From page to stage, we create costumes for the most prestigious theatrical productions worldwide
James Maciver Costumes was established in 2010 and has become world-renowned for designing and creating bespoke costumes for the entertainment industry and private clients.
Having worked with several production companies around the world, we deliver entire production shows from budgets and costume build, through to rehearsals and opening night.
Costume Design Specialists
Based in our studio in Buckinghamshire, UK, we're a small but busy team of 30 experts specialising in costume making, textiles, sculptings, sewing machinery and model-making. We use our extensive knowledge to ensure all of our clients' requirements are not just met, but exceeded.
Theatre, Pantomimes, TV and Cruise Entertainment
Founder James Maciver has been involved in the costume industry for over 20 years and has worked on top theatrical and TV productions including Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals, Hairspray and Disney’s High School Musical UK tour. After more than a decade in business, the team’s experience spans musical theatre, pantomimes, TV shows and cruise entertainment.
Contact us to find how our talented team can help with your costume design needs.
Who We Are
James Maciver | Director
Ross | Head of Production and Project Delivery
Ross | Head of Production and Project Delivery
James began his career in 2005 working in the wardrobe department for Disney's Beauty and the Beast the musical UK tour. In 2010 James created James Maciver Costumes and the business has continued to grow. Today the company has a great team that work tirelessly to deliver the best quality costumes to all of our clients.
Ross | Head of Production and Project Delivery
Ross | Head of Production and Project Delivery
Ross | Head of Production and Project Delivery
Ross’s first introduction to the world of costume came from his granny, who made him Halloween costumes each year and sparked his interest in theatre. After seeing Wicked, Ross became determined to understand how theatre works behind the scenes. He went on to train at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before working as a Stage Manager o
Ross’s first introduction to the world of costume came from his granny, who made him Halloween costumes each year and sparked his interest in theatre. After seeing Wicked, Ross became determined to understand how theatre works behind the scenes. He went on to train at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before working as a Stage Manager on notable productions, including the first pantomime at the Palladium in thirty years.
Since leaving theatre Ross has worked as a stage manager and a designer for a Theatre School, and worked in Operations in Eduction before joining JMC.
Ross joined JMC in 2025, bringing strong analytical, strategic and organisational skills to the company. Working closely with the leadership team, he leads production to help deliver our costumes to stages around the world.
Caroline | Head of Operations
Ross | Head of Production and Project Delivery
Caroline | Head of Operations
Jennifer | Costume Maker
Amelia | Head Theatrical Garment Cutter
Jennifer | Costume Maker
Jen's mum taught her how to sew and when she left school she wasn’t sure what to do! After working in a bridal shop making and altering dresses, she went bac to college to develop her skills further.
Jen is one of our problem solvers at JMC who loves conquering tricky transformation costumes, some of which featured on live TV.
One of Jens f
Jen's mum taught her how to sew and when she left school she wasn’t sure what to do! After working in a bridal shop making and altering dresses, she went bac to college to develop her skills further.
Jen is one of our problem solvers at JMC who loves conquering tricky transformation costumes, some of which featured on live TV.
One of Jens favorite things is seeing a finished costume on stage that she has helped to create. Jen brings an air of calm to the workroom with her patient and cautious attitude to every project with an incredible eye for detail.
Hattie | Costume Maker
Amelia | Head Theatrical Garment Cutter
Jennifer | Costume Maker
Hattie loves bringing costumes to life and is driven by hands-on making. Creating with her hands has always been important to her, and sewing and textiles became the perfect outlet for this creativity.
Hattie studied costume and textiles at university and landed her first role as a trainee fabricator on a large-scale TV show in 2023. Since
Hattie loves bringing costumes to life and is driven by hands-on making. Creating with her hands has always been important to her, and sewing and textiles became the perfect outlet for this creativity.
Hattie studied costume and textiles at university and landed her first role as a trainee fabricator on a large-scale TV show in 2023. Since joining us in 2024, Hattie has loved seeing her work on stage, with a highlight being working on the Starlight Express costumes for London.
