Exhibitor Insights: E&W Couture

Posted on November 7, 2014 at 2:28 pm. by kiki. Categories - Bespoke, British Heritage, Dresses, Exhibitor Insights, Modern Vintage. Total of no comments in the discussion.

Hey there Peeps!

Its with great delight today that I introduce to you the lovely Sophie from E&W Couture. I personally discovered Sophie’s work about a year ago, stumbling upon designs that appeared to me to be not only well thought about, but creatively designed and really well made. Sophie exhibited at our Bristol and London shows in October this year and I have to admit that meeting her and her designs in person simply pushed my love of her work up even further.

E&W Couture also boast a selection of wedding separates - something rather rare in this industry but equally as pretty as a dress with an added contemporary twist. Ladies if you are looking for something creative, bespoke,unique, individual and beautiful then you’ll want to take a while to get to know Sophie and her work. Sophie - over to you!

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“I’ve always had a huge interest in fashion, although it took a while for me to start pursuing it. I started with Architecture in Brighton university and fell in love with the city, it was being here that made me decide I wanted to be in the fashion industry and after taking a little time out, I set back to uni to learn the basics.

I started back in 2010, selling vintage clothing and making cute dresses from recycled fabrics - something which I still love to do. It was then that I had a bride approach me to make her wedding dress, and I’ve never looked back!

Setting up my own shop and selling vintage, I gained a huge passion for the style, fit and construction of vintage garments. I have a huge fascination with vintage techniques and a love of handmade, there’s something so much more personal to a handmade garment (if not the fact that it lasts generations!). I always hand finish every garment, I believe that this is the most personal touch on a dress.

I’m lucky enough to live in quite a beautiful part of the country and my designs have always reflected this. I take inspiration from every day things, I love nature and natural elements. Also having studied architecture, I have a keen interest in beautiful buildings, shown by my photo shoots no doubt! My designs definitely also take inspiration from the vintage era, I learnt that a full circle skirt is possibly the most flattering, feminine shape you can get from fabric! This comes across is almost every one of my dresses. Most of my designs are built around the concept of the feminine shape, with soft, flattering fabrics that flatter the body. I don’t believe in being uncomfortable on a wedding day! Dresses should be fitted properly which eliminates the need for structure, corseting and all of the uncomfortable stuff. I like to create something that looks like it’s straight from a fairytale. Nothing is overcomplicated, the styles and shapes are simple and the fabrics are well chosen. It is the hand detail that brings the garment to life.

I’ve been fairly lucky with my brides who are all on the look out for something different. I have two favourite dresses that I’ve made and they are both very ‘anti-bridal’! Fiona’s wedding dress, I created a 3D gold floral number, with layers of tulle and multi tonal flowers. I’m such a flower baby that this dress just makes me happy every time I see it! The other was a powder blue silk number, with hand embroidered feathers and handmade organza flowers for an amazing Bride named Amy. (Both wedding images are up on the website), however my favourite dress to date is still one of the first I ever made, it was a super cute sheer vintage 50’s organza number with tiny yellow flowers. It was 100% recycled, with the buttons being from an old pearl necklace and the collar, sleeve ties and button stand made from a vintage scarf! (This was coincidently the first dress I made that had a separate under dress, something which I’ve followed through in each of my collections!)

I don’t think I could have stumbled across a better career if I tried, it’s an honour to be such a big part of a wedding day and I’m always very proud when I get to see pictures! I love how supportive everyone is of one another in the industry, and it’s always so great to meet like minded people.”

Sophie Lives in Wales but does consultations not only at her gorgeous studio in Cardiff but also in other locations including London - so you’ve no excuse not to drop her a line for her help in creating your dream dress!

http://www.eandwcouture.co.uk/

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