Sophie’s Wedding dress

 

It is always a pleasure to make clothing for friends – and even more so if it is the wedding dress they are after! And since apart from he historical bits ( Prior Attire) we also provide bridal gowns ( Prior Engagement)  it was a pleasure to be asked:-)

We have known Sophie and Chris for several years as we tend to attend the same events – they are accomplished musicians and provide music from medieval to modern times ( Blast from The Past). indeed, they were also our musicians of choice when we organized the Spectacular! Spectacular !ball ).  Over the years we have become good friends – and it was with joy that I agreed to making Sophie’s wedding dress.

Sophie was no stranger to our bridal fashions – indeed you will see her modelling a part of our Winter Bride collection back in 2013

The first stages was agreeing on the styling, foundations etc. Sophie created a secret Pinterest board where she pinned her inspirations and we discussed the choices. in the end we ended up with a simple and yet surprisingly elegant design. Based on late Victorian fashions, the dress was basically an evening outfit from the late 1890 – a simple bodice and a flowing skirt, both decorated with elaborate lace.

Since Victorian fashions need a corset, a corset was the first to be created…. here at the fitting stage – we decided on a white sateen, with a gentle blue flossing. The corset needed to be providing the correct silhouette ( the whole dress may serve  Sophie as an evening Victorian gown in the years to come, perfect for  her work – concerts etc), but be comfortable enough so that she can stay in it all day, dance eat and enjoy the day.

 

 

a modified TV01 pattern was used, white sateen, busk, flat and spiral steels from Sew Curvy

 

Over that a bodice in champagne satin was assembled ( lined with cotton lawn and lightly boned), with a back lacing and a rather stunning lace going over the neck and shoulders

first fitting of the bodice

 

The skirt of the silk satin and lawn lining was next – here  at the first fitting, with lace pinned up. It as worn over a lacy and fluffy petticoat – an original one I lent Sophie for the wedding.

 

 

 

the lace was  arranged and pinned over the bodice at the last fitting

and then it was down to hours of stitching the thing on 🙂

 

A shaped green silk sash/belt completed the look.

 

On the day, since we were invited to the wedding too ( yay!) I arrived early to help Sophie dress…

photos by James Harris Photography

and once we were ready, the fun could begin…..

The wedding was a truly amazing day – relaxed, full of love, laughter and happiness, with great company, excellent food , moving speeches, and, needless to say, fantastic music…

Pictures below by Pitcheresque Imagery – Lucas was providing a back up photography on the day, a few more snaps here..

 

 

It also turned out that Sophie had all of the important three from us too – something blue ( flossing), something old ( antique petticoat) and something borrowed ( the petticoat – and my own bridal veil).

Lovely natural make up by Sarah’s doo-wop-dos

all together – a fantastic day was had by all – congratulations to Sophie and Chris!

 

 

 

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Vampires at Gosfield Hall

 

I have never actually been to a proper Halloween Party, but this year we were seduced into attempting one. Admittedly most of the seduction was done by the location – we have been to Gosfield Hall before, to shoot our Summer Bride collection last year – and loved it! So the tickets were bought, and since it was Lucas’ birthday on the 1st, I treated us, as a surprise, to securing the sumptuous Bridal Suite for our stay.

And with a venue like that and  lodgings dripping with gold, I obviously needed suitably splendid attire….

Fortunately I had a cunning plan – I have designed the Batdress   several months ago, a spur of the moment thing,  and then was lucky enough to get a bargain fabric –  15m of crushed silk velvet – useless for historical outfits, but perfect for a bit of Halloween fancy dress.

The original sketch,

and a work in progress sketch – yep, that’s how I make skirts and gauge how much fabric  to use…

 

the foundations first – a cage crinoline, mid Victorian design, and a muslin petticoat from one of our bridal frocks….

then the skirt….

The corset was a bit of a challenge – because it was to be worn over a crinoline and not  underneath, it had to be much shorter, allowing for the skirts to billow up. As a result, it turned out to be a surprisingly comfortable  wear:-)

The corset used plain coutil as a strength layer,  tape castings for channels and cotton for lining. Decoration – silver and black lace appliques, silver thread flossing and red beads.

insides before fitting in the lining

close up of the lace

decoration complete

 

The overskirt/wings were made of the same fabric and lined with faux duponi silk from James Hare – and boned with thin metal flat steel.

other accessories included these..

