Meet The Maker: Ronnie

Machinist

September 28, 2026

With six and a half years of mastery under her belt, Ronnie is the quiet force behind our most intricate work. From pocket prep to the final hem, she handles the precision-heavy details of our garments with calm confidence. A single Duke gown can take her eight hours – a labor of love she treats as just another part of getting it right.

What's your name, and how long have you been at Derek Rose?

My name is Ronnie, I have been working at Derek Rose for six and a half years.

Can you talk us through what you do and what a typical day looks like for you?

A typical day for me depends on the specific order and style I'm working on. For example, with men's trousers, that entails prepping the pockets and back rises, then trimming and pressing each process. It also involves top stitching, cutting down magnets, cutting elastic for the waistband, French seaming, and hemming. A lot goes into each piece.

What's your favourite memory of working here?

My favourite memory would be Christmas. We decorate our machines with tinsel. We have a charity bake-off, and a Secret Santa. The atmosphere is joyful.

What's the best thing about working here — what makes Derek Rose special?

The best thing about working for Derek Rose is that it's a family-run business. You're not just a number; you feel appreciated for your efforts. The people I work with are lovely.

Do you have a favourite Derek Rose product?

It's hard to choose a favourite product, as I like all of them. I enjoy constructing each product.

What would you want people to know about what goes into making a Derek Rose product?

I want people to know the passion and precision that go into making a Derek Rose product. We measure and check for faults in the fabric before starting. Silk is very difficult to sew, and it takes a skilled worker to construct a garment. For me, it's not just about sewing pieces together; it's about knowing that someone is going to enjoy wearing it.

What's the most challenging part of your work?

I don't see anything as a challenge as such. I love resolving anything that comes my way.

How long did it take you to really perfect your craft?

It took me about 6 months to perfect my craft. I find that I am always learning something new most days.

Do you have a favourite type of piece to work on?

My favourite has got to be the Dukes. There's a lot of processes involved.

When you're sewing a piece, do you think about the person who's going to wear it?

When I'm sewing a piece, I think about how the person would react to the garment's quality and feel. And what actually has gone into creating the piece.