A partnership deal has helped clothes designer Dean Williams cut out a new niche in the fashion world.

Mr Williams teamed up with alterations specialist Rene Hill to share a workspace and a staff member in Hamilton House on Queen Street.

And he said the move from working from his home in Devonshire to the city has boosted his business, Definitions by Deane. It has also made it easier to see clients for his bespoke creations.

Sharing a space, particularly in high-rent Hamilton, has helped cut costs for both his and Ms Hill’s businesses and given them a prime spot to do business.

Mr Williams said: “It’s going very well. We’re still having little teething problems in understanding and appreciating how each other works, but it’s going very well.

“Rene and I, our friendship has been developing for the better part of five years. We had mutual participation in the New York Fashion Show and we knew we would be working together eventually.

“When the opportunity came, having found the space, we decided to jump on it.”

Veteran designer Mr Williams, who graduated in fashion design from Bermuda College around 20 years ago, also studied and worked in New York and later based his studio in Boston for several years before returning to Bermuda.

He said: “Being in Hamilton is a distinct advantage because so much of the population works or lives in and around Hamilton.

“There is access to fabrics and materials and it’s much more efficient for fittings and deliveries.”

Mr Williams said that, despite the recession, there was still a demand for one-off creations for special events.

“Primarily, it’s women’s sports wear, with a secondary concentration on evening wear — prom dresses, bridal gowns, bridesmaid’s dresses,” he explained.

“And there’s a growing interest in having men’s customised clothing as well.”

Mr Williams added: “The recession has had an effect on the entire human collective, but people still have a desire to be unique in their wardrobe, primarily women, of course.

“There is still a market out there. It’s not the industry you will find in New York or Europe, but there is definitely a demand.”

In addition to shared space, Mr Williams and Ms Hill share a part-time staff member and accountant to keep costs down still further.

Mr Williams said: “It’s very helpful and it’s the future. More people looking to set up should consider an arrangements like this.”