily says.

In many ways, E Nolan is a return to thoughtfully constructed clothing of generations gone, and an investment in the local manufacturing industry previously thriving in 19th century Fitzroy.

To develop a debt-free business without investors that is attracting clients including Cate Blanchett is Emily’s proudest achievement.

“It’s really rewarding, and the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I don’t know what it’s going to look like, but I will be doing this for the rest of my life.”

Discover the C-Class and book an online consultation in the Digital Showroom today.

By Amelia Barnes