Dear All - this autumn has been a lovely balance of exciting commissions - dreamy bridal looks, glamorous evening wear and custom made mother of the bride outfits. Adventures away from the studio - enjoying cultural excursions in London, treks with sure footed four legged friends in Snowdonia and meeting new fellow "Outdooraholics" in Italy.
Bride of the month
Since my first meeting with super stylist Sarah Kate Byrne I've secretly envisaged looks that I'd like to create for her wedding dress. Sarah is a devotee of vintage clothing, and a lover of artistry and technique. Her statement style has evolved combining vintage and new pieces with subtle contemporary twists.
I was thrilled when Sarah told me that she and Alfie were getting married, even more so when months later she asked if we would create a special top for her to wear with a beautiful embroidered long 1950s wedding skirt.
Sarah sent an inspiration image, then came to see me to look at possible fabrics suitable for the envisaged draping. The design evolved, working together in a couple of fittings. At the final fitting the gorgeous autumnal light made her top look even more ethereal, as if Sarah was the subject of a romantic painting or a Cecil Beaton photograph.
We used an Italian silk organza which looked striking from every angle. From the front a swathe of fabric draped around her shoulders, forming a deep cowl at the back with a cluster of trailing vintage silk flowers from V V Rouleaux. The voluminous sleeves with long elegant cuffs and vintage buttons all combined to create a dramatic yet dreamy look which Sarah looked utterly fabulous in on the day!
"Allison you are a wizard and I always knew it would be you" - Sarah Kate Byrne
Wedding image (above & top of page): https://www.georginapreston.com
Bespoke halo headband: https://sarahcant.co.uk
Mother of Pearl Buttons: https://www.instagram.com/box.of.twilight
Marie Antoinette Style
I loved this exhibition exploring the influence of this infamously fashionable Queen. With my passion for quality fabrics and special finishes in my own designs, I was in heaven looking at the perfectly preserved collection of dresses made in exquisitely woven silks, with stunning embellishments.
The exhibition, the UK’s first dedicated to the French Queen, is on at the V&A until 22 March. It’s a re-telling of Marie Antoinette’s story, showing the cultural impact she had, how she has inspired creatives from film directors to fashion designers influencing not only fashion but interiors, film and performance.
There are rare pieces on display including silk slippers owned by Marie Antoinette and jewels from her personal collection as well as contemporary designer pieces inspired by her unmistakeable style. A must see exhibition! https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/marie-antoinette
Tis the season
Christmas is fast approaching, and if you’re looking for a stunning piece to wear in this year’s festive countdown we have gorgeous new designs at the studio, and there’s time to order a custom made piece especially for you. We’re already deep in jewel colour commissions in sumptuous beautiful velvets!
As it’s a time of gifting, here’s a reminder that we have a fabulous selection of stock pieces available in store and online: Liberty tana lawn printed kimonos, cosy Mongolian lamb scarves, Johnstons of Elgin cashmere socks and gloves, ever popular EMU Australia sheepskin slippers and gloves, and beautiful BRANCH natural horn jewellery. https://www.allisonrodger.co.uk
Christmas & New Year Challenge
I’ll be setting off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro over Christmas, and realising a dream to see in the new year from the summit, whilst fundraising for Alzheimer’s research. My preparation for this adventure has included various practice treks, including a few days in Snowdonia and Italy. Very different locations but the incredible views, camaraderie and challenges have been life affirming.
In Wales we had stunning weather, and having the company of sheep grazing at the top of Crib Goch in the dark was quite a surprise! I felt a great sense of achievement to have climbed Snowdonia’s six highest peaks in 11 hours, seeing the sun rise, then set over breath-taking panoramic views. Experiencing the very rugged rocks of these mountains made me appreciate why the British Everest expedition team practiced right there.
My Italian adventure began in Naples, meeting fellow Outdooraholics to walk the stunning Amalfi Coast and stunning valleys with redundant paper mills, lemon-scented groves, and everything for sale celebrating their famous lemons in the tourist centres. We also visited beautiful Ravello and Positano along the Path of the Gods. It’s such a wonderful way to see and experience new places.
Please don't feel obliged but if the work of the Alzheimer's Society is something you'd like to support any donations would of course be gratefully received.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/allison-rodger-1761820352994?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA
La Galleria Dior
What a treat to head off on a day trip to Paris to visit La Galleria Dior for the first time. If you enjoyed the Dior exhibition at the V&A in 2019, then you’ll love discovering more creations from this couture house, the history of Christian Dior and the designers who picked up the mantle after him.
Set within the iconic walls of the building where Maison Dior began, it felt incredible to be standing where Christian Dior worked, in the place where the new look salon shows took place and the first three ateliers were located; under the eaves of 30 Avenue Montaigne.
I loved being so close to stunning creations I hadn’t seen before and found the video featuring the six successors to Christian Dior absolutely fascinating. Highly recommend adding this to your itinerary if you have any plans to be in Paris – or, it’s most definitely worth making a special trip for it. https://www.galeriedior.com/en
“Whatever you do – whether for work or pleasure – do it with passion! Live with passion…” - Christian Dior
Photograph by Georgina Preston: Sarah Kate Byrne riding Valentine
I hope you have some wonderfully exciting events to attend in these last months of 2025. If you’d like a head turning outfit or a special piece to make the festivities sparkle even brighter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch but be quick, it will be here before we know it.
Thank you for your ongoing support of my business. It means the world!