 

Once the dress was done, I have 6 hours to make something more before we hit the road – and in a mad rush I made another corset, satin and calico , with lace and silk tulle decoration:-), styled for a Bridal vampiric  look…

The plan was to arrive early and shoot the bridal stuff first, then change and have fun in the Bat dress. alas, we underestimated the traffic – Friday, end of half term, halloween – we were stuck on the motorway for  much too long. as a result, we arrived in time to get ready, but not to shoot the bridal stuff – that will have to be done the following morning!

We were surprised , very pleasantly, by a nice card and a bottle of white wine awaiting us in the suite – a present from our friend Eleanor, who was also attending the party! 🙂

not a good picture, but captures the grin… and the room….

Before the party a girl needs to relax –  a bath and a face mask was in order. Lucas did have a bit of a shock when i joked I could go to the party wearing this….

 

but at last the clothes were on, make up and hair was done and we could take a few pictures….

 

 

The event was very atmospheric – an amazing singer in one room, roast boar dinner and a cobweb covered pianist playing tunes from the Phantom of the Opera in the other, fireworks outside – amazing!

apart from relaxing, eating and enjoying ourselves, we did take more pictures  at the end of the night….

Batdress in its full glory

 

and one from the end of the night…. corset undone, hair loose – and yet it worked too 🙂

 

as to the question i was asked a few times at the party – how do you go to the loo in that?

well, the answer is simple – wear split drawers ( or none….) and go in forward….

 

In the morning we got up early and  shot the Dracula’s bride styling – corset with lace, with a scrap of lace as a headdress, my bridal veil and a silk chiffon skirt….

 

nom nom nom

we were having so much fun we almost missed breakfast – as a result i rushed downstairs half dressed – don’t think many people minded though – the corset looked great with jeans too!

 

I must admit I loved wearing the Batdress – but it was a one off and is going to be put on sale ( though not before we shoot it somewhere else – the original idea was a forest or a cemetery), just like the bridal corset – no doubt next year I will come up with a different kit: – )

hope you enjoyed the madness – we did, and are planning more Halloween outings in the future!

 

 

 

Yellow frock shoot – 18th century bridal style!

Well, if your hubby is an eager photography enthusiast, I suppose one has to suffer for it… So when Lucas  was in need of a model to practice new lighting/exposure/new gadget/ ( insert a suitable photography magic jargon word here) and take photos of the spring fields, what can I girl do? I rummaged through my frocks and the bridal samples to see what would fit me and look good with the back=ground we had in mind, and finally settled on  a frock from our Summer Bridal collection – Jeanette. It is an 18th century inspired dress in lovely silk taffeta –  the look, and styling is based on the 18th century aesthetics, the finish, construction and the cut is modern.

  In the Summer Bride photoshoot it was worn over a big hoop and net petticoat  suitable to the bridal theme, but for the field version we decided to make it more historical than bridal.   And so, proper stays, pocket hoops, stockings and shoes are worn underneath to render the silhouette a bit closer to the historical ideal. Minimal make up, a re-styled straw hat on braided hair and a basket with freshly cut lilac ( my favourite flowers!) completed the look.  a nearby field was picked and Lucas set to playing with the light…

speedlight in a fancy poke bonnet 🙂

dramatic skies in the background…

I spent most of that time first in the car, then standing in the field, huddled in a jumper and wellies…

and taking bad selfies to pass the time….

 

Once everything was ready, tested, set, re-set etc, i could ditch my jumper and wellies and start doing my job – try to look pretty and graceful while trying to avoid standing on dog turds, puddles, mud etc. The results – below – enjoy!

 

Credits:

Photography: Pitcheresque Imagery

Dress: Prior Engagement

Shoes and stockings – American Duchess

my lovely shoes and stockings – tried to keep them s mud free as I could!

 

 

 

 

 

Garage Fire and Post-Conflagration Photoshoot

As some of you may already know, on December 28th we had a garage fire – a faulty socket started a rather unexpected conflagration. The fire was discovered by our neighbours and the fire brigade was called….

whatever you do, do not open the door…. raging inferno inside….

fire quenched…. all steaming nicely…

The firemen did a sterling job, and an hour later the garage was soaked in water, steaming like hell, but secure – and so the boys left,  bearing quite a lot of our post Christmas posh choccies –  at least a token of gratitude.