Hattie brings creativity to work every day alongside strong knowledge of garment construction, and she loves solving the pattern “puzzle” that brings each costume together.
Amelia | Head Theatrical Garment Cutter
Amelia | Head Theatrical Garment Cutter
Amelia | Head Theatrical Garment Cutter
Amelia has loved dressing up and playing make-believe since childhood. Fascinated by how clothes tell a story, she began making costumes for her dolls at the age of five and turned this passion into a profession in 2018, working as a maker for ballet and opera.
Amelia has been at JMC since 2021 and enjoys the variety of projects that chall
Amelia has loved dressing up and playing make-believe since childhood. Fascinated by how clothes tell a story, she began making costumes for her dolls at the age of five and turned this passion into a profession in 2018, working as a maker for ballet and opera.
Amelia has been at JMC since 2021 and enjoys the variety of projects that challenge her to think creatively and work outside the box. One of her proudest achievements is designing and making costumes for a junior ice dance team that represented Great Britain. Her precision, problem-solving ability and eye for detail are put to use every day as she prepares fabrics ready to be transformed into beautiful garments.
Toril | Costume Maker
Amelia | Head Theatrical Garment Cutter
Amelia | Head Theatrical Garment Cutter
Toril remembers loving to create costumes for herself and her dolls as a child. Fascinated by theatre and costume from a young age, she went on to study dressmaking at college and later gaining a degree in design, Arts & Craft in Norway, and in Costume Performance Design specialising in making. She enjoys focusing on the details that help
Toril remembers loving to create costumes for herself and her dolls as a child. Fascinated by theatre and costume from a young age, she went on to study dressmaking at college and later gaining a degree in design, Arts & Craft in Norway, and in Costume Performance Design specialising in making. She enjoys focusing on the details that help bring each costume to life.
Toril brings a positive energy to the workroom and uses her experience to create the costumes that once inspired her as a child.
Katie | Costume Maker
Celso | Costume Maker
Celso | Costume Maker
Katie’s love for theatre began through music before leading her into the world of costume. She first explored costume design by recreating film and game outfits for events, sparking a deeper interest in storytelling through clothing.
Always keen to improve, Katie enjoys learning new techniques and refining her skills. A key inspiration for
Katie’s love for theatre began through music before leading her into the world of costume. She first explored costume design by recreating film and game outfits for events, sparking a deeper interest in storytelling through clothing.
Always keen to improve, Katie enjoys learning new techniques and refining her skills. A key inspiration for her was the 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony, after which Katie spent weeks studying the costumes and the stories they told.
Highlights of Katie’s career so far include working at Pinewood Studios and earning her first film costume credits. Katie thrives on problem solving and finds real satisfaction in understanding how things work and continuously improving her craft. Katie’s thoughtful, passionate approach is evident in every costume she creates
Celso | Costume Maker
Celso | Costume Maker
Celso | Costume Maker
Celso’s favorite films were always the ones with the most interesting costumes, and his drawing pad was filled with sketches of the same little girl—always in a different outfit. After a long and successful career as a professional dancer, transitioning into the costume industry felt like a natural next step, allowing him to continue cont
Celso’s favorite films were always the ones with the most interesting costumes, and his drawing pad was filled with sketches of the same little girl—always in a different outfit. After a long and successful career as a professional dancer, transitioning into the costume industry felt like a natural next step, allowing him to continue contributing creatively to theatre.
As a Costume Designer, Celso felt accomplished to have his creations shown around the world on production shows onboard Cruise Lines like Cunard, Seabourn and Holland America.
Since joining JMC in 2021, Celso has brought his impeccable hand-sewing skills, positive attitude, and friendly, down-to-earth personality to every project he works on.
Ala | Costume Maker
Celso | Costume Maker
Elin | Costume Maker
Ala’s creativity shines every day as she happily takes on new costume challenges. She enjoys developing and refreshing her sewing skills with each project. Her inspiration to join the industry came from ice skating costumes, where she fell in love with the elegance and intricate details they showcase.
