2019 A Good Year!

To start the year I was asked to design and make a very special wedding dress to be worn for a spring wedding in the Far East. The back has a simple cowl feature exposing the beautiful oriental print fabric underneath as a reference to the wedding location. I was particularly pleased that I could source all the silk fabrics from an organic silk supplier as the quality of the fabric was so important to the finish of the dress. Above are several views of the finished dress.

It has been a real pleasure working for Joan Collins over the last few years, mother of TV celebrity Gemma Collins, as I never know what Joan has planned for her wardrobe! This year Joan was keen to have a few more beautiful styles made as she herself appears on several shows too and wants to wear her own commissioned dresses. Joan loves to be fully involved in the creative process and has many artistic influences which lead her to source unique fabrics and prints which I then make into the styles she likes.  

This year I have enjoyed working with the creators of the Magic of Motown on several of the female singers costumes among other things. I really enjoy creating these glamourous pieces and being able to make use of my imagination for these show costumes. A little sneak preview here as the creators are working on a new show around the hits of Diana Ross coming soon and so I made this gorgeous silver gown for the singer!

Some of you may have heard of Designs By Josh from previous events I have taken part in, but in September 2019 the 14 year boy took the amazing finale spot at the House Of Ikons fashion show in central London to display all his latest designs, which is where I also showed my latest collection. I am pleased to say that a few of his designs were made in my studio and have been delighted to work with him on some of his collection. It has been great to watch this young fashion talent grow from when I first met him a few years ago and look forward to see his career progress!   

My first ethical luxury collection was shown in September at the House of Ikons Show in central London in September 2019 named 'What Lies Beneath' and I was there taking some behind the scenes pictures during the fittings.

Creating a collection for a catwalk show obviously has to have a high visual impact, but the show and the collection for me was also about discovering the ethical and luxury pathways available to me as a brand. I spent a couple of months early in 2019 researching the effects the fashion industry has on our environment and exploring positive ways I could create my occasion wear garments.   

I just loved making this sparkly little number for this young lady for her party with all the pretty trimmings and  spent some time making sure the fabrics and trimmings would be right for such a special dress. I like to give my  bespoke clients plenty of  fabrics swatches to choose from and this helps them picture the finished garment. I have to say that being able to source the right fabrics needed for any garment can be very challenging and one of the most unexpected time consuming things to do even with my experience! 

After the House of Ikons show in September  I was interviewed by the Rebecca Davi online magazine, had my collection in Daily Mail 24 online, I had some of my designs in several publications, Runway Magazine, Avant Garde Magazine and  to top it off, Tatler which really made my year!  ​

2019 was a very busy year for me but I enjoyed working with and appreciate all my clients, not just those that I have highlighted here! I have also been working on a few more accessories for my online shop and will be continuing to develop my brand of ethical luxury occasion wear during 2020 which is my passion! I just want to take this opportunity to wish everyone an amazing 2020 and look forward to exciting times ahead. As we start the new decade I will be looking for ways to be innovative in my business which will improve ways we work together, respecting people and the environment.