About Jigsaw Stories
Everyone has a story to tell...our team members reveal theirs, interwoven with the Jigsaw wardrobe pieces that have defined them.
James Billett Customer Experience Manager
A stalwart of Jigsaw, James Billett has grown with the brand for over 14 years, but his love of fashion goes back even further...
How did your path first cross with Jigsaw?
I embarked on my journey with Jigsaw in 2011, taking on the role of Store Manager in Richmond. Prior to this, I was with Inditex but I wanted a more inspiring environment, having spent six years as a Womenswear Designer. Being surrounded by beautiful clothing is something that has always brought me joy, so discovering Jigsaw was undoubtedly the perfect match. I loved the opportunity to engage with customers on styling, visiting their homes with items they would treasure.
Something people might not know about you
I graduated from Winchester School of Art in Fashion Womenswear with a 2.1 degree and worked for Red and Dead before launching my own brand in 1996, Gravity & Grace. We exhibited at trade shows in London and Paris, and our collections were featured in Vogue, Cosmo, ID and on Cher, Chaka Khan, Kylie and Denise Von Outen was also a regular fan, wearing our clothes on the Big Breakfast.
The best lesson you’ve learnt working in retail
Listen to your team, take on feedback and give them respect and they will come with you on any journey. Currently, I take great pleasure in collaborating with customers and the Customer Services team to ensure we maintain the high level of service that our stores are known for.
QuickFire Round
The piece you go nowhere without
White Calvin Klein undies - they're super comfy and never go out of fashion!
The one that got away
A Jigsaw menswear coat from 1998 that I purchased in an outlet in Hampshire and since cannot find. It was a 100% pure wool single breasted style in a light camel colour - timeless!
Your favourite trend of all time
Skinny jeans - I used to dance as a child and teen and always thought that I had the legs for them.
Biggest fashion faux pas
I once had a striking Red or Dead top adorned with baby doll heads that I wore during my university days, paired with a leather waistcoat. While I now recognise that the design was rather unconventional, I truly believed I looked fantastic at the time, prancing around the Design Department in Winchester.
Quickfire round
Dress up or dress down
Both, when the mood takes me.
Far-flung destination or cosy staycation
For those who know me, it's a far-flung destination, with about 3 flights to get there.
Hosting or hibernating
Hibernating, with a glass of wine, Selling Sunset on and my new Westie, Ethel by my side.
Your guilty pleasure
Haribo's. I don't have an off switch button. I was once told off in an Area Meeting for eating them all.
Top 5 dinner party guests
Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Cher, Celine Dion and Britney Spears. A Diva sensation.
The song you could listen to on repeat
Frozen by Madonna - EPIC visuals, musicality and vocals! It won a well-deserved Grammy award.