"Have a Heart"

Is it just the time of year or am I always thinking of hearts. I like to think of the idea that when you join three hearts it makes a shamrock, one of my favourite characters in my work. I think of it as the brides family and the grooms family coming together to make a new family.

It's that Time of Year for the London fashion Week, so it's good that I can follow the latest trends on social media.

It's also the week, a year ago, that Russia invaded Ukraine and our lives have been over shadowed with the doom of the war.

Thankfully following Ukrainian designers on the internet has been a way of keeping my spirits up. The people of Ukraine have so inspired me with their amazing resilience and bravery. 

I am in awe of their brilliance.

Fashion, design and creativity is the heartbeat in Ukraine. Fashion is a business but it can also be a powerful platform to communicate with people in All Parts of the World.

The Ukrainian people have made it their mission to show the Rest of the World the Truth about what happens there!!

"Together we can prevent this from having any more people loses and destruction. 

Ukrainian designers have Joined the War Efforts!!

Beyonce and Sam Smith have championed a Ukrainian designer who has caught my eye.

His name is Ivan Frolov from Kyiv and along with the Ukrainian mantra "we can go through anything we are strong and united" they are successfully fighting the wars news front line.

Frolov has a team of 35 employees and from the start of the invasion they have done their best to support each other mentally and financially.

Right now most of the team are in Paris working on projects to raise funds for their countries needs and to spread the Truth and narrative about Ukraine.

Frolov " I try to use every second of my life to do something useful"

" What helps me hold on is a deep faith in our victory and Hard work. Regarding the brand, we are focusing on two main things right now. First is taking care of each team member and keep our company afloat. Another is helping our country in winning this terrific battle."

" During the first weeks of the war, it was impossible for me to create at all, I just couldn't take a pencil into my hands. It was unrealistic to concentrate and it only got worse when the horrific facts of the Ukrainian genocide in Bucha and other cities were revealed"

So he started the FROLOV HEART. a limited collection of white and black sweatshirts and t-shirts embroidered with Hearts hand sewn and beadwork.

Each heart is hand sewn and unique, and a t- shirt or sweat shirt can be bought AND THE PROFITS FROM THE SALES ARE BUILDING MODULAR HOUSES within the nest project by Serhiy Prytula charity foundation while also providing jobs to crafts people!!!

Shop for your heart @frolovheart.com

Love is in the Air

Crazy times, war, earthquakes and more; but at least Northern Ireland can thank Rhianna for yet again putting us back on the world stage.

Congratulations to Johnathan Anderson, son of Willy Anderson one of our rugby legends, you did it.

Designer Jonathan, from Magherafelt, in Co Londonderry, is creative director at luxury Spanish fashion house, Loewe, and founder of his own label JW Anderson.

Sometime ago Rhianna famously did a video scantly clothed in front of an oak tree in North Down, much to the protest of the local farmer ( who now says the tree is dying). 

Hopefully this experience will be more warmly celebrated, along with the news of her expecting her second child.

Good to have some good news, I love hearing when my former brides are expecting the arrival of a wee one.

The other good news that cheered me up these days was hearing of the couples getting married or planning their weddings in Ukraine.

I just love this smiling face, such a wonderful image, a Ukrainian defying the Russian oppression. I find it hard to concentrate these days when I hear all the sadness in the news but at least, faith, hope and love the 3 ingredients weddings are a powerful way to improve our lives. 

So I hope this Valentine's season you feel loved where ever you are in the world.

Share some LOVE "be the reason someone smiled today"

If you are in Ukraine and you need a wedding organiser look up Forever_bride_wed 
 

The Latest from the Bridal industry on the newest trends for 2024

"Come fly with me"

I have always loved watching the birds in my garden. Every morning there is one there to say "Hello"

You will have seen some of my work with embroidered birds, from simple outline stitching to more intense elaborate embroidery.

Recently I noticed birds appearing on the couture catwalks, so I thought I would share the latest trends with you.

"Birds flying high you know how I feel" inspiration from a song maybe!

"Love is in the Air"

"Let your idea out of the bag"

"Dare to Dream"

"Icons in the Spotlight"

"Fresh Trends for 2023"

Short bridal dresses seem to be a thing for 2023.

What's on trend that the bridal shops are buying for 2024?

Bodices with a straight across line rather than the sweetheart line?

Sleeves still a Big thing in some form or another.

Bows?

Do you ever see a dress in a picture and think well I like a notion of this but not quite the same as that. Or maybe you have been to a wedding dress shop and liked a part of an idea but need someone like me to make it the way you want. Well then why not come and meet me to discuss your ideas to see if its possible. 

History is being made today in London as Zelensky visits the capital. He thanked us the Northern Irish for our support and help so far with the invasion of the Russians into their country, jeopardising freedom and democracy. He appealed for "Wings of Freedom" While recently Miss Ukrainian Universe sold her wings to raise funds for the crisis.

Who needs a needless war when we have a natural disaster to cope with since the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria?

Let us All sew the seeds of Love and "Give Peace a Chance!!"

"Spread Peace and Love"

"Love can Conquer All"