About Us

Hi! Welcome to Maggie May Clothing! We are glad you found us!

Maggie May Clothing™ is a bespoke historical fashion atelier nestled in a quiet little valley where the Appalachian Mountains meet the Cumberland Plateau. Here at the studio, we believe new is not always better; clothes are meant to withstand the test of time; and exceptional craftsmanship paired with custom fit never goes out of style.

Since 1994, we have been designing and creating high quality, custom made historical fashion for the film, television, theater, and museum industry. Our designs are based on extant garments, historical personas, or historical narratives. We use only top quality, all natural fibers appropriate for the styles and eras we are replicating.

Maggie May Clothing is the dream-child of historian, designer, and founder, Susan Jarrett. Susan holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee in Visual Arts and undergraduate degrees in American History and Historical Textiles. She served as a methodology instructor for Tennessee Tech University for 10 years.

Over the years, Maggie May Clothing has grown to include a team of four freelance seamstresses and a regional network of natural dyers, weavers, and heritage artisans.

In 2018, Maggie May Clothing’s designs were featured in the New York Times. Take a peek at our other notable work.

Susan is available for workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements. She also offers historical clothing education and consulting services. Please see Services for more information.

Our Clientele Includes:

  • NBC/Sony
  • Walt Disney Pictures
  • Tim Burton Productions
  • Forty Acres and a Mule Filmworks
  • The Hallmark Channel
  • Det NY Teater
  • The Sante Fe Opera
  • The Oregon Shakespeare Festival
  • Georgetown Community Theatre
  • McCarter Theatre
  • The American Repertory Theater
  • Stanford University
  • Frazier International History Museum
  • Historic Brattonsville
  • Lowell Mill Historical Park
  • Barrington Living History Farm
  • Historic Exchange Place and many more

Studio Hours:

Monday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm EST

Friday 9:00 am-12:00pm EST

CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Sustainability Pledge:

Maggie May’s historical garments are created using both meticulous historical technique and modern ethical practice. We believe in well crafted, mindfully produced fashion made to last. We understand less is more and support our clients’ belief that quality and individuality are more important than quantity and trends. We support sustainable production by using all natural, domestically- sourced materials rather than imported goods. We source end stock textiles when available helping to reduce industry waste. We are plastic free and use digital invoicing and packing slips rather than paper copies. And finally, we take our dedication to local seriously by producing all of our garments right here in Southeastern Tennessee!

Susan’s Design Philosophy:

I view historical fashion as a form of storytelling. Good storytellers weave insights into the past through meticulous attention to detail and the ability to demonstrate broader connections. Historical clothing gives us distinct visual clues about an individual’s circumstances, accommodation, social standing, community, and personality. It can tell us where she/he fits into the story. It allows both the wearer and the viewer to experience the past in a tangible way. I believe the story told through historical clothing should be relevant to a modern audience but be based clearly enough on historical examples that the viewer understands the significance of an individual’s time and place within the context of the setting.

Community Give Back:

Maggie May Clothing supports Visual Arts for rural youth by assisting in the facilitation of arts education opportunities within the community. Susan Jarrett is also an Arts and Culture Advocate for rural Southeastern Tennessee and served 3 years on the board of her county’s Regional Arts Council.

Anti-Discrimination Policy:

MMC does not discriminate against ANY company or agent regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual preference. MMC does not promote or engage in ANY political or social agendas. MMC is a professional clothing design and production company dedicated to creating fine historical garments that support a well rounded, diverse, and inclusive representation of the past.

Maggie May Clothing is a member of: