‘Dew’ silk duchess satin shift dress with hand beaded belt and pleated tulip skirt, ‘Dalzell’ Silk duchess satin scalloped princess coat with beaded cuffs and pleated skirt detail
I am so very excited to introduce you to an incredible independent womenswear and bridal label Make Me a Dress, which is 100% British.
For those who haven’t yet heard of Make Me A Dress, I can tell you they create some really gorgeous and unique dresses all inspired by the golden age of Paris Couture and the Hollywood silver screen.
Hand crafted at the rural Somerset studio by designers Alexandra King and Anna Vickery, their made to order couture bridal dresses are whimsical, elegant and terribly chic. Perfect for those brides looking for something a little different, a little special and full of fine attention to detail.
‘Joslin’ Soft tulle asymmetric draped full length gown with hand beaded rose belt
The bridal collection dresses take their names from the cast list of Sunset Boulevard, one of Alexandra’s favourite films and inspirations and feature hand beading, exquisite cuts, delicate bows, drapes and very full playful skirts. All made in carefully sourced silks and vintage fabrics.
With seven pieces ranging from an effortlessly chic, 1950s inspired tulip dress and scalloped coat, to the ballerina length tulle gown and a heart stoppingly elegant, hourglass cut dress. Fine hand-beaded
detailing that catch the eye as if they were sparkling jewels are featured on each dress with every bead hand sewn at her UK studio. All fabrics and materials used are carefully sourced with all production conducted in-house to ensure the label’s ethical credentials.
‘Faye’ Fine wool crepe bias cut gown with hand beaded central bow detailing.
Prices start from a reasonable £700 and the dresses are available exclusively made to order, on and off-line with consultations upon request. Alexandra offers a traditional bespoke service with a unique British charm and craftsmanship.
I was lucky enough to find out a little more about Alexandra in an exclusive interview, here’s what she had to say:
What inspires you?
My main inspiration is the golden age of couture, from the late 1940s Christian Dior New Look to early Chanel. This is especially important when it comes to making our dresses and I often have study sessions at the costume museum in Bath so that I can learn new construction techniques from the old masters. Films play a huge part in my inspiration, old Hollywood, Billy Wilder films and musicals as well as lots of trips to English country houses. It’s really anything overly dramatic. My latest source is the Ballet Russes which I think will be influencing the next bridal collection.
How do you think bridalwear has changed in recent years and will change in future?
Bridalwear has always followed fashion trends throughout the ages and will continue to do so. I am hoping that this current trend of shorter wedding dresses and more individual styles will stick as its so important that a wedding dress feels comfortable and is about the bride.
‘Christy’ silk duchess satin hand beaded tea length dress cut with a double full circle skirt
Describe the type of woman who wears your gowns
The woman who wears my dresses is individual, creative and knows her own style. It’s always exciting to work with a new bride on her dress and to hear all of her inspirational ideas. They always seam to be ideas that I would love to work on anyway!
Who would be your dream client to wear one of your gowns
I’m very lucky that most of the women who commission me for a bridal gown happen to be my dream customers, their ideas match mine and I am always so happy with the outcome. If I could pick anyone in the world to design a dress for I think it would be either Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz or Audrey Tatou. This changes all the time but they are always so elegant.
‘Astor’ Silk and tulle ballerina length dress with hand draped bodice and exaggerated bow.
What advice do you have for brides-to-be on choosing a wedding dress?
Choose something that will be comfortable all day, that fits perfectly and most importantly is your style. You don’t want to look like a stranger walking down the aisle.
I’m so excited about this collection, please do check out the Make Me A Dress website for more details, and while you’re there have a look at the rather gorgeous dresses in her regular collection, many suitable for bridesmaids.
Michelle xx
