Ophelia was always destined to be a dramatic gown, a fitting embodiment of a grand love story in dress form. When designing Ophelia I wanted to create that perfect cliche, ‘a modern classic’, a gown for the bride of today that could just as easily be lifted from the pages of a cherished fairytale.
Intending to make a statement but remain curious and charming. An abundance of strength and structure, confidence and drama, dressed delicately.
As is typical, creative pattern cutting is one of my earliest considerations. Ophelia needed to be shaped with striking, sharp angles, heavily sculpted through custom corsetry, majestic and voluminous but contrasted with the most delicate embroidery and soft feather blossoms. Wrapped gently with a bias silk cuff framing the bodice from front to back.
Fabric choice is essential to the best execution of a design and there was only ever one choice in my mind for this dress; pure Silk duchess satin with it’s unmistakable soft luxuriant sheen.
I was keen to add colour to the piece, to pair the timeless, traditional ivory silk with something more unusual. Graceful shades of rose quartz, shell and pink blush presented in the embellishment became the perfect combination. Allowing the dress to be embellished for certain, but not so far as to be grandiose. The sweeping pleated silk overskirt provides the fantasy of a ballgown silhouette, particularly striking from the alter with the train displayed. Practicality is given to the wearer allowing them to move with ease even in such a sizeable gown as the slim under dress means there is not too much fabric in the front of the skirt to step into when walking or dancing.
The ultra fine embroidery which forms the base of Ophelia’s delicate embellishment has been a firm favourite of mine for some time, indeed another piece which is still within my sketchbook pages calls upon it once again. It’s intricate design with delicately looping cursive forms was the perfect elevation for the silk base, not so dense as to appear heavy, but strong enough to catch your eye even amongst such a volume of silk. To add a touch of shimmer, minuscule Swarovski crystals and glass beads are individually sewn in place complimenting the embroidery. Finally a bouquet of ivory and soft pink feather blossoms complete the finishing touches on Ophelia’s embellished bodice.
For me Ophelia is a charming yet bold bridal gown, fit for turning the next page of your own fairytale. Handcrafted with precision and purpose, but ultimately borne of emotion.