JILL VAN DER HEIJDEN
In Pursuit of Tailoring
Some crafts are born from necessity, others from passion. When it runs in the blood for four generations, it becomes destiny. Jill is carrying forward a family tradition that began with her great-grandfather’s dream after World War II and has since evolved into a spirited and modern pursuit of tailoring excellence.
We are proud to introduce Jill’s story and celebrate the exclusive blazer we designed together, a piece shaped by history, rebellion, and a fresh vision.
We are proud to introduce Jill’s story and celebrate the exclusive blazer we designed together, a piece shaped by history, rebellion, and a fresh vision.
Jill’s story begins in the Netherlands, where her great-grandfather, Hermiel Van Gils, began delivering hand-made suits by bicycle in 1946. His spirit of independence and dedication to craftsmanship became a foundation for the generations that followed. Jill grew up surrounded by the rhythm of sewing machines, the feeling of fine fabrics, and the quiet, steady pride of making something by hand.
Fourth Generation Tailors
Her grandfather Alwin Van Gils and his brothers Jacques and Ben expanded the family business internationally, creating tailored suits for high international brands across the globe from their production house in Tangier, Morocco. Later, Jill’s mother Angelique, established Café Costume with her cousins, a Belgian brand specializing in made-to-measure menswear.
Jill saw a gap. She often questioned why beautiful, powerful suits seemed to be reserved only for men? That question became her motivation to create Pursuit, a tailoring house dedicated entirely to women, built alongside her mother and sister during the pandemic.
Meeting Jill and listening to her story, excited me to create our version of the perfect blazer together.
Meeting Jill and listening to her story, excited me to create our version of the perfect blazer together.
Our vision was clear: to honor heritage while creating something distinctly new and preferably unisex. Together, we developed a blazer that carries the soul of four generations but is cut for people of today.
The 246 - Pursuit Blazer
The 246 - Pursuit Blazer
Sharp shoulders that command presence, a precise yet fluid structure that moves with the wearer, and subtle nods to tradition like interior embroidery and a meticulously crafted lapel. Our blazer is designed not just to fit but to empower, whether you’re conquering a meeting or strolling through a gallery.
As Jill herself says, “When you wear a blazer, it’s like wearing a shield. It straightens your back, lifts your energy. You feel like you can conquer the world.”
Our Q&A with Jill
Our Q&A with Jill
How did you first realize you wanted to bring tailoring to women?
How did you first realize you wanted to bring tailoring to women?
Growing up, I always loved coming to Café Costume and visiting the ateliers in Tangier with my mom and grandfather. I remember being a little girl, more excited to touch fabrics and buttons than to play outside. I saw so much potential and thought: why are suits always for men? I wanted to make women feel powerful too, on their own terms.
What is the biggest lesson you carry from your great-grandfather?
He taught me the importance of feeling. He was constantly touching fabrics, analyzing textures, appreciating beauty through his hands. He believed details matter. Every stitch carries intention.
What does wearing a perfectly tailored blazer mean to you?
What does wearing a perfectly tailored blazer mean to you?
It’s a shield and a statement. It changes your posture, your mindset. You feel sharper, more focused. It’s not about being “chic” for others. it’s about standing in your own energy.
How would you describe the blazer we designed together?
It’s timeless yet bold. We honored the strong cuts my great-grandfather loved, but made it softer and more adaptable for today’s woman. It’s a piece you can wear for a big meeting or just because you feel like it. It carries a history, but it’s made for now.
What’s next for you?
What’s next for you?
Continuing to tailor for women all over the world. There’s so much room to keep growing, inspiring, and reshaping what tailoring can mean for the next generation.
What is your ideal day off?
What is your ideal day off?
Sunday mornings are holy. There’s this incredible bakery in Ghent that makes the best cinnamon rolls, but you have to be early. I set my alarm for 7 AM, stand in line, and when you walk in, you’re greeted by the smell of freshly baked rolls. Once I’ve secured them, I head home, jump back into bed next to my partner, and we enjoy cinnamon rolls with a cup of coffee, just chilling in bed all day. It might sound a little lazy, but it does a lot of good for you
