To finish off your week in style we’re bringing you a whole lot of pretty as we introduce our wonderful new Sponsor, The Bobby Pin.
With a clear love for all things bridal, accessory designer and owner of The Bobby Pin, Lisa Steane, creates beautiful finishing touches for brides in the form of elegant headpieces, hair vines, sashes, cuffs and jewellery, plus much more.
In addition to her stunning ready-to-wear collection, which is available to buy online, talented Lisa also offers bespoke designs, perfect brides in search of a special one-of-a-kind piece for their big day.
So without further ado we’ll hand you over to the lovely lady herself to explain more about her dreamy designs…
With images by Fkb Photography.
Tell us a little about your background and how you came to set up The Bobby Pin?
lisa says:
I lived in Canada for three years and I needed a head piece making for a special wedding I was going to. I knew a girl I worked with did millinery on the side so she made me a piece. I absolutely loved it and thought how amazing would it to be to have a business making these beautiful things. So when I moved back to the UK I decided to enroll on the millinery course at Leeds College of Art. I loved it from the word go and just started doing my own designs and making pieces for family and friends when the occasion arose. The big push was in spring this year when I decided to leave my head buying role in toys and set up The Bobby Pin. I always wanted to be my own boss and I was finding the commute and the travelling a bit too hard to juggle with a one-year-old. So I trademarked my brand, made my stock and launched my website in August.What types of accessories do you offer?
I make and sell bridal headpieces, halos, vines, pins, bridal sashes, bridal cuffs and jewellery. I am also going to do more flower girl and bridesmaid designs.
How would you describe the style of accessories that you design and what types of brides do you think that your products appeal to?
I would describe my style as delicate and pretty. I think my designs will appeal to most brides as I do a range of different styles and designs and also experiment with different colour pallets. Above all I think I will appeal to brides who want something beautiful and different, but also that’s affordable.
What are the main materials and detailing that you use in your designs?
Most of my pieces are made from gold and silver plated wire with Swarovski crystals, pearls and beads. I also work with beautiful feathers, tulle, lace and silk. I want my pieces to look the very best quality so that’s why I always use the finest materials.
Why do you think accessories are such an important part of a bride’s attire?
I think bridal accessories complete the overall look for a bride. Some brides chose to have a fairly plain dress then really go crazy with their accessories. I love these brides! I also love that brides are choosing to wear bridal sashes to give their dress a lift. I think sparkle brings opulence to a bride and makes her feel special on the biggest day of her life. I’m finding that brides today are not afraid to experiment with their look and I love creating bespoke pieces for these kind of brides.
How does your bespoke service for brides wanting one-of-a-kind accessories for their big day?
The process for my bespoke commissions is that I start with a consultation which can be on email, skype, or even at my studio in Yorkshire. Once I get an idea of what the bride requires I draw up some designs to show the bride to see if this is on the right lines. If all is good, I go into making the piece. When the piece is made I send though images of the design to the bride to see if she is happy. This is the time we can tweak anything. Once that is done the piece is shipped to the customer or they can come back for the piece to be fitted.
What advice would you give to brides when picking their accessories?
I would always advise to try your accessories with your dress to make sure they do complement each other. I would also say you must be comfortable with the piece you are wearing. Make sure the piece fits your head and you have the right hair style to hold the piece in. Some pieces can be too large for the bride and it can just be uncomfortable to wear throughout the day.
Do you have any particular favourite pieces within your collection?
I think my favourite piece in my collection is the Martha band. I love this baby pink feather piece. It has smoky grey velvet leaves and grey veiling and a crystal embellishment. I just love how it looks on a bride it really looks great with an ivory dress. I also love that it is a bit different and it would look great on a bride or her bridesmaids.
Where do you get inspiration from for your designs?
I get a lot of inspiration from the materials I use. I usually do a few sketches first and sit with the gemstones, pearls etc. and just experiment with styles and shapes. I like to work quite organically and don’t like to plan out designs too much. I find I’m more comfortable letting my creativity take over.
What is it that you love most about your job and what sets you apart from other designers?
I love everything about my job; I get to make beautiful pieces in my lovely studio all day with my two cats Rusty and Dusty and the radio as company. I love the bridal industry I have found everyone is so positive and supportive to one another. I love that I meet excited positive brides and that I am part of the biggest day or their lives. I think it’s an amazing industry to be part of and you never get bored because things change all the time.
What is the feedback like from your clients? What is it they love about your designs and service?
My client’s feedback has been amazing! I think my clients feel comfortable with me; I’m a very laidback character and want my brides to feel that I totally understand everything they want. I think my clients love that I can produce a piece that is so perfect for them and it’s more than they could have ever expected. The brides are what makes this job!
What is the price range of your accessories and where can they be purchased from?
My price range starts from £15 up to around £300. All pieces can be purchased on my website www.thebobbypin.co.uk. I will also be at a number of Brides Up North wedding fairs, including their fabulous Wedstock and Wedstival festival style wedding fairs in Cheshire and Yorkshire next May.
How can Brides Up North readers get in touch with or find out more about The Bobby Pin?
Brides can contact me via my contact page on my website or email me on lisa@thebobbypin.co.uk. They can also follow and contact me via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Any other exciting news to share?
I’m working on a very exciting collaboration with a new bridesmaid dress supplier who will be launching in November. I’m busy creating all the pieces to match the dresses. I don’t want to give away too much yet but you will be the first to hear about it and see the images from the shoot!
