Who we are
Moonhare Designs blends heritage craft with contemporary fashion. Drawing on decades of experience in historical costume, film, television and theatre, we create garments that prioritise fit, longevity and individuality.
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Slow-made, small-batch or made-to-order pieces
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Ethically and responsibly sourced materials
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Customisable design details
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Expert construction rooted in couture and historical techniques
Led by an award-winning costume professional trusted by major film, TV, theatre and heritage institutions.
Meet the founder
Moonhare Designs was founded by Carrie Wilson, an award-winning costume maker, lecturer and industry specialist with over two decades of professional experience.
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Carrie began sewing at just five years old, learning embroidery from her Gran before progressing to knitting and crochet. By the age of eleven, she had made her first complete garment. Her enthusiasm was so strong that at school she was often sent out of needlework lessons for completing everyone else’s work so the class could move on.
A significant growth spurt during her early teens meant Carrie rarely fitted into standard clothing. Standing 5'7" with a 34" bust at just 12–13 years old, she quickly learned the importance of fit and proportion. From then on, most of her clothing was made by herself or her mum — an experience that still underpins Moonhare Designs’ commitment to clothes made for real bodies.
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Her passion for historical clothing began around the age of fifteen, after discovering Costume in Detail by Nancy Bradfield. The detailed illustrations and explanations of 18th and 19th century garments sparked a lifelong fascination with construction, research and technique.
“Clothing should fit the body you have — not the body fashion expects.”
Training, Craft & Recognition
In the early 2000s, Carrie and her partner Allan joined a Roman re-enactment group, marking the start of her professional historical clothing journey. She began producing garments for other re-enactors across multiple periods, underpinned by extensive research and period-appropriate methods.
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In 2014, Carrie completed a Late Victorian Dress module at Morley College, where an inspiring tutor encouraged her to pursue formal qualifications. She went on to complete a BTEC in Costume Construction and launched her business, Sew Not History Costumes.
The business ran successfully for over ten years, serving private, corporate and institutional clients. Carrie was also a regular trader at re-enactment markets and events.
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Carrie’s work has been recognised within the craft industry, including winning an award at The Knitting & Stitching Show in the Eveningwear category.
Film, Television & Theatre Expertise
Carrie’s expertise has been trusted across major film, television and stage productions.
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Principal maker refers to garments created for main characters.
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Jingle Jangle – Principal maker
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The Spanish Princess (S2) – Principal maker
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Eurovision (film) – Principal maker
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Death on the Nile – Principal maker
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Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (Part 1) – Principal maker & principal alterations
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The Witcher (S2) – Principal maker & crowd maker
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Silo (S1–S3) – Principal maker & crowd maker
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George and Mary – Principal maker
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Highlander (current) – Crowd & stunt alterations
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English National Opera – Pirates of Penzance
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Royal Opera House – The Nutcracker
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National Theatre
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His Majesty’s Theatre – The Phantom of the Opera (UK & US casts – current)
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Heritage & Institutional Clients
Carrie has worked with some of the UK and Europe’s most respected heritage organisations, including:
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Chatsworth House
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Blenheim Palace
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Tower of London
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Wallace Collection
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English Heritage (multiple sites)
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National Trust (multiple sites)
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Black Country Living Museum
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Newcastle Museum
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Sainte-Mère-Église Museum, Normandy