The next morning we inspected the damage….  there was a lot of personal items there, bikes, re-enactment stuff, tools, tents, camping gear, furniture etc – but also almost all my stock – both finished items ( including the gowns from the Autumn Bride collection) and  wool, silk and linen awaiting their turn to be sewn up into lovely costumes. It also contained quite a lot of other people’s items,  things left  behind, or brought for re sizing, embellishment etc…

The inspection did not bring good news – just a few pictures here…

that heap contains most of our re-enactment footwear – Regency riding boots, 18th century shoes, medieval ones, my cavalry boots ; all melted….

that’s what remained of my bucket tops cavalry boots….

unlikely survivors… fire-starters… how ironic!

the culprit

the clothes were ruined – the ones n plastic covers, or in the wardrobe were covered with melted plastic, charred, some burnt. some , mostly wool, were just dirty – but changed size a bit – being first hot, then wet, and then drying up in still hot garage overnight, the wool shrank…

  Fortunately we were insured – unfortunately I didn’t realize  that in order to cover the 3rd party items i need to have an additional third party option – public liability was apparently no good, as the folks who lost their things would have to claim on their own insurances and prove that I was liable – negligent, or actually starting the fire. Since it was plain I wasn’t – they would lose the case. So now it looks like the money the insurance is going to pay for the stock and business equipment  is going to be mostly spent on paying up other people. The insurers were a bit surprised that that ‘s what I intended to do – they clearly though that was other people’s loss and nothing to do with me. It was just as clear to me, that I cannot afford to treat my clients so – and they are all being reimbursed ( about 4 grand…) as soon as the money arrives..   lesson to other costumers etc – do check your insurances for the 3rd party damage!  I have learnt my lesson….

 I will  just have enough to pay up for the new fabrics to help me rebuild the stock ( will take a few years…).  oh well. Not a good start of  the year, but nobody was hurt – and most of the possessions are just that – possessions….

 There was a silver lining though – we decided that the lovely charred wall in the garage and all the damaged items are only too good not to take advantage of, so we held 2 photo shoots in the garage, exploring the post apocalyptic, distressed ideas, letting the gowns shine one last time….

  

a bit of Judith and Holofernes going on here….

good acting, Lucas!

a bit of lady Borgia….

Pride and prejudice and the Zombies!

 Many, many thanks to the models who come over and got dirty with us!

 photography – Pitcheresque Imagery

models: Miss Lilian Love, Helen Underwood, Jenny Bowers, Izabela Pitcher, Lucas Pitcher

Robe a la Polonaise en Fourreau

Well, we have done the Francaise and l’anglaise style, time for a little polonaise… The idea for this one sprouted as soon as I saw the fabric at the market – a lovely silk brocade in ivory, yellow and green, in a fitting 18th century pattern.  the fabric was bought and put aside for the project. The project itself was kick-started by an offer to participate in a bridal photo shoot organized by Lavinia from Events in a Box. The venue, Harrowen Hall,  was an 18th century mansion, so apart from the modern dresses, they wanted something ‘more period’ . A perfect occasion to showcase the 18th century collection – and the polonaise was scheduled.

 There was a complication ( there always is something, isn’t there?). The shoot was to be on the 18th April ( my birthday!)  and on the 13th I was having a surgery on my shoulder….   the other gowns were to be worn by models provided, but this one had to be modeled by me.  still possible, if I sewed most of it before the op, and finished the neckline after the op – I needed to make the bodice a bit bigger than usually, to accommodate the dressing – I gathered a size bigger would be ok, I would simply lace my stays loosely.

