Bespoke Dressmaker meets Wedding Photographer.

I hate having my photo taken.

My daughter laughs out loud as I seem to grow several chins while trying to attain the perfect posture to eliminte the afore mentioned chin issue!

So, when recently approached by a bridal magazine to answer a few questions along with a professional head shot, the questions were easy, the photo request not so.

A few weeks ago I received an e mail from the wonderful Rob Booker. Let's do lunch and talk shop he said. Wow, my idea of heaven, posh grub and wedding chat all in one hit. Add to that wedding talk with a fella, ladies it doesn't get much better.

However, with client commitments and a poorly daughter, Rob settled for some posh sarnies from Asda alongside some posh cakes and a cuppa at chez Davey or in other words an egg sandwich and mince pies at my house. He also suggested it was about time I had a professional head shot photo for my website and the forthcoming wedding mag feature.

Well, what can I say? What a truly fabby guy, THE nicest man that Mr. Booker is. He bought me wine, even better!

We talked shop, lots of it. I wanted to know the ins and outs of Rob Booker Photography and he even asked me about petticoats and if I had to make one style of wedding gown for the rest of my days, what would it be? I'm in wedding chat heaven!

I loved how relaxed he was (and how especially relaxed I felt with the prospect of the looming photo) and how he spoke of not wanting to be invasive when he attends a wedding. This man is not just a photographer who 'does' weddings. He lives them, is passionate about making sure the shots fit the client and has been known to spend 13 hours capturing a wedding in one hit.

He loves the rapport with many of his clients and his work reflects that.

Rob Booker is the kind of guy I'd have a bevy with, in fact, he's the kind of guy I'd like at my wedding, especially if he's taking the shots!

So, Rob thanks ever so much for the pictures it was very much appreciated, as was the wine. I was a bit apprehensive about opening the file (not the wine) but absolutely delighted with the result. (And not a paper bag or double chin in sight!)

For more information and a preview of his work please visit

http://www.robbooker.co.uk/

His latest musings and an insight to the man http://www.robbooker.co.uk/blog/

Mixing Vintage Style with a Little Ian Stewart!

Who would have thought bringing the past right up to the present would work so well such as this amazing gown, Masquerede, by the awesome Ian Stewart and teaming it with these vintage sassy numbers lovingly made by moi!

Needless to say, at this moment in time I am squeeling with delight after my fabulous client

emailed these photos just moments ago. (I have to wait a few more weeks for the official photos, but I simply had to share)

"Hi Linda,
just a few here of the girls.
I'm just going to forward you on Gemmas email with photo's attached as well.
There will be ones of me and mark as well as the girls- its easier just to forward it all rather than faff on splitting them.
They looked outstanding, they really did. Everyone was amazed with the dresses, they all thought they were fantastic.
It is going to taking 5 weeks for photographer to get back to me with photos so as soon I get them I will let you know
Thanks again Linda
karen xx"

Vintage Bridesmaids Putting On The Glitz!

I have had the greatest of pleasures working for Karen and her amazing bridesmaids.

Karen contacted me after seeing my client, Nadia's real life wedding in Perfect Wedding back in February this year.

The vintage style with spot tulle overlay was just what she was after, but was sceptical about contacting me assuming bespoke was going to cost a packet.

"I nearly fell off my chair when you gave me the quote," she said. And so, these three vintage gowns were born.

Karen chose the ivory spot tulle, ivory silk dupion and the vintage tiered petticoat which had a satin bound edge. Two of the three gowns had sleeves with a feature cuff, finished with a small covered button to match the button front of the gowns.


The cumberbands were seperate to the feature over-sized bow which was dressed and attached directly to the gowns thus avoiding the need to tie them on the morning of the wedding.

The back view showing the over-sized bow.

Button front detail and fabulous trench coat style collar.

The gorgeous ladies in their vintage frocks.

Karen wearing Masquerede. The amazing gown by Ian Stuart.

All the girls together.

Karen chose vintage diamante brooches to pin to each of the gowns and the girls topped everything off with elaborate fascinator hats.

I can't wait for the official photographs.

I shall dearly miss you all. x

Something gorgeously different!

It began with a dream and as I am in the industry for making them come true (bibidybobidyboo), I am happy to say for Frances, her dream came true too.

