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If you are a regular reader of the wedding blog, you’ll know that I recently made a whistle-stop trip down to the smoke to White Gallery London, for a preview of the top bridal designer’s 2014 collections. These are the gowns that will be landing in a wedding dress boutique near you soon.
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I couldn’t possibly keep all the pretty to myself though, and so am in the privileged position of obtaining access to all my favourite bridal designers for a series of exclusive interviews here on Brides Up North, where they’ll be giving you a sneak peek at their newest designs, sharing the inspirations behind the collections and giving you a glance into their (very beautiful) world.
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This afternoon I am thrilled to introduce Astral of Astral Sundholm Circa Brides, whose clean and classic lines and beautiful fabrics really did take my breath away. Currently based in Richmond, London, the campaign to find Astral some fabulous Northern stockists starts right now!
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Please introduce Astral Sundholm Circa Brides and tell us a little about your brand?
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I started the company in 2006 and re-launched it in 2011 when I opened my first boutique in Richmond along with a new collection and website. The brand was originally named "Circa Vintage Brides" after my vintage shop in London "Circa Vintage" where the idea came from to design my own wedding dresses. I have now dropped the "Vintage" and put my name on the brand.
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Rosie
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What is your style philosophy?
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Keep it simple and accessorise your look with something that is totally you, a special piece of jewellery or a scarf, killer heels…
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Tallulah
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Tell us about the new collection by Astral Sundholm Circa Brides?
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The new collection is called "New Romantics" which has a reflection on the glamour of the 80’s. I focus on strong lines with attention to detail using beautiful silk fabrics and French lace. My brides want to wear the dress rather than the dress wearing them. The wedding dresses look different on every woman and it’s lovely to see them bring the look together with family jewellery, veils and other accessories.
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Amelia
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Where do you look for inspiration?
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I’ve been so lucky to have had so many years of hands on experience searching for stunning vintage clothes from the Victorian times through to the 1970’s and seeing how they are made and the gorgeous fabrics and prints which fill my thoughts and sketch books. The internet is incredible now: you can see a costume exhibition in NYC from your laptop and all you have to do is Google 1920’s dress and the screen is full with beautiful imagery. I also find that brides influence me when they try on the collection and I can see so many more shapes.
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Amelia
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What sort of woman do you design for, did you have a specific “muse” for this collection?
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I would hope there was something for everyone in the collection, my dresses are quite simple and classic. My brides like the fact that the dresses are all silk and lined in silk satin which make wearing the dress even better.
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Antoinette
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What fabrics and embellishments were chosen for the new collection and why?
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All the collections are in silk, from silk crepe, silk heavy weight satin, silk Duchess satin and lined in silk satin with hints of French lace and covered buttons and quilted waist bands.
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Gabrielle
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Do you have a personal favourite from the new collection? Which piece and why?
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From the latest "New Romantics" collection I have fallen in love with Lotty which has a 1940’s feel with it’s elbow length sleeves edged in French lace and lace inserts under the bust in bias crepe. I would wear this if I was getting married again!
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Lotty
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What jewellery would you pair with pieces from your new collection?
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I would say 99% of my brides for their final fitting with family heirloom jewellery and they will have either a necklace or earrings which have been handed down the generations. If not, there is so much choice out there and you don’t have to wear real diamonds and pearls to get the heritage effect.
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Antoinette
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What beauty look would complement the pieces in your new collection?
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Very natural, white eye liner inside the eye lids to make them look bigger and tinted lip gloss.
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Lotty
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Do you have a “signature” piece?
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Ava is my number one selling dress although Eddie is hot on it’s heels. The quilted waistband is definitely a signature for me.
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How do you decide on the “names” for your gowns?
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The first collection was after famous Icons but now i name them after my friends (which they all like)and one is after my dog! I know a few designers who have done the same.
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Gabrielle
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What sizes are available in your gowns?
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They are available in sizes 8-16 depending on the style. I can do bespoke where the dresses are made to measure to an original design.
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What is the retail price range for your designs?
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From £2000 to £3000.
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Tallulah
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What sets Astral Sundholm Circa Brides apart from other bridal wear brands?
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I beat to my own drum, although it is lovely when all the designers are at a trade show together and you get to see everyone’s work, there is so much choice out there which makes it very exciting world to be part of.
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Xanthe
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How did you get into wedding dress design – what is your story?
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I was brought up by my mother who dealt in antique and vintage clothes so from a young age I was exposed to the beauty of stunning clothes as a little girl. I went on to study Fashion at Chelsea and Winchester School of Art to get my degree and then worked as an apprentice pattern cutter for six months (where i learned more than all the years studying).
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I met Julian Macdonald who was just finishing his MA at the Royal School of Art and went on to work for him as his pattern cutter for years. I made bespoke wedding dresses for friends as word of mouth got out about what I could do, and then opened a high end vintage clothes shop with my mother.
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This is when the penny dropped! It seemed a day did not go by when a soon to be bride was asking for a vintage wedding dress. The problem with that was they were often too small, stained, deteriorating and covered up most the body. So in 2006 i created Circa Vintage Brides – my first collection of 8 vintage inspired wedding dresses
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Lotty
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Was there a defining point in your career that made your business the success that it is today?
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Selling my old vintage business to focus fully on the bridal and re-launching in 2011. It’s been hard work but I can see ahead, opening my lovely little shop in Richmond and taking part at the White gallery this year and seeing the response from wedding boutique buyers and press.
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What are your plans for the future?
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To get more stockists across England and Europe so more brides can get to try the collection on, to get more exposure for the brand and to move into evening wear in some of the styles.
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Rosie
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Is this your dream career? What alternative career would you choose? Why?
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Yes, I always wanted to be a fashion buyer and sit at the front of the catwalk, but the creative side got in the way.
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Antoinette
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What would “a day in the life” at Astral Sundholm Circa Brides HQ be like?
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I take my little girl to nursery and in the Summer I’m really lucky as I get to walk through Richmond park with my dog to work (a Schnauzer) she sits in my office under the desk while I’ll check emails, then downstairs to the work room where I’ll alter patterns, make patterns or create on the stand and cut the fabric for the seamstresses to sew. Later in the week the bridal appointments get more frequent and I like to see them myself to go through the collections. Saturday is very busy and I have an assistant in to help. I have Sundays and Mondays off to be with my family and catch up with friends as I can work very late during the week.
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Xanthe
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Where do you go and what do you do to relax?
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I love playing with my daughter and the dog and we love family walks, we try and get away for a weekend every now and again, the last was to Salcombe camping and I’m off on my yearly holiday to France where i totally switch off.
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Tallulah
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What are your “best things” in life?
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Spending time with my family, designing and seeing happy brides leave my shop with their wedding dresses over the moon.
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Eddie
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How can Brides Up North readers get in touch with you or see more of your designs?
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Visit our website, or they are more than welcome to come and visit the shop and try the collection or hopefully we will secure some stockists Up North in the next year so they can go to them direct! I really hope Brides Up North like the collection.
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 supplied by Astral Sundholm Circa Brides
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