  The making of the frock was surprisingly easy – and pleasant.  The pleated back looks complicated, but it was rather straightforward pleats, and stitching them down was relaxing. I used the pattern from Janet Arnold and bodice pattern from the l’anglaise.

pleats pinned down

back lining piece determines the final shape of the top fabric

back cut out

securing the pleats with stitching

half way through!

pleats done!

inside the bodice part

 Once the pleats were done, it was time to get the front of the  sleeves and the front part of the bodice sorted.

sewing the parts together – seam pinked

Next – the skirts were pieced and hemmed. Here showing the pocket slit

pleating the skirt at the waist…

pleated skirt attached to the bodice

back of the dress

 Finishing the bodice was next. the silk parts were hemmed and mounted onto the linen lining.

bodice front hemmed

pinned onto the lining…

and stitched together

sSeeves were next on the agenda

pinning the sleeve

sleeve insertion

finishing the lining inside the bodice

the innards

sleeve cuffs were decorated with self trim and linen lace

hooks and eyes in place…

  And that was more or less it –  the skirt were polonaised using inside tapes, as indicated on the pattern – and most importantly, the dress, though as planned just  tad too big for me, worked perfectly with my shoulder dressing:-)  fortunately the big dressing ( pictured below) was removed the day before the shoot…. no way I would be able to fit anything over that! well, maybe a Robocop costume… 🙂

the big dressing after the op…

all put together 🙂

Petticoat was made as well – in ivory taffeta, with a flounce. For skirt supports I used a big bumroll/ false hips, and the gown is of course worn over the stays.

Alas, the models provided for the other dresses were about 2-3 sizes too small so it was a challenge to get the frocks looking good,but  the photographers  worked wonders and we did get a few great pictures – please excuse the modern bridal headgear –  showcasing work of another company too! 🙂

Photography, Shears and Mockford – and indeed that was our first shoot together – little did we know we would end up working regularly on a variety of projects!

Robe a l’anglaise in dusty pink silk

  This was my first proper l’anglaise and a bit of experiment ( which project isn’t?).  It was originally intended as a show piece for the bridal branch of the business, Prior Engagement, and serve as an example of an 18th century frock for a historically minded bride….

 The styling was loosely based on one of the gowns from the Kyoto  Costume Institute , particularly this one. the petticoat and the robe were made form the same fabric and since i had quite a lot of dusty rose silk, the idea of making everything in it suited me to a T.

  The stays were first –  half boned, with coutil/canvas strength layer, boned with reeds, bound in silk.

getting started….

all pieces ready….

all pieces whipped together, ready for binding

tedious binding process…..

done!

was so excited i popped them straight over my top… love the silhouette! worn on a random shift below…

The petticoat was next in line… – an easy rectangular shape, and nice and easy pleating did the job

front pleated

insides – the extra fabric is folded down and pleated, i secured the edges with piking later.

Then only a waistband and it was ready!

waistband pinned in

just needs pressing….

Then it was time for the robe itself…. Mock up first. I used a pattern based on the Janet Arnold polonaise ( used for my very very first polonaise years ago!)

My very first 18th century gown, all handstitched.

experimenting with the mock up

lining is made first and seams boned

for boning I used think but strong reed

then silk was mounted over the lining

Piece by piece, handstitched.  Sleeves were next…

lining the sleeve

setting in the top part of the sleeve

and the shoulder strap is covered with silk, hiding the sleeve attachment

the neck and sleeves were decorated with Valencia lace and silk ribbon.

 Once the bodice part of the gown was done, it was time to start pleating the skirts….

pleats pinned

and sewn in:-)

 and it was ready!

It was first worn for the wedding photoshoot at Harrowden Hall – alas on a model that was 3 sizes too small 😦

at the Bridal shoot photo by Mockford Photography

 Also, I wasn’t convinced about the petticoat in the same colour – looked a bit boring.  However, it looked much better with ivory taffeta petticoat ( part of another outfit….). a bright shawl, worn on beter support, with a wig and a hat, it looked much better! -Here worn at a Georgian picnic at Grassenholm Farm, photography by Pitcheresque Imagery

and with another hat….

  As you can see this bridal project turned out to be a re-enactment item in the end – and love it too much to sell on….  a couple of things i would change, and probably will as still have bits and pieces of that silk – the sleeves are just a tad too tight, so will need to amend that inconvenience!

 Altogether I must say that I love the simple style much better than the ornate grandeur of the robe a la francaise – simple lines, minimum decoration somehow work well for me:-)

Robe a la Francaise in yellow brocade

 There comes a time in every costumer’s life when you just cannot put it off any longer – you need to have a go at the sack back, or robe a la francaise. I have been meaning to play around with it for quite some time, but was waiting for the opportunity to arise – and for the right fabric to turn up. And then, in 2011,  I snatched a bolt of silk brocade in bright yellow, with lovely 18th century pattern in white. Not my favourite colour, but the pattern was simply too good to miss.

