The Dress

Unique, vintage inspired, hand stitched bespoke wedding dress. Size 10-12.

Made in 2007 by couturier and art collector Anthony Shaw, the fittings and conversations about the design took place in his beautiful Chelsea house surrounded by inspiring art and objects - http://youtu.be/6hQe9aMBpVQ.

Working from my initial sketches, Anthony came up with a design incorporating an Art Deco inspired pleated bodice with a Fifties tea-length full skirt, finished with a cropped bolero-style jacket.

Executed in an off-white raw silk from India, chosen from his collection of vintage fabrics - dating back to 1978, It has the most beautiful warmth and depth of colour which is impossible to capture in photographs. He told me that you just can't find silk like this anymore!

The underskirt is cotton and machine stitched, but almost all the rest of the stitching was done by hand - thousands of gorgeous little seed stitches edge the Deco pleated bodice and skirt hems. From his collection of vintage finishings, I choose eight 1920's square mother of pearl buttons for the back of the gown. The skirt is full and hangs beautifully, and I insisted on pockets which were fabulous for putting your hands in and swooshing the skirt about! (Also really handy for a hanky and lippy on the day!).

I wore it with the jacket for the ceremony and without for the reception for our Summer wedding. It was beautifully cool even on a sunny day.

I am a size 10-12, 34 inch bust and 5'6". It was specialist dry cleaned straight afterwards and has been packed in acid-free tissue since. In pristine condition.

Life changes and moves on, and I have reconciled with myself that I shan't wear this again - the memories of the process of collaborating with Anthony and my wedding day are the legacy I take with me. I hope someone else who can't perhaps afford a bespoke creation can be inspired by the dress' story and take it with them on their journey as a bride.