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

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