 |
| The dress awaiting its debut. |
 |
| The back trimmed with a concealed zip and 36 matching covered buttons. |
 |
| The bodice, the neckline is cut around the lace pattern and to make sure the bodice was symmetrical, one shoulder has an appliqued motif cut so that it matches. The lace at the waist and hips has also been cut and hand appliqued in place. The puff shoulders are structured with tulle ruffles inside. |
 |
| The back of the skirt. The top layer was to sit separately from the under dress so that it moved freely, little tacks kept it from going adrift. |
 |
| The lace applique over the back of the skirt to make the pattern. |
 |
| A close up of the lace applique. Each motif had to be carefully hand cut from the border of the lace and hand stitched into the pattern. |
 |
| Using the lace we made a cord and then looped this into the button loops to fasten the back. |
 |
| The sleeves, French seamed and trimmed with matching covered buttons. Edged in lace appliqued to the cuff. |
 |
| The soft tulle underskirts edged in satin |
The final dress, the mannequin and my photo taking skills really don't really do it justice.
I know you may be thinking the bodice is a little reminiscent of another bridal gown this year? There was quite a bit of debate about this neckline, I was dreading it and my initial thoughts were NO NO NO, NOOOOOOO! As you can see the initial design had a high neckline, no V but we hadn't set anything in stone and we wanted to see how the dress developed.
I really didn't want to do anything that even vaguely looked like the KM dress. Not that I don't like it, it's the most stunning example of couture and craftsmanship that anyone will see but knowing this, my feelings were that anything that looks like it will be a cheap copy. Plus it's someone else's dress!
So, could I really say to Katie 'no you can't have your wedding dress how you want it' and cause stress over the shape of a V? Well no, the Royal family can't have the monopoly on V necklines. Katie's was inspired by the 1940s which the whole wedding revolved around, a wonderful Wartime theme and whatdaya know, they had V necklines in the 1940s too!
The cut of the dress with the hourglass fit, soft tea colour and Katie's incredible look with Forties red hair and lipstick, there was no way this was going to look anything cheap or copy like. Sometimes you have to trust a bride too, they are ones who are going to make the dress come to life. And she looked stunning, and by far the best Katie to me!
Here it comes to life, more photos from the incredible wedding tomorrow ........................................
A little note on wedding dress buying ......
For me, it's a really great way of working when you have lots of interaction
from a bride, I know some people may think it's annoying but really it's
like you have an extra helping hand, and being involved in the design of
your dress makes sure you get it how YOU want it. I generally will only
say no to something if I think it will look bad or won't work, or
obviously if it's copying. Having a good relationship with the person
supplying your dress is quite important and you can trust them to be
honest with you too.
So when getting a dress made or even buying a dress from a
boutique it's important that you think about it, ask millions of
questions if you really need to and speak out if you are not completely
happy about something. If you are getting overwhelmed (I sure did) just walk away and take a break from wedding dresses until you clear your head a little. I know some of us know exactly what we want and others haven't the foggiest, and that's ok.
A good supplier or designer will be wanting you
to be reassured, for you to trust them and for you have the most amazing
day in your perfect dress. Don't ever feel like you're being a pain.
( please don't ever be rude though, you may have your dress sliced in
half! :) )