Ala has a strong eye for detail and is
Ala’s creativity shines every day as she happily takes on new costume challenges. She enjoys developing and refreshing her sewing skills with each project. Her inspiration to join the industry came from ice skating costumes, where she fell in love with the elegance and intricate details they showcase.
Ala has a strong eye for detail and is patient even when working with the most complex fabrics and builds. She is a fast learner, loyal, and deeply passionate about what she does.
Elin | Costume Maker
Celso | Costume Maker
Elin | Costume Maker
Elin has always loved the storytelling behind costume and the individuality of every piece. Elin started sewing as a child, making and wearing her own costumes, and later specialised during her degree in Plymouth. Since joining JMC in 2025, she’s been enjoying the variety of projects the team works on.
Elin loves the problem-solving side o
Elin has always loved the storytelling behind costume and the individuality of every piece. Elin started sewing as a child, making and wearing her own costumes, and later specialised during her degree in Plymouth. Since joining JMC in 2025, she’s been enjoying the variety of projects the team works on.
Elin loves the problem-solving side of the role and learning something new each day, bringing creativity and a patient mindset to every project she works on.
Lily | Workroom Assistant
Hollie | Junior Pattern Cutter
Hollie | Junior Pattern Cutter
As a child, Lily often went to the theatre with her parents, where she discovered the magic of costumes and was always encouraged to be creative and make.
Lily has long loved textiles as a subject and has actively pursued this through both education and work. She holds a Master’s degree in Textiles and, before joining us at JMC, worked in
As a child, Lily often went to the theatre with her parents, where she discovered the magic of costumes and was always encouraged to be creative and make.
Lily has long loved textiles as a subject and has actively pursued this through both education and work. She holds a Master’s degree in Textiles and, before joining us at JMC, worked in couture fashion and millinery. She joined the team to be part of creating more outlandish and fun garments.
In her role, Lily combines her textile and making knowledge with strong administrative skills to keep the workroom fully stocked, organised and running smoothly — developing an impressive ability to track down any fabric you might need.
Hollie | Junior Pattern Cutter
Hollie | Junior Pattern Cutter
Hollie | Junior Pattern Cutter
After a school trip to a Victorian house—where Hollie first encountered historic costumes—Hollie developed a lifelong love of dressing up and costume. Taught the basics of sewing by her nan, she began making costumes at just 14 years old.
Hollie went on to study at university, where she refined her pattern-making skills and developed a str
After a school trip to a Victorian house—where Hollie first encountered historic costumes—Hollie developed a lifelong love of dressing up and costume. Taught the basics of sewing by her nan, she began making costumes at just 14 years old.
Hollie went on to study at university, where she refined her pattern-making skills and developed a strong interest in creating and adjusting patterns to fit a wide range of clients. Hollie enjoys the step-by-step problem solving and diagnostic nature of pattern cutting, finding satisfaction in turning challenges into well-fitting solutions.
Naturally inquisitive, Hollie is always eager to learn and brings that curiosity to her work every day as part of the JMC team.
Karen | Workroom Supervisor
Hollie | Junior Pattern Cutter
Karen | Workroom Supervisor
After going to the theatre as a child, Karen remembers being transfixed by the colours on stage and drawn into the fantasy of the world she was watching.
Karen brings extensive experience in pattern cutting, construction and technical skills, having previously run her own company creating made-to-measure motorcycle leathers. This work led
After going to the theatre as a child, Karen remembers being transfixed by the colours on stage and drawn into the fantasy of the world she was watching.
Karen brings extensive experience in pattern cutting, construction and technical skills, having previously run her own company creating made-to-measure motorcycle leathers. This work led to her being voted Motorcycle Manufacturer of the Year by MCN. Karen loves the diversity of people and clients she works with, and the way each project brings new challenges and requirements.
Karen’s determination, problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box help bring even the trickiest of costumes to life.