 And so, the French adventure started…

 I already had stays, in linen,  fully boned, based on the ones in KCI, but I needed structural support…

linen stays, handsewn…

stays in action..

  I used the pattern for pocket hoops from the Corset’s and Crinolines, and it it was easy to run a pair of them in no time at all – the instructions were simple and easy to follow.

pocket hoop fabric ready for assembly

ta dah!

Now for the frock itself. I followed the pattern from Janet Arnold,  Patterns of fashion 1 ; the one with comperes front, ( buttoned up)

the petticoat was first: the construction was pretty straightforward, though the flounces were a pain – the fabric frayed like mad….

trim in the making…

more trim on the petticoat…

the skirt…. 🙂

  Then it was time to address the main article – the robe itself.  Again, the pattern is simple, as is the principle – the difficult part was lack of an assistant who would be able to pleat  and pin the thing on me… had to improvise with a dummy.

pinning away…

the front…

sleeves taking shape…. the bodice part and sleeves are made in linen.

the front part….

And there it is! 🙂 my first attempt- a few things i can improve upon, but happy with the first go result.

 and worn  on me – here on the set of Horrible HIstories

Horrible Histories set – you can just about spot me in the back…

We also used the frock for an 18th century themed bridal photoshoot  in Harrowden Hall- a mix of 18th century frocks and modern styles – alas models turned up to be 3 sizes smaller than requested, so the frocks are not displayed at their best – but still Mockford Photography and Pitcheresque Imagery  managed to get a few good shots!

the three frocks  we used – from the left – polonaise en fourreau, robe francaise, robe anglaise

the Anglaise in dusty pink

and the polonaise in brocade. made a bit to big ( the shoot was 5 days after my shoulder operation, so made it a tab bigger so that i could squeeze my dressing into the sleeve:-)

 The Yellow francaise ended up, very appropriately, in Paris – and is now living  a rich and meaningful life, mostly being used for side saddle riding – shown below as a masquerade attire, on the day when we delivered int to Paris, on its new owner – Anne-Beatrice:-)

  Now, I still have some more of that fabric – am tempted to make a caraco jacket in it…. 🙂

2013 in pictures

New Year’s Eve party – by White Mischief

exactly what is says in the title –  a collection of what was happening here in the last 12 months! enjoy – and- Have a lovely New Year!

 

the first event of the year – Katherine of Aragon festival in Peterborough…

from our Winter Bride collection, shot in January

Prior Engagement team at the EWE in Birmingham

 

 

 

Dianas of the Chase point to point race – sidesaddle…

Easter in Devon: running ..

and hunting – the coldest ever!

and shooting bridal frocks in St. Audries Park – where we got married in October 2011!. good memories:-)

then it was time for the Spring Bride Collection…

in April, we organised a big ball – Spectacular Spectacular, in Pinewood studios…

May was busy – here at a Georgian picnic

doing a Victorian Striptease inn Dragon Hall in Norwich…

entertaining Queen V at Leighton House

June – being a bit silly at a bridal shoot for Events in The Box and Mockford Photography… alas that gown suffered in the recent fire:-(

at the Heritage Festival in Peterborough, in June…

July – Kelmarsh festival, building a bed in the tent…. 🙂

and sweating buckets in Regency gear at Hereford…

🙂

went to our first Steampunk markets that summer too – here in Cambridgeand Stamford

we shoot our Steampunk Amazones in August too: part 1, in Yorkshire and part 2 in Thurleigh

 and did a Summer Bride shoot too…

one of the Summer Brides dresses…

September – at Steampunk Asylum, here just before the fashion show…

and at the market:-)

more markets followed – ILHF and TORM

please, please, can i have some more fabric????

sometimes the markets were busy – sometimes – not so much….

we did some crazy things in October….

in November we also shot the Autumn Bride…

alas most, if not all of the Autumn bride dresses were damage in the garage fire….. including this one….

