Even before he graduated from the Royal College of Art Tom was winning awards for his eveningwear.

Since then, even though his design career has included successful collections of menswear, leathers, sportswear, prints and day wear, it is as a creator of clothes for the special occasion that he has become best known. His renowned work for Frank Usher, Jean Varon and Coterie, (the label he co-founded in 1984), won him further awards and a steadily growing reputation.

He now designs for his eponymous label, each new collection witness to his years of experience and an undying passion for his vocation.

Tom Bowker, pictured in his studio, writes:

At some time most women are lucky enough to enjoy their own 'red carpet' moments, to go somewhere knowing they will be noticed, appreciated and maybe photographed and where, as the centre of attention, they will want to look and feel their best. Such times are important. Often the stuff of which memories are made, so, when I design for days like these, I know my ideas must always be up to the occasion.

My clothes are special, sometimes special in idea, often special in fabrication and always special in quality. I use techniques that are rare and difficult, I commission unique fabrics that will not been seen elsewhere and I still prefer to call on my personal experience and cut the garment patterns myself, always seeking that accuracy and flattery of cut that I consider to be essential. None of this is easy and none of this is quick - months and months of skilled work go into the preparation of each new collection and into making the finished clothes that we offer you - all quite impossible without the like-minded collaborators I now have around the world.

But we all know it is reactions that matter most. It is what works for the customer on the day that counts. Any woman stepping out on a special occasion, walking up her own personal 'red carpet', is looking only for accolades. Nothing less will do, and this is what we are all hoping and working for.