Collection 2023
With the launch of my new collection, I wanted to share a little insight into where the ideas came from and how the process works for me as a designer, seamstress and small business owner.
In October, I made the decision to take a month ‘off’ and do some travelling across Europe, living from a van and exploring gorgeous beaches, towns and cities in the sun (and the wind and the rain!!) and using the time for a well earned break after the busy-ness of the 2022 wedding season. But also to do a little bit of work on my business instead of just in it. As a small business founder that wears all the hats within this business, I find the role of designer often gets hidden underneath seamstress, stylist, admin assistant, accountant, studio manager (etc etc.) So I used my time away to really throw all of my design ideas together. I have an ongoing Pinterest board of inspo and also save images of garments and trends that I love from both the bridal and fashion world. As well as constantly scouring fabric suppliers for new fabric ideas and inspiration.
So I could use all of this background work that I just seem to automatically do in my ‘spare time’ and combine it all together into five focused designs that link, but also stand as beautifully, individual garments alone too.
I wanted to create a collection for the modern bohemian bride, that reflects current trends from the world of fashion with beautifully detailed bridal fabrics. I saw a need for dresses that could be adapted by the bride. I think its super special for the bride to be involved in the design process and the new collection allows this, without the fear of complete creative freedom. (Although if you love that creative freedom I offer totally bespoke too!!)
The collection has three skirt designs, four necklines, five sleeve/ strap options and six fabric choices, all within five dresses. This is so that when the bride-to-be is trying the collection on we can discuss ‘pick and mixing’ your dress to bring all your favourite aspects and design features into one, creating a beautifully unique and totally ‘you’ look for your wedding day. Or you might just fall in love with one of the designs exactly as they are, which is totally fine too.
When I got back from my trip I had a clear idea of my five designs and so I could finalise fabric choices and begin pattern drafting. My background and training is in costume construction, so the majority of my pattern drafting is done on the mannequin and through draping. I love this way of drafting patterns because it allows the design ideas to really start to take shape and come to life quite early on in the process.
Once the designs, fabric choices and patterns were all finalised I could get to my fave part of the entire process; construction. I made all five dresses in January, alongside my full time alterations business (Sew.Guernsey), veil orders, my sisters wedding dress prep and wedding fayre planning…but I survived and I was so pleased with the outcome.
The final stage was to get some gorgeous shots to show the collection off and I worked with the incredible Lauren Amy, who grasped my theme to perfection and captured the dresses in all their glory with both a sunrise and sunset shoot and models Kariss Craig and Cat De Garis.
Over the next few months I’m going to upload a mini blog series to really show off each dress in detail, so don’t forget to pop back for that!
If you’re based in Guernsey and want to try the new collection on then pop me a message and we can get an appointment booked in. If you’re not based in Guernsey and you’ve fallen in love with the new collection, pop me a message too, and we can discuss the option of creating your dress based on your measurements and posting it to you.
Click here to see more of the collection or get in touch with any questions.
Photographer: @LaurenAmyPhoto