On The Dazzle – There can never be too much sparkle at Christmas

On The Dazzle – There can never be too much sparkle at Christmas

It’s almost impossible to believe that another Christmas time is fast approaching, and I’m so far behind this year… Not one mince pie, panetone or glass of mulled wine has passed my lips as yet, which could be due to too much work, and insufficient play – or perhaps more the fact that I over-indulged far too early last year, and vowed never to do the same again!

Hot News! We launch our online store this week, starting slowly and surely, with accessories and scarves shop here. So, if you’re struggling to find extra special Christmas presents, take a look and be inspired.

I’m flattered to have been chosen as THE bridal designer for an exclusive Bridal show at the Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard, on Saturday 9th January 2016.  We are busy creating stunning new bridal gowns, evening, and special occasion wear to present, in this breathtaking wedding venue.  I have two pairs of complimentary tickets for the show – please request by email to acknowledge your interest.

Approaching the end of this busy year, it’s time to reflect on all we’ve achieved during 2015, and the beautiful clothes we’ve designed and made – often for special, happy, and memorable events.  Thank you firstly, to my very lovely clients, for entrusting us to fulfill your vision.  Secondly, my heartfelt thanks, and appreciation to my incredible team, for bringing the visions to life: Amy and Penka for turning their hands and minds to making anything and everything; Mr Uddin and Shah for their exquisite tailoring; and Aruna and Karen for their fabulous embroidery and bead-work.  I would also like to thank Antonia, Ann, Katherine, Sanna and Shanice for their valuable contribution during the last year, and Julie, Steph and Alastair for their help and support behind the scenes.

Thank you also to Mary, of Windmill Flowers who has so kindly supplied my beautiful, and unique Dressmaker’s wreath. 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, with good health, and much happiness in the New Year!

Let’s Party – Light up the night in dazzling sequins and metallics

I’m sure many would agree that the low cowl back of this elegant gold satin evening dress has an allure which entices a view of the curves from all angles. Susanna Reid is featured wearing the same style in December’s issue of Good Housekeeping, and says: “My biggest confidence boost is when my boys tell me I look lovely.”

This dress will make a statement at any posh party over the festive season.  The bias cut silk crepe satin is the ultimate in glamour dressing, with a plunging v-neck draped to the empire line, and a back godet with token train balances the low back silhouette.

A couple of ideas to provide a little cover: we have a gold lace back-to-front shrug or a fabulous silk and gold lurex shawl, either of which can be worn as a compliment to any party dress.

A year ago, I intended to feature a beaded red dress for Christmas.  A length of silk georgette was dyed to the exact colour, and hastily beaded with tiny glass bugles and seed beads in India to my deadline, but we ran out of time……….

During the last few months, I’ve thought about what to create from the length, and in haste, and rather out of character, I’ve cut a completely covered dress with boat neck, and full length sleeves!  The beads disguise the sublety of the princess line seams, forming panels curved to the body, and they flare to a fishtail from the knee to the hem, with a short train at the back.

This is a dress that requires movement to bring it alive, and goes to the top of the glamour stakes, especially when worn with Edwina Ibbotson’s dramatic headpiece.

Last minute Santa – online too!

If you’ve been up to your eyes with work deadlines, and are now feeling the pressure to find perfect gifts for special family members, and friends in the run up to Christmas – look no further……….  We have lovely gifts for winter warmers, or winter sun, with prices from £45.00, available from Elystan Street, or our online shop.  Check out the selection of our much loved pieces: toscana mittens, trendy hats, knitwear, scarves, and fox fur accessories.

Keep your mitts warm in toasty toscana sheepskin, sizes S, M, L, colours: black, chocolate, camel and chocolate breezer. £45.00.

Keep your ears warm too, with a chic fox headband.  We have an assortment of colours –  raspberry and chocolate are pictured here. Elasticated for comfort and fit. £235.00.

Beanies are so on trend this winter, and ours are extra special, having Saga (certified) fox pompoms, which will always look perky whatever the weather. £85.00.

Colours: cream, red, oatmeal and rust; charcoal, silver, black, navy, beige and mushroom

For a more sophisticated and refined beanie, our lambskin with Saga (certified) fox pompoms are the ultimate in warmth and style. Colours: dark chocolate and ivory. £180.00.

Our cashmere and Saga (certified) fox hats have an air of luxury, whether dressed up or down. Each hat is unique in hue, due to the natural fur. Colours available: ivory, navy, mushroom, black, grey and chocolate. £400.00.

The toscana gilets have become almost a winter staple, being so warm, stylish and easy to wear. We can make to measure. Pictured is colour chocolate breezer, with shawl collar, and horn buttons. £475.00.

I have a small selection of sable scarves and mufflers.  Once I felt the softness of the fur, I was smitten, by the lightness and warmth.  It really is extra special. Prices from £595.00. Pictured is the longest, a snood, measuring 1.65cm. £960.00

Bride of the Month

I just loved having my dress made – I’ve never had anything like that done before, and it was really special being able to create it together with Allison, perfectly fitted, just for me, and adding glitz and sparkle along the way – even down to my shoes!  It was such a fun part of my Wedding preparations.

Amy is doll-size, and I suggested that her wedding dress should lengthen her tiny frame, without being too figure hugging. The look was to be 30’s inspired, perfect both for Amy, and the stunning wedding venue, Old Finsbury Town Hall.

We used a beautiful heavy silk crepe satin for the dress, covered with a layer of the finest Italian silk chiffon, to add lightness and movement.  The empire line bodice has a plunging sweetheart neckline, draped with the fine chiffon, and the drapes continue to define Amy’s waist.

The most important piece for Amy was the sparkly lace top!  Her eyes were drawn to our new sample, which we made with 3/4 length sleeves for her.  Made from my much loved finest French lace, delicately beaded with tiny glass beads and swarovski crystals and diamante. The front has the perfect cover, and the back is a stunning low cowl.

I love these photographs, taken at Exmouth Market, and outside Cafe Kick, where Amy and Tom had their first date!

Alfie’s Thought of the Day

The forest in winter covered in snow, and shrouded in mist. Imagine a young bride preparing herself for marriage wearing a crisp white satin robe, delicately fitting her juvenile figure, and placing an exquisite veil upon her head, that gently flows over her shoulders.  Soft pearls around her neck, a solitaire diamond glinting in the sunlight, as she leaves her house and enters her new world.

– After Proust