Veronica | Costume Maker
Hollie | Junior Pattern Cutter
Karen | Workroom Supervisor
Sophie | Costume Maker
Peter | Lead Pattern Cutter
Mohamed | Costume Maker
Sophie was inspired by watching films and seeing how costume is used to tell stories and shape the personalities of characters. She loves being able to bring joy to people through the costumes she creates.
Sophie studied fashion and textiles at college before shifting her focus toward costume design. Sophie has strong skills in using indus
Sophie was inspired by watching films and seeing how costume is used to tell stories and shape the personalities of characters. She loves being able to bring joy to people through the costumes she creates.
Sophie studied fashion and textiles at college before shifting her focus toward costume design. Sophie has strong skills in using industrial sewing machines, which she combines with her careful handwork to create high-quality garments. One of her highlights at JMC has been working on the costumes for the London production of Starlight Express.
Sophie’s careful, patient, and persistent approach ensures that every garment she works on is finished to the highest standard.
Mohamed | Costume Maker
Peter | Lead Pattern Cutter
Mohamed | Costume Maker
Mohamed began making costumes at the age of 14 and quickly developed a passion for the craft. A school trip to the theatre sparked his love for costume, and he has never looked back.
He values JMC’s drive to always improve and uses his experience to work efficiently and effectively. Mohamed brings commitment, responsibility and a calm pre
Mohamed began making costumes at the age of 14 and quickly developed a passion for the craft. A school trip to the theatre sparked his love for costume, and he has never looked back.
He values JMC’s drive to always improve and uses his experience to work efficiently and effectively. Mohamed brings commitment, responsibility and a calm presence to the studio each day as he continues to develop his skills.
Peter | Lead Pattern Cutter
Peter | Lead Pattern Cutter
Peter | Lead Pattern Cutter
Peter brings over 30 years of experience in garment construction to the JMC team. He enjoys creating garments with clear purpose, crafted thoughtfully in every detail to fulfil their role.
Peter’s patience in pattern cutting, along with his reliable and calm approach, helps keep the pattern team moving smoothly through each project.
Jane | Lead Pattern Cutter
Peter | Lead Pattern Cutter
Peter | Lead Pattern Cutter
Jane joined JMC after many years producing high-end, complex garments in the fashion industry. She has since turned her skilled hands and imagination to the world of costume. Inspired by her grandmother, an excellent machinist and pattern maker, Jane began creating garments as a child.
Janes friendly, imaginative and caring nature, combine
Jane joined JMC after many years producing high-end, complex garments in the fashion industry. She has since turned her skilled hands and imagination to the world of costume. Inspired by her grandmother, an excellent machinist and pattern maker, Jane began creating garments as a child.
Janes friendly, imaginative and caring nature, combined with strong problem-solving skills, helps turn drawings into reality at JMC.
Maria | Senior Creative Pattern Cutter
Maria | Senior Creative Pattern Cutter
Maria | Senior Creative Pattern Cutter
Maria has been making garments for over 50 years. She loves creating patterns for clothing and enjoys the unique challenges that theatre costume brings. Maria feels a great sense of pride seeing costumes she has helped create come to life on stage.
A highlight of Maria’s career has been working at JMC, where she brings a wealth of pattern
Maria has been making garments for over 50 years. She loves creating patterns for clothing and enjoys the unique challenges that theatre costume brings. Maria feels a great sense of pride seeing costumes she has helped create come to life on stage.
A highlight of Maria’s career has been working at JMC, where she brings a wealth of pattern knowledge to help turn costume dreams into reality. Maria’s amiable, tolerant and receptive nature allows her to combine years of experience with new ideas to create wonderful costumes.
Amy | Costume Supervisor
Maria | Senior Creative Pattern Cutter
Maria | Senior Creative Pattern Cutter
Amy joined JMC in 2023 after working in wardrobe departments across the UK, including Les Misérables in London’s West End. She studied fashion, where she discovered her love for the creative and imaginative world of costume.
Amy enjoys juggling multiple projects and loves that every day at JMC is different and brings something new. Her ap
Amy joined JMC in 2023 after working in wardrobe departments across the UK, including Les Misérables in London’s West End. She studied fashion, where she discovered her love for the creative and imaginative world of costume.