we spent 6 evenings working in Aston Hall with Black Knight Historical…and returned thee to film Regency Christmas  for NBC – the resulting feature can be viewed here: 

we snapped a few pictures making the best of the spectacular autumnal colouring…

and being silly at a Christmas Market at Stoke Rochford…

and enjoying working at Holkham Hall for two very busy weekends…

and seeing Christmas in London, celebrating my last outfit for the year – a mixture of late Victorian and modern:-)

 Over the year we also enjoyed a few good Stitch and Bitch sessions with Julia from Sew Curvy – it is great to have friends you can work side by side with – rather rare for me, so thanks Julia for your friendship!

good times!

looking classy even at work…

Alas the year didn’t end on a good note – we had a garage fire on the 28th – in which most of my stock, fabrics, dresses etc was damaged.. 😦 lots of private re-enactment , camping and sport equipment also vanished:-( still, we were  insured, so hoping some of it can be rebuilt – it will take a while though! 😦

fire started in the evening – faulty socket is to blame…. here the fire is over, just trying to get rid of the fumes..

the wardrobe where the dresses used to be….

😦

mind you, some of the charred, sticky, smelly items may have just one more chance to take to the stage – we plan a postapocalyptic shoot… it is not everyday  you have a beautifully charred wall in your garage, is it?

  and so –  that’s it – goodbye 2013, welcome 2014! bad or good, it will no doubt be interesting – Happy New Year everyone!

Impromptu Autumnal Shoot

  Well, I do love autumn – it is by far my favourite season – not too cold, not too hot, stunning, ever changing colours, varied weather… Love it. And one day  coming back from a hack in the fields around Thureigh Equestrian Centre, I was struck  by the mesmerizing quality of light  sifting through the yellow gold leaves  of the birches in the compound. Dreamy and magical.  And so, having obtained permission for a few quick snaps from the owner, I decided to have a quick shoot in a a few hours time – true, the light would be changed a bit, but since Lucas was not available till  the afternoon, I had to wait. No photographer, no fun.

 I used the  time wisely – had a rummage through my own historical costume wardrobe, the bridal samples and the stock items and  quickly cobbled an outfit together.  I didn’t want a historically correct shoot – but a fantasy one, combining different elements together, simply having a play:-) After an hour of mixing and matching i had the following motley ready:

 1. 12th century bridal gown in silk satin, a sample – too small for me really, but could just put it on and simply not lace the sides.

2. an Edwardian style corset I wore for the New Year’ s Eve last year –  satin and brocade creation, with about 500 freshwater pearls

3. a long red wig I used for the Spirit of Autumn  Leaf dress project

 4.a silver wire tiara, elven style

 Quick make up, and I was ready. Seconds before we left I grabbed my harp and a medieval chair and Lucas grabbed a staff… props are good.

 We arrived at the centre and yes, the light was different, much lower, so the blazing glory of gold was slightly subdues, more nostalgic. Still – very pretty.

 It was time to have some fun –  for Lucas it was the  composition of each shoot, the light etc – for me – it was trying to hide my wellies.  Yes, forgot nice shoes…

 First sitting  shoots with the harp.  We had a bonus sensory experience  – the gentle breeze stroke the strings and the harp sang by itself. rather cute!

you can almost see the wellies….

Then I was handed the staff and we had some fun pretending I was Gandalf on the bridge of Khazad Dum. Minus the beard and the pointy hat.

  We were almost about to leave but we decided to take a few more shots on the other side of the paddock – there is rather delightful birch alley that was just too tempting….

alas, the wellies have made an appearance here… 😦

I am an angel! Ha! as if…

Needless to say the residents started to get interested at that point. First a pony trotted over so see what all that fuss was about…

Don’t be deceived by that innocent smiling face –  at that point he was deciding whether the pearls on the corset are edible…

and then decided to go for it. His clever ploy was avoided with an adroit maneuver and the pearls survived.

 Then a distinct sound of galloping horses was heard – it was only Blackie and Elgar running across the paddock,  no doubt eager for another apple – I gave Elgar one in the morning  after our hack and he was obviously hoping for seconds. No luck thins time, boys!

  Then it was time to pack up and go  – though I did manage to sneak a few restive moments on the bench!

Yep, wellies fully exposed here….

