Han is a founder and visionary of Blackhorse Lane Ateliers. As a second generation Londoner with Turkish Kurdish ancestry, Han and his family have a long history of manufacturing in the clothing and textile industry.

Having been immersed in the local community of textile manufacturing in East London, Han set up his own factory on Blackhorse Lane, manufacturing tailored garments. This venture was located in the same building of the new concept Ateliers. This business lasted for more than twenty years, leading to significant commercial success.

Having completed his ambitions in the Textile industry, Han pursued his passion and interest in food, leading to a career as a restaurateur, with the opening of a prestigious new venture Homa in Stoke Newington. This became a secret favourite hub of the local residents. The experience fuelled Han’s interest in both community values and sustainable, high quality produce.

In 2016 Han returned to his textile roots, completing the holistic circle as Founder of Blackhorse Lane Ateliers.

Mitko is a Denim Maker at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers. He's been in clothes manufacturing for 27 years. He likes his job as sewing and manufacturing are things he likes doing day-to-day. When compared to other jobs in manufacturing, he feels that Blackhorse Lane Ateliers pays better and the working space and conditions are nice. For him, working at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers is about earning a living and affording a better standard of life.

Ivo is a Denim Maker at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers. He's been in clothes manufacturing for 22 years. He previously worked in manufacturing in Bulgaria. When compared to other jobs in manufacturing, he felt that Blackhorse Lane Ateliers's conditions are much better than other factories, and he is treated equally. For him, working at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers is about coming to work everyday, and working hard to earn a good living.

Leanne is an experienced designer with a conscientious mindset, and an organic approach to the design and development process. Having studied fashion design and marketing foundation degree and BA Honours on Product Development and Design for the fashion industry at the London College of Fashion.

Her expertise lies within denim and woven textiles, across multi-product for both men's and womenswear collections whilst offering sustainable solutions in doing so. She will be heading up our new R&D Washlab facility which will bring a whole new denim aesthetic to the UK, and encourage both fellow designers and students to have access with experimenting with denim processing in the UK.

Wilbur is our dedicated Store Manager at Coal Drops Yard. With years of experience in retail and clothing, Wilbur has honed a deep passion for menswear, specialising in denim and expertly curating fits and silhouettes, as well mastering denim repair techniques and hemming.

He is a true aficionado of vintage fashion, and his interest in classic tailoring is ever growing. 

In his free time, Wilbur trains in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kettlebell training, showing his commitment to discipline and self-improvement. His exceptional eye for style, combined with his dedication to his craft, makes him a vital member of the BLA family. 

Lilly is head of our Made To Measure
service and can make your denim dreams come true.  She is a creative pattern cutter and loves working with her hands, utilising different fabrics
and sees a fitting as a 3D puzzle.

Having studied Womenswear at the Royal College of Art, Lilly also pursued her interest for menswear, which she included in her final collection.

After graduating, realising that she enjoyed the more technical side of fashion, she decided to pursue a career in pattern cutting, working with both menswear and womenswear. And has been working with Blackhorse Lane Ateliers since 2016.

SlowBurn is a pop up restaurant with sustainability in mind, founded by Chavdar Todorov it reflects his approach towards food and life.

Expect thoughtful and nutritious recipes with more vegetables and less meat. SlowBurn plans to be involved in the community, being supportive to other local businesses with similar values, using their services and produce where possible. 

Book   Follow

Illya is a singular figure whose work bridges the worlds of precision and creativity. With nearly two decades in the IT industry, he brings a deep technical understanding—structured, methodical, and exacting—balanced by a creative instinct shaped through earlier pursuits in theatre and music production. His passion for menswear is quiet yet focused, rooted in texture, provenance, and purpose. Drawn especially to denim and traditional tailoring, he has explored London’s evolving menswear scene with a documentarian’s eye, capturing its nuances through photography.

Now learning the intricacies of garment production, Illya also leads the digital and marketing efforts of the business—a role that draws on his ability to move fluidly between code and craft, strategy and storytelling. His presence reflects a thoughtful blending of disciplines, with a rare instinct for detail across both the technical and tactile.