I‘m excited by designers, not just the big couture houses but more so, the smaller, boutique designers. They’re ideas are exciting and dramatic and the love, passion and hard work that goes on behind the scenes. And it’s this that…
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me to unknown designers and boutiques.
Wouldn’t you love to be walking down the aisle in a unique, show stopping gown feeling beautiful, feminine and sexy?! This is the reason I love showcasing talent and showing you the stunning wedding designers out there waiting to make an impact on your big day, not only with their designs but with their personal investment in you!
And when I first saw today’s beautiful showcase of bridal gowns by Anna D’Souza, I was so excited! The delicate, intricate attention to detail is exceptional. Her work is unique, bespoke, romantic, feminine, beautifully handmade and breathtaking. From 50’s inspired gowns to unique bespoke pieces her bridal gowns and corsetry define the word ‘feminine’ to me: they are luxurious, sumptuous and ooze sophistication.
Anna started making wedding dresses after completing fashion design studies and taking extra bridal and corsetry courses. She is passionate about understanding her client’s inspiration and making dresses that are unique to the wearer. Anna works in a studio in Cornwall.
From Anna:
My inspiration comes from historical fashion and I love corsetry, lace and vintage fabrics so I’m never happier than when I find myself near a museum with a costume collection or watching a historical drama. My favourite eras range from the late 18th century to the Victorian era, the early 20th century and the 30s through to the 50s. I love my Mother’s wedding dress, a fifties tea dress of lace over a pale blue lining, now much tattered from spending the 70s in the family dressing up box. My own wedding dress was inspired by the May dance dresses from Tess of the D’Urbevilles. When I choose fabrics I am drawn to oyster shades of silk and laces with a vintage feel. I love to add details by layering fabrics and embellishments and aim to recreate the feel of something found carefully preserved from the past. I am also influenced by stories and the beautiful county of Cornwall where I live. We have a tradition of outdoor theatre performed anywhere from an amphitheatre carved into a cliff to a bohemian encampment in the woods.
A favourite dress from my own collection is a fifties inspired number which was made from pieces of two silk 80s dresses, unpicked and redesigned. I love to use corsetry in my designs. Many of my dresses have some built in corsetry to enhance the fit. I don’t believe in tight lacing a corset but make them as well fitted, comfortable and supporting bodices to give confidence to the wearer. I also make bridal ensembles consisting of corset, skirt and lace shrug combinations. Often a wedding dress is never worn again, but a corset can be used as an occasion wear top and delicate lace shrugs can also be worn after the wedding or safely wrapped in tissue and kept as an heirloom to be passed on to family or friends in a similar way to handing on a veil.
Now imagine that gown on you! You’re walking down the aisle toward the love of your life feeling sophisticated, elegant and sexy. This is how all Brides should feel in their dresses. I did and you should too!
Bridal wear and accessories: Anna D’Souza
Photo credit: Andrea Pennington and Jessica Augarde
Location: Trereife House, Cornwall
