The Story So far
Pure Class Bespoke Ltd
Pure Class is more than a tailoring business – it’s a brand rooted in the artistry of competitive dance and the craft of bespoke tailoring. At its core is Mark and Melanie Plant, a former world-class dancer and master tailor, whose inspiring journey from the dance floor to the cutting table is as unique as it is extraordinary.
A Dancing Legacy
Mark Plant’s love for dance began at just five years old, following in his parents’ footsteps. By the age of seven, he was already competing with a partner and achieving remarkable success. As a juvenile, he became a United Kingdom Champion, and as he progressed through the junior ranks, he solidified his reputation as one of England’s top dancers. Representing his country on the global stage, Mark’s passion and dedication were evident early on.
Among his many achievements, Mark secured second place in the prestigious Open British Championships during his youth. However, he also understood the importance of building a future that could sustain his competitive dance career. This foresight led him to pursue a parallel passion: tailoring.
The Tailoring Journey
Mark began his tailoring apprenticeship under Colin Hodgetts, a master craftsman within the renowned Arthur Ashmore workshop. Colin instilled in Mark the timeless skills of cutting, measuring, and tailoring, with a focus on artistry and precision. These skills went beyond creating garments; they involved understanding the unique needs of each client—an insight that Mark later applied specifically to dancewear.
Initially, Mark focused on mastering technical tailoring, but he soon realized a gap in the market: dancers needed clothing that combined elegance with functionality. Tailsuits, in particular, required a blend of polished aesthetics and freedom of movement. To address this, Mark began experimenting with fabrics, cuts, and techniques, creating designs that maximized both comfort and style.
His dedication to innovation and quality brought him into contact with some of the biggest names in dance, including champions like Marcus Hilton, John Wood, Kenny Welsh, Andrew Sinkinson, and many many more.
Mark also embraced the evolving influence of Italian dance styles, working with Massimo, Pino, Augusto, Luca, and Roberto. As dance trends shifted, Mark adapted by incorporating advanced materials like two-way and four-way stretch fabrics, pioneering the modern tailsuit designs as seen today.
Mark’s reputation spread internationally, and he traveled extensively to China, Singapore, Russia, Europe, North America, and Asia, observing dancers and refining his craft. His bespoke creations elevated both performance and aesthetics, making him a trusted name among the dance elite.
Photoshoots From Around The World
A New Partnership
At 22, Mark met Melanie Scott, a former Old Time British Champion. Melanie became not only his partner in dance but also his partner in life and business. Together, they achieved international acclaim, reaching the top 12 in world rankings and becoming finalists in major British championships. Their shared expertise in dance and tailoring became the foundation for Pure Class Bespoke Ltd.
Mark and Melanie – The Open British Dance Championship – Many years ago!
Pure Class: A Brand Is Born
As Mark and Melanie transitioned to professional competition, their focus shifted toward tailoring. Mark’s skill in crafting bespoke tailsuits and Melanie’s talent for designing elegant ladies’ garments became the driving forces behind Pure Class.
Their designs quickly gained recognition among the dance elite in all styles and champions worldwide began wearing their creations. Pure Class also gained prominence on television, with appearances on shows like Baby Ballroom, Britain’s Got Talent, and Strictly Come Dancing. The brand collaborated with stars such as Shirley Ballas, creating exquisite evening wear, and worked closely with personalities like Craig Revel Horwood, AJ Pritchard, and Kai Widdrington.
What sets Pure Class apart is its commitment to innovation. Mark and Melanie continuously evolve their designs, incorporating cutting-edge materials and techniques to meet the dynamic needs of dancers. Their garments are not just stylish—they are engineered for peak performance, offering unparalleled elegance and functionality.
A Family of Champions
The Plant family’s legacy extends to the next generation. Their daughter, Charlotte, became a Juvenile Champion and later won the British Junior Latin Championship. After a successful amateur career, she now runs her own dance studio.
Click the button below to visit Pure Dance Studio.
Their son, Alex Plant, continues to compete at the highest level. In his first year as a professional, Alex and his wife Leanne won the Open British Championship Rising Star title and reached the semifinals of the Open Professional.
Follow Alex and Leanne Plant on Social Media.
Pure Class Today
Celebrating over 25 years of excellence, Pure Class remains a global leader in bespoke dancewear. Mark and Melanie’s journey from dancers to tailors has given them a unique perspective, ensuring that every garment is designed with the dancer’s needs in mind.
From the competition floor to the cutting table, Pure Class has redefined the art of tailoring for champions. The brand is not just a business—it’s a legacy of passion, precision, and artistry, built by a family that understands the drive to compete and excel at every level.
