The Dress

I would like to give a bride the opportunity to feel as incredible as I did in this amazing, totally unique bespoke gown. It was actually made by the then very famous bridal designer Allison Blake herself (not one of her workers) and I remember driving to South London for fittings with the lady herself, who was absolutely wonderful. The dress cost over £4,000 back in 1992 so I dread to think how much it would be now! I am quite short (5ft 3in in bare feet) and busty so never had any confidence in shopping. I could never have gone to the ordinary shops of the day as they just had one sample size 10 of each dress - nowadays there is SO much more choice! I fell in love with Allison's designs which frequently featured in the wedding magazines of the day due to the incredible attention to detail in each gown. I chose a different bodice style, skirt style, sleeve style and train style as well as completely unique embroidery. I got married at Harvest Festival in Devon with the church decorated with corn - hence the detail on the dress - as well as the stunning teardrop-shaped train, with weights underneath to enable it to move fluidly. The train has actually been stored in a glass case so is absolutely pristine, however, the dress was cleaned immediately after the wedding and has been stored in my mum's loft ever since in acidulated tissue and two boxes. Mum has moved so I have it back again. There are some very minor flaws which I feel I must point out, slight discolourations that look like very pale rust but are not very noticeable. I took the dress to a local dry cleaner who said his chemicals would ruin the pearls so I did not bother. However, he said a specialist dry cleaner could sort it out easily. There is a short veil edged with scalloped lace and tiny pearls scattered across it included. Having no children, I am not able to pass it down but would be honoured and thrilled for another bride to feel as I did that day. I truly felt beautiful. Because the dress is not 'off the peg', I can remember so many people being awe-struck at it - 'truly a work of art'. Almost 32 years ago, but I hope this has summed it up well.
I live near Sheffield so would welcome anyone to come and see it and try it on. Anyone less busty than me could easily have it taken in and although floor-length on me, could be taken up to be mid-calf or even knee-length (train could be taken up from the 'dress end' without any of the teardrop being lost) and it would still be stunning as it is the embroidery that is the star!