Blackhorse Lane Ateliers

Blackhorse Lane Ateliers is a distinctive British clothing brand deeply rooted in the rich textile heritage of East London. Their journey is centred around a dedicated team of skilled makers, from founder Han Ates to tailors, machinists, and retail staff, all united by a shared commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Each garment they produce is brought to life through meticulous attention to detail, with every stitch reflecting the expertise and passion of their workshop team. The brand’s founder, Han Ates, is a second-generation Londoner with Turkish Kurdish ancestry and a longstanding family history in clothing and textile manufacturing. Han’s immersion in the local textile community inspired him to establish his own factory on Blackhorse Lane, specialising in tailored garments. After over twenty years of commercial success in this venture, Han briefly pursued a career in the food industry, which reinforced his appreciation for community values and sustainable, high-quality produce. In 2016, he returned to his textile roots to found Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, completing a holistic circle that blends heritage with contemporary vision. Their team includes highly experienced professionals essential to their production excellence. Mitko, a tailor with over 30 years of garment manufacturing experience, oversees sampling, made-to-measure pieces, alterations, and repairs, contributing steady craftsmanship to every piece. Ivo, affectionately nicknamed “Superman,” brings over 25 years of expertise and is responsible for cutting production and finishing details, ensuring the highest standards are met. Lilly leads the Made-To-Measure service with a creative approach to pattern cutting, combining womenswear and menswear expertise to realise personalised denim fits. Blackhorse Lane Ateliers also embraces innovation and sustainability through their denim design and washlab led by Leanne, who brings a conscientious and organic approach to denim and woven textile development. Their connection to nature and community is further expressed through their own allotment—London’s oldest—where they cultivate Japanese indigo and host workshops to educate and inspire local engagement with traditional dyeing techniques. Retail management under Wilbur adds a passion for menswear, denim repair, and classic tailoring, enhancing the brand’s customer experience with expert knowledge and a discerning eye for style. The digital and marketing efforts are led by Illya, whose blend of technical precision and creative instinct supports the brand’s storytelling and production coordination. Blackhorse Lane Ateliers is proud to be a part of local organisations such as the East End Trades Guild and the Local Buyers Club, reflecting their commitment to community and locality. Their promise centres on prioritising the welfare of both customers and employees, selecting suppliers and partners based on quality, locality, respect, and sustainability. They ensure fair living wages, shareholder opportunities for employees, and strive to work with local suppliers wherever possible, aiming to benefit the local economy in Walthamstow and protect natural resources. Every element of Blackhorse Lane Ateliers—from its founding vision to its skilled team and sustainable practices—reflects a dedication to quality, community, and authentic craftsmanship, making them a unique and respected name in British clothing.