One thing which surprised me the most, was the trust Frances had in someone she'd never met, me, to box up her precious wedding gown and send it over 200 miles to have a bespoke jacket made to compliment her gown alongside alterations to the gown itself.

"I had total trust in you," she said. "Sending it was easy."

I suggested the perfect petticoat to display the embroidered skirt after the alterations to the side seams and bust area.



The feature lacing to the back.

The jacket over the gown. I used a fabulous beaded and sequin lace for the detail to the sleeves and jacket bottom. The jacket itself was made from a deep claret velvet and was fully lined.

The lacing to the jacket back mimicked the gown.

The beautiful bride.

The bride and groom.

Of her day Frances said. "Many thanks to the lovely Linda for my beautiful jacket which was the talk of the wedding, sadly the petticoat didn't survive the evening of dancing like a loon!! " Yes, Frances, the rowing boat song wasn't such a good idea in a full length wedding gown, but glad you had such fun.

"Thank you so much, all credit to Linda for making it fit like a glove and the Jacket which everyone loved! I got my hat it in a teeny local wedding shop and the gown is a known brand D'Zage, the jacket however is a orginal!!"

And as always, it will stay an original.

I would like to say, Frances, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your very special day.

Can Dressmakers 'do' internal Corsetry?

Of course we can!

I've taken a very short break to look at a new internal corselette technique which will give the same amount of support, but one that will have a little more room for adjustment and comfort. (so those little weight gains won't be so much of an issue!)

Above and to the front is the inner corselette consisting of a bridal canvas which is nice and rigid with boning attached and behind is the gown bodice lining.

The elastic panels have been attached at the side bodice to replace the center back sections. This is what will give the snug but comfortable fit.

The elasticated back panels at the bust and waist area have hook and eye tapes attached.




The internal corselette bodice.

Above, is the gown which has a halter-neck strap. There is a bow detail to the bust, but this could easily be ommited or re designed to accomodate a 'fan' detail with some rather nice embelishment to cover the bodice seam.

The finished gown.

The hemline has a crin strip to define the shape of the hem and I have added some soft tulle to give the skirt a little lift.

I designed a small shrug bolero with dramatic collar for those who prefer to be a little more covered. The jacket front sits just behind the bow.

Close up of the jacket and front bow detail of the gown.

Side view shows the lovely train.

The back view shows the lace-up closure which finishes just at the small of the back. An invisible zip continues to the lower bottom.

The jacket back sits just at the bottom of the shoulder blades.

What I love about this gown is it is so adaptable. It can be made using a synthetic taffeta as I have used here, silk dupion and lace or even a silk duchess satin for total luxury.

Objective Achieved for a 50th Birthday Bash!

Evidently, research suggests that in an average month, British women only feel good about themselves 38% of the time. So my objective to make my client, Alison feel more than good about herself and look simply sensational was achieved after she comissioned me to make her celebration dress.

Alison wanted something classy yet appropriate for a disco dance leaving a full length evening gown out of the question. So we chose this Vogue pattern along with a fabulous 100% silk crepe satin in a stunning bronze colour.

Alison also wanted to add sleeves, so using a design to flow with the style of the gown I added a tulip-style sleeve which enabled movement while covering the arm area.

This is the e mail I received this morning.

"Hi Linda

Just a short note to say Saturday evening was a resounding success and my dress got lots of attention. I felt fantastic which was my objective so I well and truly achieved!

Thanks for everything

Alison"

Finishing Touches.

Whether it’s mother of the bride, or mother of the groom it’s just as important to have the perfect outfit. After all, it’s the wedding of their daughter or son and any mum will want to look their best.

I love to create anything that will make a woman look and feel dazzling on any occasion and working for Sally was no exception.

Sally had a style in mind and came to see me armed with a pattern and selected colours for her daughters wedding recently.

She chose a fabulous shade of green silk dupion to tie in with her chocolate accessories.

We were fortunate to match an exact shade of lace to tie the co-ordintaing lace jacket into the gown.


The gown was ruched through the centre front and centre back and had an invisible zip closure.

The strapless gown.

As usual, there was an inner corselette made to sit inside the gown which helps with structure and comfort.

The lace jacket

She wears it very well!

Once again it has been a pleasure and I shall look forward to working for you again should you require it.

x