Shortly after I was freed from the clothes and wrapped warm ( it was rather cold….) and we  got back home – me back to stitching, Lucas – to editing the pictures!

Many thanks to Beth from the Centre  for allowing us to use the premises!

The Autumn Bride Collection – The Dresses

 This time you have already seen the official photos  ( click here if you haven’t… ) so it is about time i posted about the designs and the dresses – and as always i will provide sample pricing too.

Our Autumn collection was all about Victorian and Steampunk  – with some pre-Raphaelite inspirations too.  we were fortunate to secure the stunning Coombe Abbey  for the shoot – and its ambiance was perfect for the Victorian designs.

And so, without  further ado, let us meet the dresses.

1.  Mina.

 Here simplicity and elegance was the key.  A mixture of 18th century  silhouette and Victorian aesthetics resulted in simple lines and sparse decoration. The skirt in satin is worn over a big crinoline; the jacket in silk, lined with brocade, is fitted, laying smoothly over the corset worn underneath. I must admit i like the jacket a lot – and will most likely keep it for myself – would look great with jeans!

The design can be re-created in any color scheme and customized with decorative items. Skirt and jacket would start from £600, depending on the fabrics.  Bridal corsetry from £300.

The result:

2. Veronica

 

  Our Steampunk Bride wears a skirt  with lots of ruffled lace and tulle, a tight-lacing corset in satin, bound in silk and decorated with flossing and crystals. on top, a short bolero jacket in matching fabric. The whole outfit suitable not only for a wedding but for any other less formal occasion.   This design starts from £ 500 – and this particular outfit, is currently offered on sale at a greatly reduced price as a previously worn item – please inquire!

  Lizzie rocked the whole ensemble!

3. Ceridwen

Probably the most autumnal of all the designs, Ceridwen consists of a satin skirt worn over a hooped petticoat, and a silk overskirt with an apron front. the skirt at the back can be left flowing or bustled up. corset is made in matching silk and sports gold metallic lace decoration.   Can be commissioned in any colour combination – prices start from £800.

4. Constance.

 Victorian  fashions really have come into the play with this one – based on the Natural Form Era designs, Constance is worn over proper Victorian underpinnings –  bustle and corset.  The skirt flows down in froth of white lace, providing a perfect backdrop for the  smooth, shiny satin overskirt and bodice. The veil completes the look of the Victorian Bride.  prices start from £800; £1200 including the underpinnings.

 

 

5. Guinevere

 A gown reflecting the Pre-Raphaelite fascination with the Middle Ages –  12 underbust corset in silk.style dress in flowing satin is simple but very effective.  Lace cloak adds to the bridal image, and the gown itself can be work with a decorative girdle or with an underbust corset.

 Prices start from £700

 

 

 

6. The Goth Bride.

No design here as this one was a bonus frock – still, it matches the collection perfectly.  Again, Victorian  silhouette, as the gown is worn over a bustle cage, petticoats and corset –  the bodice, skirt and overskirt in rich colour add a distinctive Gothic flavour to the outfit.

 Prices start from £500 not including the underpinnings.

  and that’s about it  and that’s also the last collection of the year – we have done 4 seasons!

 check the others if you liked this one:-)

 The Summer Bride 

 the Spring Bride

 The Winter Bride

  The Credits:

the provides below!

the venue: Coombe Abbey http://www.coombeabbey.com/

Amateur Photography – Lucas PItcher

Bespoke Bridal gowns: Prior Engagement www.priorengagement.co.uk; www.priorattire.co.uk

Styling, hair, makeup: – Sarah Dunn from http://sarahsdoowopdos.wordpress.com/

Bridal bouquets ( real flowers): Anita Smith from The Vintage Rose – http://www.vintageroseflorist.co.uk/

Bridal bouquets (crystal and silk flowers) The Haberdashery Bride http://www.thehaberdasherybride.co.uk/

Bridal shoes and accessories Tracy from http://www.crystal-calla-tiara.com/

Models: Miss Lilian Love, Adriana Renarde, Anett Novak, Izabela PItcher

Many, many thanks to all involved –  what a team we make! 

and just to end it on a funky note – a few behind the scenes pixs!!

Paul showing off is work:-)

Hard at work. Really!

Sarah, all the work done, is catching up on the emails…

Anett being – well, Anett!