Amy enjoys juggling multiple projects and loves that every day at JMC is different and brings something new. Her approachable, conscientious and calm nature makes her a great fit within the operations team.
Naomi | Operations Manager
Maria | Senior Creative Pattern Cutter
Naomi | Operations Manager
Naomi has always been involved in theatre, coming from a family with strong ties to lighting and production across the industry. Her first live theatre experience was seeing Cinderella at Hackney Empire, a performance she still remembers vividly.
Naomi began her career as a performer before progressing to rehearsal direction and then into
Naomi has always been involved in theatre, coming from a family with strong ties to lighting and production across the industry. Her first live theatre experience was seeing Cinderella at Hackney Empire, a performance she still remembers vividly.
Naomi began her career as a performer before progressing to rehearsal direction and then into the operations team at The Experience Department/RWS Global. She later brought this wide range of skills to JMC, where she manages operations across holiday parks, ships and deliveries, ensuring every costume arrives on time.
Her supportive and highly organised approach shines every day at JMC, as she communicates with the core team, freelancers and clients to keep everything running smoothly.
Abigail | HR Plus People
Maria | Senior Creative Pattern Cutter
Naomi | Operations Manager
Pippa | Accounts Support
Shona | Deputy Workroom Supervisor
Shona | Deputy Workroom Supervisor
Shona | Deputy Workroom Supervisor
Shona | Deputy Workroom Supervisor
Shona | Deputy Workroom Supervisor
Shona always enjoyed going to see a Panto every year Christmas and was lucky enough to see a few other shows in the Westend where she loved the magic and spectacle of live performance.
Having always enjoyed sewing, she knew fashion wasn’t quite the right path, but quickly realised costume was the perfect fit. She loves taking an idea or de
Shona always enjoyed going to see a Panto every year Christmas and was lucky enough to see a few other shows in the Westend where she loved the magic and spectacle of live performance.
Having always enjoyed sewing, she knew fashion wasn’t quite the right path, but quickly realised costume was the perfect fit. She loves taking an idea or design and turning it into a finished reality.
Shona enjoyed a successful career before joining us at JMC working in TV, Film and The Westend, with her biggest achievement being opening a new Westend Musical as Head of Wardrobe. She brings strong problem-solving skills to her work every day, alongside a happy, chatty and open attitude.
Mary | Costume Maker
Gabrielle | Costume Maker
Gabrielle | Costume Maker
Mary’s love of costume begMary’s love of costume began as a child when her mum made her an array of costumes for school including a Tudor and Lucy from Peanuts.
Mary continued this passion into a successful career in the fashion and bridal industry, where she progressed to Head of Design and Creative for a luxury bridal brand. From there,
Mary’s love of costume begMary’s love of costume began as a child when her mum made her an array of costumes for school including a Tudor and Lucy from Peanuts.
Mary continued this passion into a successful career in the fashion and bridal industry, where she progressed to Head of Design and Creative for a luxury bridal brand. From there, Mary made the move into the wonderful world of costume.
Mary loves that every day at work she can be creative, helping designs and stories come to life and knowing she’s part of the joy audiences feel when watching a show. Her supportive, personable, and kind nature is appreciated by everyone in the workroom, where she brings strong technical sewing skills and a constant eagerness to learn with every project.Mary’s love of costume began as a child when her mum made her an array of costumes for school including a Tudor and Lucy from Peanuts.
Mary continued this passion into a successful career in the fashion and bridal industry, where she progressed to Head of Design and Creative for a luxury bridal brand. From there, Mary made the move into the wonderful world of costume.
Mary loves that every day at work she can be creative, helping designs and stories come to life and knowing she’s part of the joy audiences feel when watching a show. Her supportive, personable, and kind nature is appreciated by everyone in the workroom, where she brings strong technical sewing skills and a constant eagerness to learn with every project.an as a child when her mum made her an array of costumes for school including a Tudor and Lucy from Peanuts.
