At the age of 7, Ms. Franke's mother began teaching her the basics of sewing. This core knowledge would play an instrumental role in developing her tailoring skills later in life
After 25 years working in the accounting industry as a CPA, Ms. Franke designs and launches her first line of women's suits under the brand, Marlene Atelier.
Shortly after Ms. Franke's mother passes, she leaves the accounting world behind in pursuit of her legacy and dream to become a tailor. For three years, she dedicates all her time to learning to tailor.
In 2014, Ms. Franke meets Savile Row master tailor Andrew Ramroop and enrolls in his online tailoring course. This relationship would shape the course of her tailoring career.
Ms. Franke attended the Savile Row Academy in London, where she learned and developed her skills as a cutter first hand from her mentor.
After returning from London, Ms. Franke continued to hone her skills and work with her clients. Yet, it was her experience in London that inspired her to consider teaching the craft.
At the end of 2018, Ms. Franke and her family made the move from Chicago to Dallas. It was here she decided to make her home and a home for the Academy. The Academy opened January 2019 and hosted its first students that spring.
The American Bespoke Tailoring Academy launches the Online Academy, one of the first online tailoring programs in the United States, allowing a new age of tailoring enthusiasts to learn the craft.
Today, the American Bespoke Tailoring Academy offers its students one of the finest tailoring educations available in the United States and around the world.
