KIPPER

Imparfaite and KIPPER share a common belief: that fashion should be bold, joyful, and built to last. It should empower women, let them express who they truly are, and most importantly — make them feel amazing. With its daring, colorful suits, British brand KIPPER brings new energy to this timeless staple:

“A suit is a forever piece that will never go out of fashion. I wanted to create a suit that would allow women to feel empowered. I wanted to create KIPPER power – when you look fab, and you feel fab, and you really can take on the world. I wanted to serve all of this with a large side of fun. KIPPER is all about breaking the rules – and making your own rules.”

This fearless, empowering, and conscious approach echoes everything we stand for at Imparfaite. For the first time, KIPPER is part of our archive sale selection — offering timeless, statement pieces that celebrate women in all their power, uniqueness, and beauty.

Can you introduce us to KIPPER?

SARAH: KIPPER is a British women’s suit brand that uses fabulous tailoring to empower women, helping them feel confident and ready to take on the world. It was founded by myself, a year and a half ago.KIPPER offers women affordable tailoring that will work hard in their wardrobe. Our suits are in high demand and we only make short runs - so you really do have to catch them while you can. It’s a club, welcome to the KIPPER Club.

"KIPPER" is an old name for a female tailor. Kippers are always sold in pairs and, back in the day, "KIPPERS" travelled in pairs to avoid unwelcome advances from randy male tailors.

What is your background, what led you to launch this project?

SARAH: I studied Fine Art at the Slade in London, and I got a studio after I graduated, which I loved but found very lonely. I then interned at Conde Nast International and worked my way out of the Fashion Cupboard to assist the Fashion Director at Vogue Russia. I then quit due to exhaustion and stress - it really was the real life The Devil Wears Prada! I then moved to Paris and went back to my painting. I then got a job at Boden, as their In-House-Stylist, which I was for 6 years. I learnt all my skills here - how to do personal shopping, sort out women's wardrobes, dress shop windows, paginate catalogues, style brand and ecomm shoot, basically how to start and run a successful brand. I then knew it time for me to go solo and spread my wings, so 2 years ago I did. I took the plunge - at the height of covid and while pregnant with our 3rd child, but I knew it was time. I then focused on building up my Instagram following, and this really took off when I started ‘being myself’. I stopped worrying about what other people thought and focused on being me, and sharing what I believed in. Suits were coming back into fashion and it had been on my ‘To-Do-List’ to start a suit company forever. I saw a gap in the market - for an affordable beautifully tailored suit, it was KIPPER time. I believe that every woman should own a suit - it will work really hard for you. It took me 6 months to set up the KIPPER world and the rest is history!

What is the creative process at KIPPER? What inspires you?

SARAH: Everything is very thoughtfully designed at KIPPER, there is extra length on the hem for those who want their trousers longer, there is extra fabric on the cuff so you can do the perfect turnback. It’s practicality first and then the fun comes next. We don’t follow trends, we have classic shapes and then the fabric adds personality.
I am constantly being inspired but I make a very conscious effort to filter the inspiration to make it KIPPER - Will it stay in fashion forever? Will it make you feel fabulous? Will it bring you joy?

How much of your own personality is to be found in KIPPER?

SARAH: I hope lots! I have SUCH fun when I get dressed, and I really wanted to share this with other women. Our suits try to balance chic with playfulness - which is what I stand to do too. Look fab and have fun! We call it ‘Tailoring with a Wink’.

It is up to us how we wear our suits - for me - it’s in my way and for you, it should be in your way - whether we choose to add a neckscarf inside our shirt, or around my wrist, or add a tie and t-shirt. I want you to make it your own KIPPER. As only you can be you and I can be.

What is the brand's iconic model?

SARAH: Classic shapes that will be friends with you forever, all served with a twist. We always ask ourselves - why would someone want to buy this from KIPPER - because it’s a denim blazer covered with bananas!

What are your earliest memories of clothes?

SARAH: My mother was always dressed beautifully, and I remember from a young age admiring her outfits. It was belted oversized tailored blazer, wide leg trousers or long tiered velvet skirts, knits with scenes on and loafers or equestrian style boots. It was all very cool! I remember standing in front of the mirror from a young age, not looking at myself but looking at what different colours I thought went together, and trying on different shaped clothes together. I knew from a young age that I had a real passion for clothes. I was bought up with clothes being a way to express myself, and a way of presenting myself to the world. My mother always makes an effort through her clothes, and she always has fun with it.

What are your style icons?

SARAH: Annie Hall. I LOVE women dressed in men's clothes, I often steal my husbands clothes and add some red lipstick - it’s super chic, and you always feel original and sexy. I adore Jane Birkin for her effortlessness, and her ability to really elevate simple outfits.

What role does vintage play in your personal wardrobe?

SARAH: HUGE. There is nothing better than finding that amazing vintage piece, not only because you know no one else has it, but also because I then love to use these ideas to develop KIPPER designs. The vintage designs really are the best. There is something special about vintage - I think it is because you’ve dug out something special - you feel quite smug. I always take great pride in wearing vintage clothes. I also love that it has had a life before, and not one that I necessarily know about, which makes it even better!

What are KIPPER's values? What do these pieces say and offer to the women who wear them?

SARAH: KIPPER is all about bringing women power through wearing a great suit. We all deserve to feel fabulous, and when wearing a great outfit one really does. KIPPER is about investing in a suit that you can wear on a Monday morning, to give you extra KIPPER power, to the supermarket, to a dinner, to a wedding or on the weekend. A KIPPER suit will be your best friend through many occasions because you can dress her up in so many ways. KIPPER is your best and reliable forever friend.

How and where do you produce today?

SARAH: We design and manufacture everything in London, which is very important to the brand. KIPPER is all about heritage and using the fabulous tailors that we have in London. Our atelier is in East London and we have a very close working relationship, which I love. I am too much of a controller to use a factory abroad!