Christening gown for baby E in beautiful pale gold beaded lace. A simple bodice with folded chiffon sash and real buttons and loops to close. Little puffed sleeves in matching lace complete the picture. This was made in the traditional ‘long clothes’ shape with the skirt flowing far beyond the baby’s feet.
Felicity Westmacott
I write about all aspects of weddings, dressmaking, fashion history, and the human relation to clothing. I welcome comments and debate.
Recent Portfolio entries
In the light of the recent (tentative) ceasefire, it might be tempting to forget what has happened. The lives that have been destroyed, and the damage that cannot be undone.
But there is so still so much work to be done.
It can feel like over here there`s little we can do, but there are always things that can be done to try help.
You can find relief appeals with British Red Cross, Save The Children, Human Appeal and Unicef (amongst many many more). Donate what you can, boost the signal, engage with the people around you.
Do the small things.
What do you think for this wedding dress - do you prefer it with the blue dip dye overskirt (first two images) or without (second two images)?
🤍 or 🩵?
Let me know and leave a comment!
~
Suppliers
Photographer: @english.rose.photography
Concept/Cake Designer: @primrosecakesipswich
Venue: @hintleshamhall
Decor/Styling: @giantgesturessuffolk
Models: @youdeservelove88
Wedding Dress: @felicitywestmacott
Veil: @hannahcummingsembroidery
Hair/MUA: @maxine_pfander
Bridal Shoes: @the_new_glass_slipper
Groom Outfit: @goldingnewmarket
Table Decor/Styling: @the_prop_library
Chair Drapes: @extravorganza1
Stationary: @moocollection_calligraphy
Jewellery: @nujewellery_byemma
In order for a bride to look beautiful and serene as they walk down the aisle, some thought has to go in to make sure that her dress is sitting just right.
Most of the time when I make bespoke wedding dresses, I`m not there on the day. But sometimes the dresses can be tricky to put on. If the bride`s team aren`t with her during her final fitting, they`re not going to know how to make sure her dress is done up correctly and ready for the aisle. Especially if there are multiple layers, or corsets to tighten. So here`s a little look into how I guide a bride`s dresser.
I go step by step through the process, carefully explaining how each layer does up, and giving any tips I think would be useful.
This particular video wasn`t for a bridal party, but for a shoot organiser. In the past I`ve sent dresses away to shoots and only after receiving the photos do I realise the dress was put on wrong! So now I make sure to arm the organisers with the knowledge they need. It`s always good to learn from your mistakes!
Looking at the different between the dress on the mannequin and on the model makes me think: wedding dress really come alive once its on a bride. Don`t you agree?
~
Suppliers
Photographer: @english.rose.photography
Concept/Cake Designer: @primrosecakesipswich
Venue: @hintleshamhall
Decor/Styling: @giantgesturessuffolk
Models: @youdeservelove88
Wedding Dress: @felicitywestmacott
Veil: @hannahcummingsembroidery
Hair/MUA: @maxine_pfander
Bridal Shoes: @the_new_glass_slipper
Groom Outfit: @goldingnewmarket
Table Decor/Styling: @the_prop_library
Chair Drapes: @extravorganza1
Stationary: @moocollection_calligraphy
Jewellery: @nujewellery_byemma
It`s a good day when you get to wear a beautiful dress and cuddle a puppy.
Normally when I feature this wedding dress I include the blue ombre overskirt that I made along with it, but this time I wanted to spend some time with the dress itself.
I went with vintage feel for this design, drawing on inspirations from the Edwardian era and a little of the 1920s too. (I think this is something Rose would have worn on the Titanic)
Some of my favourite features include:
🤍 the dainty, gossamer thin lace of the train
🤍 the fluttery split sleeves
🤍 the pleating around the hips (accentuated by more beautiful lace)
🤍 the layered neckline, with a plunge made modest with an additional panel across the chest
I love the choices of jewellery for this shoot as well - pearls were absolutely the way to go. They really highlight the classic beauty of this silhouette.
If you love old, romantic dresses from bygone eras but a real vintage classic isn`t possible, then maybe getting a bespoke dress is a good choice for you?
You can find lots more examples of my dresses on my profile, and if you`re feeling inspired, drop me a message and let`s make your dress dreams into a reality 🥰
~
Suppliers
Photographer: @english.rose.photography
Concept/Cake Designer: @primrosecakesipswich
Venue: @hintleshamhall
Decor/Styling: @giantgesturessuffolk
Models: @youdeservelove88
Wedding Dress: @felicitywestmacott
Veil: @hannahcummingsembroidery
Hair/MUA: @maxine_pfander
Bridal Shoes: @the_new_glass_slipper
Groom Outfit: @goldingnewmarket
Table Decor/Styling: @the_prop_library
Chair Drapes: @extravorganza1
Stationary: @moocollection_calligraphy
Jewellery: @nujewellery_byemma
"I felt amazing on the day, which when I started trying on wedding dresses I didn`t think would be possible, so that is thanks to your work."
it`s words like these that mean a lot to me 🥹
Amy`s might seem like a very simple wedding dress, but actually there were quite extensive alterations undertaken.
First the train of the original dress was removed and the skirt was reduced in width, but leaving the fishtail shape. However, at her fitting Amy decided she wanted the flare completely removed, so whole panels of fabric were taken out to create a 90`s straight skirt shape.
I think she looks so chic and I`m so happy I could make her feel good on her wedding day.
I take a very limited amount of alterations per month, so if you have a dress that doesn`t feel quite "you" yet, then drop me a message!
~
Photography - Stephanie Kalber (@stephaniekalberphoto)
A few months ago I dropped a sewing machine on my foot. I know, a sewing machine of all things! And I broke my foot - first bone ever broken!
The medical professionals who saw me told me to rest and keep my foot elevated...
But I`d already booked this photoshoot. So of course, I went.
But, if we`re really thinking about it, my foot is elevated in these photos. It`s at least a few feet off the ground, so it`s probably fine, right?? 😂
~
Photography - Simon Hooley (@theimagecella)
Hoop partner - Lauren Clowser
