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County Wedding Magazines magazine
County Wedding Magazines magazine

 

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Bridal designer Ian Stuart talks to County Wedding Magazine editor Laura Sutherland about design inspiration

<< View more celebrity interviews

 

Laura Sutherland talks sexy silhouettes, Japanese wedding dresses and designing for your icons with Ian Stuart.

 

Bridal designer Ian Stuart talks to County Wedding Magazine editor Laura Sutherland about design inspiration: Image 1

 

What was it that made you decide to become a bridalwear designer?
I've always loved beautiful theatrical dresses – it all started with me being mesmerised by the costumes in films like My Fair Lady and Cleopatra. I studied fashion and yearned to be a costume designer. However, I also had a strong sense that I wanted to create amazing gowns that real women, could wear. So the wedding dress was the answer!  

How has the bridal wear industry changed since you started out?
Aesthetic diversity is my most welcomed change. As someone who loves experimenting with bridal fashion, it's much better to be designing now than when I started my career over 25 years ago. In the early '90s traditions were followed more closely, which limited the styles brides would wear. Now, brides are willing to be adventurous, practically anything goes, colour, pattern, fabric, texture, themed – even sexy silhouettes.  

What inspired the beautiful Unforgettably Me collection?
I was inspired by the glamour of iconic perfume ads. The strong sensual female, the timeless beauty and that moment of surrendering to indulgent pleasure. I wanted to capture this mood and feeling in my dresses, making my brides feel unforgettably beautiful, unforgettably happy... Unforgettably Me. It's cheesy but true!

Do you have a favourite from the collection?
The collection is really diverse so I have several that I love for really different reasons: Forget-Me-Not, because of the gorgeous pastel embroidery that I've never seen used in bridal before; Copacabana, because it's so sexy without being revealing and Silver Screen, because it's the definition of Old Hollywood.     

How long does a couture Ian Stuart design take to go from sketch to show?
The process takes about nine months, depending on the work involved and any adjustments or changes.  

Are there designers – past and present – that inspires you?
Christian Dior. The man was an absolute genius, artist and revolutionary.  

Which current bridal designers do you admire?
Not a particular designer as such, but I love Japanese wedding dresses. Brides in Japan tend to be much more flamboyant in their style; they LOVE colour and print. The dresses are works of art, and the nearest to theatrical costume a wedding dress could ever be.  

Who is the Ian Stuart bride?
There really is no typical Ian Stuart bride. My brides are as diverse as my wedding dresses, which appeal to a broad spectrum of fabulous women of different backgrounds, sizes, ages and fashion styles. I've seen the same wedding dress worn by a slender young punk rocker and a glamorous curvy pensioner – both looked sensational. It's extremely satisfying as a designer to not be pigeonholed.  

Who would be your dream celebrity client?
I've already made a gown for my dream client: China Forbes from my favourite band, Pink Martini. I've been inspired by their music for years, and always use it in my fashion shows. It was such an honour to meet and design a dress just for her, expressing my gratitude for her incredible voice.

Which celebrity's at the top of your best-dressed bride list?
Pandora Vanderpump from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She wore one of my favourite princess designs with some special alterations. I've actually introduced a revamped version of the design for the Unforgettably Me! collection and named it Pandora in her honour.  

What's the ultimate bridal fashion faux pas? 
Wearing a watch.

To view Ian Stuart's full bridal collections, visit www.ianstuart-bride.com

 


 

 

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Find that Special Something

Planning your big day? Search our comprehensive directory of service providers in your area:

Rachel Dyer - Ceremonies Celebrant
Maisie May Bridal
Nettle Hill Limited
Sprinkles and Sparkles Bespoke Baking
Elwood Photography
Maisie May Bridal
Midelney Manor
Honey Willow Handmade Jewellery
Brides Visited
The Queen B
Aisle Altar Hymn
Designer Cakes by Elle
Terry Fox Design
May & Grace Bridal
Terry Fox Design
May & Grace Bridal
Kate Walker Bridal Ltd
Broken Bones Matilda
Martha V
Harveys of Ramsey
Milsom Kesgrave Hall
Faux Bloom Designs
Hallmark Hotel Stourport Manor
Gatehouse Brides
Burgéon Floral Design
Brides of Berkhamsted
Studio Chocolate
Helen Alborn Cakes
Saras Events
All Time Images
Eve Lily Weddings & Events
The Elephant Hotel

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County Wedding Events

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Forthcoming Events

For a comprehensive list of wedding shows in all areas CLICK HERE

 

24 Day Wedding Fayre

Unit 55 Festival Park, Ebbw Vale, NP23 8FP

Dates: Friday, 1 February 2019 - Sunday, 24 February 2019

 

Walsall Football Club Wedding Show

Banks's Stadium, Bescot Crescent, Walsall, West Midlands WS1 4SA

Dates: Thursday, 21 February 2019

 

Wedding Fair at the Forest Centre

Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine, MK43 0PS

Dates: Thursday, 21 February 2019

 

Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel Wedding Open Day

Blackburn Road, Clayton Le Moors, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 5JP

Dates: Thursday, 21 February 2019

 

The Fisherman's Retreat Wedding Open Evening

The Fisherman's Retreat, Riding Head Ln, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 0HH

Dates: Thursday, 21 February 2019

 

Suites Hotel & Spa Wedding Open Eveing

Suites Hotel & Spa, Ribblers Lane, Knowsley, L34 9HA

Dates: Thursday, 21 February 2019

 

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The Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel

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East Sussex National Golf Club
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Readers' poll

 

Would you let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses?

 

They need to be comfortable - Absolutely yes.

 

I have a style I want in mind so, no.

 

I will take their opinion into consideration when making final decisions.

 

 

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Contact the
Publishers
Pantile House | Newlands Drive | Witham | Essex | CM8 2AP | UK
Tel: +44 (0)1376 514000 | Email: enquiries@kdmediapublishing.com
©2019 KD MEDIA PUBLISHING LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
KD Media Publishing

 

 

HOME      FIND A SERVICE      SUBSCRIBE      BUY A COPY      NEWSLETTERS
EVENTS         PLANNING TOOLS         ADVERTISE WITH US         VACANCIES          EDITOR LOVES
CELEB INTERVIEWS       FASHION       HONEYMOONS       REAL WEDDINGS       WIN
PRIVACY         ADVERTISING TERMS AND CONDITIONS         CONTACT US

 

Contact the
Publishers
Pantile House | Newlands Drive | Witham | Essex | CM8 2AP | UK
Tel: +44 (0)1376 514000
Email: enquiries@kdmediapublishing.com
©2019 KD MEDIA PUBLISHING LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
KD Media Publishing

 

 

Contact the Publishers

 

Pantile House | Newlands Drive | Witham | Essex |
CM8 2AP | UK
Tel: +44 (0)1376 514000 |
Email: enquiries@kdmediapublishing.com
©2019 KD MEDIA PUBLISHING LTD.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

KD Media Publishing