It’s all about the #dresslust this afternoon on Brides Up North, as we introduce you to the lovely Antonia of bespoke bridal label
blossom & belle
, based in the beautiful city of York.Originally a ready to wear designer, Antonia’s team at Blossom and Belle now aims to provide their brides to be with the ultimate unique bridal service creating the ‘dress of your dreams’ and making you feel and look wonderful. Better still, Antonia is offering Brides Up North Readers 15% off a couture gown from now until April 2016. Quote Brides Up North when making your appointment.
Let’s meet the lady behind the lace…
Images by Olivia Brabbs Photography.
Why did you decide to launch Blossom & Belle?
antonia says:
From the age of 12 I wanted to be a fashion designer. I loved to sew and draw. My teachers used to call me a dreamer! I loved seeing old movies to look at the clothes and particularly loved Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday and Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind. I did a two year Btec and a one year of an HND in Fashion before going on to do a three year BA Hons degree in Fashion and Textiles.The six years of training gave me the technical and creative skills to pursue my design career.I decided to launch Blossom and Belle after taking time out from being a Couture Bridal wear designer to have a family. Blossom and Belle started as a ready to wear collection with my sister in law Sarah who after having her first baby felt deflated when she couldn’t find anything that made her feel and look good. This is when the signature Blossom and Belle signature wrap dress was created. I worked with a print designer to create the Blossom and Belle blossom and butterfly print in organic cotton and silk and set about making a collection of ready to wear which is still available on my website.
Even though I love making ready to wear I still yearned to go back into bridal wear and after losing my mother last year it gave me the push to go for it. I decided to buy a studio in a convenient location where brides can come in a relaxed atmosphere to see me and view my sample gowns. I now have the room to create and have fittings and spend one on one time with each client.
What attracted you to the wedding industry specifically?
When I graduated from university I was asked by a friend if I could make her wedding dress. The feeling of creating a truly unique gown for someone’s special day is priceless. It is wonderful knowing you are making a bride a dress that will fit them perfectly, that is unique and just for them. I like to work one on one rather than mass production and working with the most luxurious fabrics like silks and lace is heaven.
What is your favourite thing about being a dressmaker?
It is wonderful knowing you are making a bride a dress that will fit them perfectly. I love the ability to make a three dimensional work of art whether it is flouncy and slightly over the top or elegant and classical. Being able to work with beautiful fabrics and trimmings and creating my own embroideries for a dress. The buzz of going through the process of design through to finished product.
What are the main benefits of having a bespoke wedding dress?
You are getting a truly unique dress that is made only for you… that no one else with have. Using the most luxurious silks and trimmings. Most brides have an idea of what they want and being able to sit down with a designer who will design your dream dress is a lovely experience. I also don’t tell the bride her measurements. I create a dress that makes you look wonderful no matter what size or shape you are so you go away with the knowledge that it is your size whatever that size may be. You get to choose your colours, your fabrics and accessories yourself all within my studio. I even have Rachel Simpson designer shoes you can try on that I can order for you.
What process will a bride go through if she picks you to make her wedding dress?
Blossom and Belle start with the initial consultation where you come to our studio and I make you feel as relaxed as possible. I will sit with you over a cup of tea and go through your own ideas and will sketch you various designs. We will go through fabric samples and colours. I will ask you how you imagine your day and how you envisage yourself in your gown. When a bride walks through the door I can immediately tell what style of dress will look good. Once you are happy with the design I will take your measurements and create a toile which is a mock up of the dress itself. It is at this point where I will ask the bride to get her bridal underwear. The underwear is so important in creating the structure you need underneath the gown. The toile gives the bride an idea of how your dress will look and allows me the designer to perfect the shape and cut of the dress. I have on occasion had a few mothers and brides shed a tear at this point even though it is only made out of calico which is a very good sign. If the toile looks good then the dress will look fabulous. The toile is where we are able to tweak the design, decide on hem lengths etc. It may take a few fittings to get the toile just right. Once the toile is perfected then I will work on the chosen fabric.
There will be about 5 fittings from start to finish to make sure everything is perfect. I always like to have the dress finished in plenty of time to alleviate any stress the bride may have.
Where do you advise brides to source inspiration from for their bespoke dress?
From Brides Up North of course! This is a bridal bible of wonderful ideas. Even I go on to Brides Up North to get inspired. Most brides do have an idea of what they want. I am able to work with this idea. However, where the wedding is taking place is key. A medieval hall calls for a medieval romantic inspired dress. A beautiful stately home calls for elegance and sophistication.
What other members of the wedding party can you cater for?
Blossom and Belle are able to cater for the whole wedding party. The beauty of this is you are able to create a whole ensemble where everything comes together. I have often been asked to use the same fabric for the grooms tie, flower ties and table settings!
What is your favourite dress that you have made to date and why?
My favourite dress changes with each new dress I make… but my all time favourite is Siren. It is a 1930’s inspired bias cut buttermilk crepe silk satin dress. It shouts glamour and elegance. I created the gown 20 years ago when I had a show and used it again at the showcase launch at the Barley Hall in September. It looks so simple yet the cut of the gown had to be perfected to allow it to fall beautifully. It is teamed with a little silk blouse and luxurious faux fox fur wrap. I wanted to show that Blossom and Belle creates timeless dresses. I would like all my brides to look back on their photographs in years to come with the knowledge that their bespoke gown is still beautiful.
Which celebrity would you most like to make a wedding dress for and why?
Adele because she is the epitome of a real woman. She oozes glamour and sensuality. She is not ashamed to show her curves. Very independent but not afraid to display her femininity.
Any particular wedding dress designs proving popular with brides at the moment?
Lace is proving very popular at the moment. Vintage is very in and I think it is going to stay for a while.
Do you have a signature style at all or particular fabrics that you like to work with?
My signature style would be the ethereal, medieval inspired gown. Although I like to create any style, I love to work with silks and Irish Linens.
Are you married?
Yes. My wedding was 18 years ago! The reception took place at Belfast Castle overlooking the city. I had two little bridesmaids dressed in the same colours as my gown. It was a three piece. A bias cut crepe silk and georgette skirt with puddle train, a gold embroidered corset and a fitted gold embroidered jacket which I took off after the ceremony.
What sets you apart from other dressmakers?
I am able to design any style. If it is couture you want then it is pure couture you will have… with covered buttons and loops and hand stitched hems (I do not like zips in a couture gown!) I line all the gowns in silk. I don’t cut corners and I am there at any time to have consultations. I want to give every bride pure luxury. I can even be there on the day to dress you and make sure everything is perfect.
What would you say to bride who is worried about the price of a bespoke dress?
If you have a budget let me know and I will try and work with it. My gowns start at £2,000. When a bride decides to get a bespoke dress from Blossom and Belle she can be assured that there are no hidden extras.
Can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?
Yes I can. I can give Brides Up North Readers 15% off a couture gown from now until April 2016.
How can Brides Up North readers get in touch with you or see more examples of your work?
Brides Up North readers can come and visit me by appointment at the Blossom and Belle studio. You can see my sample collection and even try on some gowns. Email me at belle@blossomandbelle.net visit the website www.blossomandbelle.net or ring me on 01904848920 I will also be doing some Brides Up North Luxury Wedding Exhibitions where they can come and see my gowns and have a chat.
Anything else we should know?
Blossom and Belle are having a Bridal Tea Party at the beautiful Tithe Barn in Nether Poppleton on Sunday 21st February from 1pm to 4pm. We would love to meet you!
