In the summer of 2000, Jill Schliesmann entered the doors of Western Costume. Four years earlier ~ leaving behind an engineering career on the east coast ~ she arrived in Los Angeles with nothing more than two suitcases, a love for fashion, and a desire to be a part of something big.

After years of struggle, Jill finally achieved a coveted spot at the renowned costume house, Western Costume. Surrounded by a treasure trove of silks, velvets, and embroidered textiles, she began her journey into the world of Hollywood.

Once settled, Jill began to notice something quite troubling. Celebrity clients and costume designers were often leaving empty-handed… that is, if they needed anything related to 1920’s fashion. Jill discovered that aisle after aisle of fragile fabrics were losing their battle against time. She resolved to find a solution ~ and somehow bring back the magic of all those vintage treasures.

With her business growing, Jill began designing her own pieces, sourcing the finest craftsmen from around the globe. Alongside a select group of designers in Los Angeles, she pioneered the vintage clothing reproduction industry. Her creations quickly caught the eye of the entertainment world, featuring in numerous theater productions, TV shows, and films. Her most notable contribution was to the film "The Artist," which won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. Her designs were also featured on Dr. Who, The Color Purple, Mayfair Witches, The Great Gatsby (film and Broadway musical), and 1923 (among others).