Mary continued this passion into a successful career in the fashion and bridal industry, where she progressed to Head of Design and Creative for a luxury bridal brand. From there, Mary made the move into the wonderful world of costume.
Mary loves that every day at work she can be creative, helping designs and stories come to life and knowing she’s part of the joy audiences feel when watching a show. Her supportive, personable, and kind nature is appreciated by everyone in the workroom, where she brings strong technical sewing skills and a constant eagerness to learn with every project.
Gabrielle | Costume Maker
Gabrielle | Costume Maker
Gabrielle | Costume Maker
Agnes | Costume Maker
Gabrielle | Costume Maker
Shirley | Costume Maker
Agnes enjoys combining her sewing skills with creativity and teamwork. Agnes remembers wearing costumes with her dad as a child and has always been inspired by how costume can tell a story and enhance a production.
At school, Agnes began creating costumes and sketching patterns from scraps of fabric and paper. Now, she brings designs to li
Agnes enjoys combining her sewing skills with creativity and teamwork. Agnes remembers wearing costumes with her dad as a child and has always been inspired by how costume can tell a story and enhance a production.
At school, Agnes began creating costumes and sketching patterns from scraps of fabric and paper. Now, she brings designs to life each day at JMC. Her attention to detail, along with a calm and focused approach, makes her a valuable part of any project team.
Shirley | Costume Maker
Gabrielle | Costume Maker
Shirley | Costume Maker
Shirley transitioned into the costume industry to bring her skills into a more imaginative, fantasy-driven space. Creating has been part of her life since childhood—whether drawing, crafting handmade gifts, or bringing ideas to life through design.
Shirley has successfully run her own bespoke outfit business for several years, creating one
Shirley transitioned into the costume industry to bring her skills into a more imaginative, fantasy-driven space. Creating has been part of her life since childhood—whether drawing, crafting handmade gifts, or bringing ideas to life through design.
Shirley has successfully run her own bespoke outfit business for several years, creating one-of-a-kind pieces with care and precision. Inspired by the glamour and magic of classic 1950s films such as The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins, Shirley’s work reflects a love of storytelling, detail, and timeless style.
Each day, Shirley brings her creative imagination and a strong eye for detail to everything she makes.
Money | Costume Maker
Hollie | Costume Maker
Hollie | Costume Maker
As a performer herself, Money began making custom garments to wear on stage and for friends. Coming from a country with less access to theatre, she thrives in the theatrical industry at JMC and values being part of such a creative environment. She hopes that performers feel confident and good on stage when wearing something she has made.
S
As a performer herself, Money began making custom garments to wear on stage and for friends. Coming from a country with less access to theatre, she thrives in the theatrical industry at JMC and values being part of such a creative environment. She hopes that performers feel confident and good on stage when wearing something she has made.
Seeing performers wear her work and the joy it brings them is what makes Money love her job even more. She brings excellent time-management skills, along with an adventurous, quietly quirky and playful nature, skills we all need in this creative environment. Money is always ready to take on any costume challenge.
Hollie | Costume Maker
Hollie | Costume Maker
Hollie | Costume Maker
Hollie has always loved being creative, from arts and crafts at the dining room table as a child to professional costume work. After seeing her first musical at the theatre, Hollie knew she wanted to be part of the magic behind the scenes. She now loves being able to watch a production and know she played a role in bringing the costumes t
Hollie has always loved being creative, from arts and crafts at the dining room table as a child to professional costume work. After seeing her first musical at the theatre, Hollie knew she wanted to be part of the magic behind the scenes. She now loves being able to watch a production and know she played a role in bringing the costumes to life.
Hollie’s first professional role was working in the wardrobe team at Butlins, following her costume studies at Birmingham City University. Alongside her strong machining skills, she brings excellent hand-sewing expertise to many of our garments, adding those all-important finishing touches.
A career highlight for Hollie was designing costumes for the Butlins pantomimes. Her kind, caring, and appreciative nature is felt by everyone in the workroom.