Gemma Slater - Designer and Dressmaker
One of the most asked questions about my job whilst fitting brides is: how long have you been doing this job, and how did you get into it? Where did you train? The answer is not that glamorous, but interestingly, the story goes..
I was Inspired By Georgian and Victorian Dresses
From a young age, I have been fascinated with beautiful Georgian and Victorian dresses and their construction. I would frequently visit stately homes, museums, and exhibitions to admire fashion through the ages. I told my mum one day I would make dresses like that!! But with my twist!
I met my dad in my early 20s and learned about my Jewish heritage while getting to know him. I said I wanted to set up a fashion label and loved sewing and design. He was amazed as he told me about my great-grandad and great-uncle, who were talented tailors!
One of the most asked questions about my job whilst fitting brides is: how long have you been doing this job, and how did you get into it? Where did you train? The answer is not that glamorous, but interestingly, the story goes..
I was Inspired By Georgian and Victorian Dresses
From a young age, I have been fascinated with beautiful Georgian and Victorian dresses and their construction. I would frequently visit stately homes, museums, and exhibitions to admire fashion through the ages. I told my mum one day I would make dresses like that!! But with my twist!
I met my dad in my early 20s and learned about my Jewish heritage while getting to know him. I said I wanted to set up a fashion label and loved sewing and design. He was amazed as he told me about my great-grandad and great-uncle, who were talented tailors!
Creativity and Design Runs in the Blood
They had a successful outlet in London, where they designed and made all the garments they stocked in their shop, with the sewing machines above the shop. It was nostalgic to hear him talk about when he was a child and see the big cutting tables, shears, and ladies on the machines working away above the shop.
So I can say it was in my blood without knowing it, and the rest is history!
My Fashion and Design Journey Started 27 Years Ago
I completed a Fashion and Design City and Guilds course 27 years ago. I continued to pursue my skills with extra workshops and pattern-cutting books and developed my skills.
I have an engineering mind for fabrics, and I construct and reconstruct garments to learn how to put them back together again.
Before I knew it, I had started accumulating commissions from private clients, which gave me the confidence to pursue this career I love.
Leading the Way with Couture for Civil Partnership Weddings
I have been featured in the EDP and evening news press for my unique take on civil partnership weddings to break the mould of all women who had to wear suits, offering them complimentary outfits with elements of masculine and feminine elements in their wedding attire. The Pink Weddings scene had taken off, and he was proud to be a market leader in this field. This allowed me to showcase my ideas and work to the public, doing fashion shows around the UK. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by the Sky Wedding channel at a Canary Wharf show, as well as radio interviews and magazines see link: MEDIA/SHOWS
Other Key Achievements
Fast-forward a few years, and my three boys came along, so I had to step back from the demanding couture work and focus on an exclusive alteration service.
I was asked to be the wardrobe assistant for Paloma Faith for her Thetford concert.
Before the COVID lockdowns, I identified a demand for face coverings. This developed into a nationwide brand that makes face coverings, matching scrunchies, headbands, and even matching doggy bandanas.
Sustainability is Important to Us
It's been a journey so far, and I'm looking forward to the next phase of getting back to designing and making beautiful luxury products with sustainability in mind!
They had a successful outlet in London, where they designed and made all the garments they stocked in their shop, with the sewing machines above the shop. It was nostalgic to hear him talk about when he was a child and see the big cutting tables, shears, and ladies on the machines working away above the shop.
So I can say it was in my blood without knowing it, and the rest is history!
My Fashion and Design Journey Started 27 Years Ago
I completed a Fashion and Design City and Guilds course 27 years ago. I continued to pursue my skills with extra workshops and pattern-cutting books and developed my skills.
I have an engineering mind for fabrics, and I construct and reconstruct garments to learn how to put them back together again.
Before I knew it, I had started accumulating commissions from private clients, which gave me the confidence to pursue this career I love.
Leading the Way with Couture for Civil Partnership Weddings
I have been featured in the EDP and evening news press for my unique take on civil partnership weddings to break the mould of all women who had to wear suits, offering them complimentary outfits with elements of masculine and feminine elements in their wedding attire. The Pink Weddings scene had taken off, and he was proud to be a market leader in this field. This allowed me to showcase my ideas and work to the public, doing fashion shows around the UK. I was lucky enough to be interviewed by the Sky Wedding channel at a Canary Wharf show, as well as radio interviews and magazines see link: MEDIA/SHOWS
Other Key Achievements
Fast-forward a few years, and my three boys came along, so I had to step back from the demanding couture work and focus on an exclusive alteration service.
I was asked to be the wardrobe assistant for Paloma Faith for her Thetford concert.
Before the COVID lockdowns, I identified a demand for face coverings. This developed into a nationwide brand that makes face coverings, matching scrunchies, headbands, and even matching doggy bandanas.
Sustainability is Important to Us
It's been a journey so far, and I'm looking forward to the next phase of getting back to designing and making beautiful luxury products with sustainability in mind!
Read more about us in MEDIA/SHOWS |
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