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A week into our obsession with one new princess – what are the chances – along comes another…
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Alexis
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How did By Purple Princess Designs begin?
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I finished my Master’s Degree at university in 2005 with a view to starting a career in writing. However, researching and writing a book takes forever, and I needed to eat! I began making celebration tablecloths and started adding beaded embellishments. This led me to becoming interested in beads; at the time mostly seed beads. I managed to get a part time job in the bridal industry working in a bridal shop and fell in love with all things ‘wedding’. I also noticed that the jewellery and the tiaras were not of a particularly high standard, and thought “mmm I can combine my new found love of beads with making tiaras”. I began to experiment with all sorts of things, and discovered I had a talent, combined with a vision which meant I could turn ordinary things into beautiful things. The tablecloths went out of the window.
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The name ‘Purple Princess Designs’ came from the fact that my favourite colour is, and always has been purple. My name is Pauline, as a result this is usually shortened to ‘P’. A very very dear friend used to call me his ‘P’rincess, so hence Purple ‘P’rincess was born. The apostrophes are now dropped of course, in order that it makes sense to other people. The business has gone from strength to strength, and as a result I am now considering the development of a whole new couture range to complement the ‘mid-range’ Purple Princess. Incidentally, I am still writing the book!
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Flower and Crystals Hairpin
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What jewellery products/ bridal accessories are available from Purple Princess Designs?
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Purple Princess Designs incorporates a wide range of products including wedding and bridal jewellery, tiaras and fascinators, brooches, hair pins and accessories and, the recently introduce, beaded flower cake toppers. I am also working on a brand new range of cravat pins for the men so watch this space, I have some cracking little designs. I am also collaborating with one of my stockists on a bridesmaids’ range of jewellery. This range complements the bride perfectly, and yet still makes the bridesmaids feel every bit as special as they deserve to be.
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Do you design and make all the jewellery on your site?
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Yes, everything is handmade by myself, apart from the one or two Sancerre pendants in that section. However, I can incorporate those pendants in other designs.
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Claire
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Which piece is your favourite and why?
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I love the Alexis set. This set so different to anything else I have seen, it’s quirky, and fun and yet stylish and different. I also love ‘Gina’ tiara/ hairband, this looks amazing against hair which has been back combed, and on particularly short styles. I’m now loving the new tropical cake topper, and the new toppers which are yet to be uploaded. The ‘Finesse’ collection is one of my favourites too, I love it’s understated sheer elegance, with just the right touch of sparkle, just gorgeous. Last but not least is ‘Starburst’ so sparkly, un unusual and just lovely.
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Finesse
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Can you create bespoke pieces?
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Yes, absolutely, in fact most of my work is about bespoke commissions. I have even incorporated a piece of lava into my ‘Arctic Ice’ necklace. The result was a silver wire-wrapped piece of perfectly shaped lava from Iceland combined with icy blue Aquamarine Swarovski Crystals!
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What celebrity would you like to design for and why?
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Helena Bonham Carter because she appreciates things which are different. She’s not afraid to experiment and be totally true to herself. I love that she’s so totally off the wall, and not just a clone of every other celebrity.
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Natalie
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What are the best selling products on your website?
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The ‘Finesse’ sets, ‘Gina’ tiara/hairband and ‘Alexis’ sets have always been excellent sellers, followed closely by the ‘Micah’ Swarovski crystal bracelet and ‘Joanne’ Swarovski crystal heart bracelet. Oh! And not forgetting Shelby Earrings, they always sell exceptionally well.
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Can you buy all your designs online (do you do appointments)?
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At the moment about 98 per cent of my range is on the website, partly because I have a new website on board, and I’m still uploading the rest of the items. Yes I certainly do do appointments. I don’t currently have a shop front, so appointments are crucial for one to one sessions.
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Fuschia
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Are you married? What Purple Princess Designs pieces would you choose for your own wedding day?
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Yes I am married. If I had my day again, I would choose ‘Shelby’ Earrings with a ‘Gina’ tiara and ‘Finesse’ Necklace and bracelet. Alternatively, I would choose ‘Starburst’ in Purple Velvet Swarovski Crystals with a sterling Silver ‘Micah’ and ‘Michelle’ necklace all in Purple Velvet.
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Do you have any tips for Brides Up North when choosing their accessories?
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Definitely shop around, there are so many exciting designers who deserve to be looked at, whereas the bridal shops tend to stock all the same items. I do believe that for her wedding day, a lady should be true to her own style, and also unique. Use the designers to adapt their creations to suit you, and look for those who do bespoke designs. You’ll have something truly beautiful to treasure forever.
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What pieces would you recommend as bridesmaid’s gifts?
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I have already made several ‘Micahs’ and ‘Michelle’ bracelets as gifts for the bridesmaids, they are timeless and elegant and will match most outfits. Similarly, I have made several ‘Rochelles’ with diamante disco balls and Crystal charms, particularly in hot pink and also purple; these are not just bespoke, they’re also made to measure!
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Laura
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Can you give Brides Up North an idea on price?
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Because I work from home I am able to keep my current prices fairly reasonable. ‘Finesse’ necklace is £45 comprising sterling silver and gorgeous delicate freshwater pearls, the matching ‘Finesse’ bracelet is £37.50. ‘Shelby’ Earrings are £35 comprising Swarovski Crystal Elements and a diamante rondelle on sterling silver. ‘Starburst’ is £65 and ‘Gina’ is £55.
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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you/ find out more?
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Contact me via www.PurplePrincessDesigns.co.uk on email: Pauline@PurplePrincessDesigns.co.uk or 0773 882 8012.
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Anything else that Brides Up North should know?
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We offer unique service which means that we can send photographs of your chosen item once it has been made. This enables the customer check the style, and the colour scheme before the item is sent out. Once the item has been sent, we do offer a money back service if you are not satisfied, however, I am proud to say we have not yet had to do this. We also offer discounts on multiple purchases, which is usually ten per cent off the overall price.
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Why do you read and like Brides Up North?
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I think that Brides Up North offer a unique opportunity for both brides and designers to connect. The advice given is practical and clear, but unlike other sites, Brides Up North offers a wide variety of designs, not just those which happen to be “trendy”. In short there is something for every bride, whatever her age, shape or budget.
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Have you entered the Purple Princess Designs Right Royal Giveaway yet? Click here to enter!
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Purple Princess Designs is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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