Tuesday 25 January 2011

Red Lace Bubble Dress

As always I'm way behind on the updates. I've been inundated with orders and enquiries since the Perfect Wedding feature. (of which I have only just managed to pick up in smiths and was again angered at the fact that now there is no longer a Borders, you can only buy the mainstream magazines, missing out on the gorgeousness of  Lula and the like!) 
Orders and busyness (business!)  is great, super wonderful and it all comes at once and then goes and then comes and then goes, the life of an independent designer is never orderly. Just as I thought I had some free time to read my new books too! 




This little red lace dress was finished by Anna a few weeks ago and I have just go round to photographing this gorgeously chic cocktail number. The bodice is layered with soft lace tulle over red rustling taffeta and trimmed in a satin binding. The skirt has a great structured bubble shape sculpted with nets underneath and gathers from the waist. 
Just imagine with a 1950s satin swing coat and lace peep toes. Available as a one off in our etsy shop. 

Saturday 22 January 2011


A new grey plaid check picnic dress made with a full circle skirt and ribbon detailing at the hem. As we worked on this dress the skirt reminded me of the skirts we used to wear in ballet for character dances with swirling ribbons at the hem.
Nets give support to the full circle and a velvet bow finished the dress at the empire line.

I've been busy working on stripe designs from vintage fabrics I've collected together. 1950s sun dresses and 1940s deco chevrons have been springing to mind. Plus an order of fashion books (Vera Wang, Prada, OrlaKeily Pattern and some great technical skills books) have arrived for me to study away over the evenings. 
Anna has been creating some stunning full length bridesmaids dresses that look fit for Grecian goddesses. Watching her work in the studio is fascinating with her attention to detail and precision and fine craftsmanship. I always learn something new!

Wednesday 19 January 2011

Polkadot Wiggle Dress Number Two




The second of these polka dot bridesmaids dresses (the first a voluptuous 'Mad Men' inspired lady) in a crisp cotton with a fine silk bias trim and piping detail. We cut this bias trim ourselves to achieve the finer edging and matched the metal covered buttons that embellish the cuffs and hem of the skirt. 
We've started focusing more on the internals of our dresses with boned waists and stays to cinch in the waist.  
Apparently the stays (a grosgrain ribbon that fastens inside the waist and often found in vintage couture dresses) help with posture too!

This dress was a custom order, for more details please contact us via email.

Friday 7 January 2011

Perfect Wedding Magazine Feature





 Happy New Year! We have lots of amazing things coming up in the new year, new designs, wedding dresses and features.
We've been wonderfully privileged to be featured in Perfect Wedding magazine with Esther's gorgeous rock n' roll polka dot tulle, wedding dress we created for her last year. Her wedding photo's are amazing, full of swinging skirts and her fabulous styling which worked perfectly with her dress.