Catherine wanted a flamboyant and theatrical two-piece bridal ensemble in red and white, with feathers, sparkle and a lot of tulle. This red feather masquerade wedding dress is the result.
The drama of this dress is so exciting to me, and as someone who’s educational background is in theatre design, this one couldn’t have been more up my street.
Photography: Georgina Piper Photography
The day after her wedding, Catherine sent me this gorgeous message:
“I wanted you to know today, straight after the wedding yesterday, that the dress was unanimously described as the most awesome, original, magical, dreamlike wedding dress anyone had ever seen.
Thank you. It was just perfection.”
The Wedding Dress Design
I love making dresses that tell a story, and this one tells everyone that Catherine is imaginative, confident and not afraid to stand out in a crowd (whilst looking utterly captivating).
Let’s get into some technical details. The outfit is actually two pieces, starting with a fully boned bodice covered in red feathers. I design a wide, square, neckline that curved upward in the centre to cover any cleavage.
The shoulders featured longer feathers reaching out in wings, and the waistline of the dress was highlighted with rich hand beading in mixed red beads and crystals. More beads were added to a few select feathers in other areas, and I also made a matching necklace and bracelet with the same beads.
The second part of the outfit was the skirt. It was made of two pieces, each many layers of tulle. I used 16m of tulle in total! The structure was supported over a mini crinoline frame to hold the skirt out in a dramatic ‘tutu’ shape. The bottom layers were a removable underskirt to allow a shorter look for the evening.
As always, a wrist loop and bustle buttons for the train were also added.
The Making of The Red Feather Masquerade Wedding Dress
The first fitting, where we tried on the toile. It’s always important to use low-cost materials to make sure that everything fits correctly before cutting into the more expensive stuff.
The second fitting, where I’m beginning to work on that huge train, and the many many layers of tulle.
Before the final two fittings, I had a lot of work to do. I hand-sewed around 600 goose feathers onto the bodice and around the shoulders, and about 1kg glass beads and crystals. It took a while, to say the least, but it was absolutely worth it.
And then it was time for the final fitting. You can see what the dress looks like with the long underskirt removed, leaving just the shorter top layers, ready for the evening ball.
When I talk about a bride knowing herself and her style, Catherine is exactly what I’m talking about. This dress is just so her. And because of that, there was no way she was going to be able to find something even close ‘off the rack’. I’m so happy Catherine trusted me to create this red feather masquerade wedding dress for her.
Catherine was also featured on Rock n Roll Bride, if you want to find out more about the inspiration for this amazing wedding. And if you’re looking for more red and black wedding inspiration, have a look at this classic goth wedding and the gown I made for it.
