Almond blossom inspiration for any wedding at thous time of year.

Dress for Malta

I was asked to take part in a photo shoot that was to take place out in Malta.
I had been told that Caroline Connor from Mode of London would be my model. This was great for me to know as I don't like the thought of a dress going to a photo shoot that I haven't a clue exactly what size and height the girl wearing my dress is going to be . I can't help being a perfectionist, it just seems to be one of my characteristics.
So what was my dress for this occasion going to be, well this is what I came up with.

I decided that if you were planning a wedding aboard, where you were getting married might be the inspiration for The Dress.

The bride would want a dress that could travel well,and be right for the bride, the occasion and venue that the couple had chosen.

So I decided on an ivory crepe de chine silk which would be cool and crease resistant , perfect for Malta.

The idea of a simple dress with a detachable train so that when the time came the bride could decide train on or train off, even wear the train as the veil. This idea not only meant that the dress was easy to wear and easy to transport but it also meant it was adaptable through the Big day.

As to the detail, I started researching Malta in March, when the photo shoot was to take place and worked out that Almond orchards would be in blossom and this sparked the idea for my detail on the dress.

I imagined the buds and flowers bursting in the sunshine just like our apple trees in armagh in the month of May.

Tiny beads and pearls enhance the embroidery so that the detail would sparkle in the sunlight.

Close up of the work on the train.

The dress finished ready for it's experience in Malta.

 I did get the offer to go with it, but as you can imagine this is one of my besets times of year and i think my brides would have noticed me missing in work even for a short period of time.
just to add to my work load it was suddenly mentioned that a young girl from here had won a competition to model a dress at the Malta shoot could I provide a bridesmaid's dress also.
watch this space for news on what I decided for Amber.

Then there were the accessories for the girls to wear that would match their dresses!!

Some of my latest work.

Sorry it has taken so long, but every time I went to do a blog I either had some technical trouble or work to do.

 Hopefully i have resolved some of my technical problems by replacing some of my very old equipment. Nowadays it is not only your work you are trying to do and your shop window but also your website,your blog and your Facebook page. As long as I'm getting my work done and keeping my brides happy,hopefully my blog can wait.

 I intend this weekend to share some of the work that has been keeping me busy.

Follow up on Valentine's Weekend

 With Valentine's day many of you may have been lucky and had the question popped and for some girls the next thing on her mind is The Dress.

So when I was asked to take part in the Wedding Open day at Mount Stewart I wanted to take a selection of dresses and menswear that let couples know we are here to help them.  Selecting what to wear can be a daunting task for some and an absolute pleasure for others. All of us love to look our best on any day but your wedding day is so special.

One of the questions that came up at the Show was why I charged a consultation fee. If a bride spends an hour in my company and I give her help and advise she can appreciate that with my experience and qualifications I have more to offer than just a sales assistant. The best advice I can give is at least phone and chat to me about the subject and then we can work out if you need a full consultation with me.

I find that because I have been helping brides for a lot of years I can recognise instantly the sort of style that will make the most of a bride’s figure plus points, and play down any negative bits, she’ll put her faith in me and respects my opinion and I listen to my bride,  and more than likely that results in me being allowed to make her wedding dress. Sometimes the groom also asks for my opinion which I am happy to give.
Vital tips can help you recognise what style of dress, style of suit will make the most of any persons attributes, and play down the not-so-good bits.

Tips to help my next blog.

Breaking News for this weekend at Mount Stewart, County Down.

This weekend I have been asked to take part in a Wedding Open day at the famous and fabulous Mount Stewart.

This is the front of Mount Stewart which featured last night on TV's Getaway Show.

The Temple of the Winds a charming venue for a wedding, visit it this weekend to see why.

The view of Strangford Lough from the Temple of the Winds

The other side of Mount Stewart with the entrance to the Great Hall .
Visit this Saturday the 15th and Sunday 16th February, anytime between 11am and 4pm to find out more about having a wedding here.

More Ideas from the latest catwalks.

On the cat walk with Zuhair Murad Spring summer 2014 where there was lots of lovely detail.

Dolce Gabbana Alta Moda Spring Summer 2014, I just love the ideas with the embroidery in this dress

Back stage at the Chinese fashion week with the Bridal Collection.

Paris Haute Couture

 I thought I would show you some lovely images from the Paris Couture week

 As usual the guests showed up in some fabulous ensembles

 I loved this lace outfit in emerald green.

Bridal from Elie Saab

 I can't help but show you more of the wonderful  fairytale creations, delicate embroideries and intricate detailing.

 Some of them are a bit see through for my liking but if I had the chance to wear one of these I would just make sure I had a layer of fabric that won't let you see my legs!

 Stunning dresses by Elie Saab that highlight everything that is feminine.

He builds his creations with layers of loveliness maintaining a form of sophistication.

 Lots of different ideas and creations form all the shows in Paris.

 Hoods were on show on the Versace catwalk.

More lovely designs so feminine and sophisiticated

Pointy high stiletto heeled shoes with a fine ankle strap

Long see through sleeves

Off the shoulder neckline using every inch of shoulder line, with short sleeves and fine belt showing of the  tiny waist.

More layers of loveliness, with 3 di flowers cascading over the kirt

Still plenty of off the shoulder dresses along with shoulders covered with delicate detail.

Plenty of ideas,better go and go some sewing, I hope you enjoyed what I have shared with you.

I will finish this lot with one of my very favourites.
Also congratulations to Ralph & Russo for being the first British Brand in over 100 years to show at the Paris Haute Couture week. I will try and bring you some photos of their designs for my next blog.