I am so pleased to share with you the second installment of my Summer Series, breaking down all things weddings. Today Katie Colgan from Loui Col Designs has been kind enough to let me interview her on one of the most important parts of wedding day planning – the dress.
It was a conversation with a bride a few months ago that actually sparked this concept of the Summer Series 2012. She had just begun searching for a dress and was feeling discouraged as the salespeople were expecting her to just tell them exactly what she wanted when all she wanted was for someone to step in and guide her to her perfect dress for her personality, wedding style and body type. I couldn’t help but empathise as my own experience in wedding dress shopping was less than enjoyable and something I just wanted to finish as soon as I started it.
Katie offers a bespoke service to her brides which sounds like a wonderful experience. Her gowns are exquisite and I am so pleased she took a moment to answer some of my questions. I’ve been intrigued by the concept of creating a custom gown and have seen a few of my own brides go down this path themselves to really inject a little more of their own personality into their day. We were fortunate to work together last winter on a project when I was able to see and photograph her work up close and they are as beautiful in person as they look on film.
All images by Angela Higgins
How and when did you begin designing wedding dresses?
My journey began almost 20 years ago! I was always interested in fashion design and dress making and completed 2 weeks work experience at Silk’n’Satin bridal shop in Subiaco. I was blessed with the opportunity to work with the amazing designer Marie Perry-Watson. Her back ground was in theatre, ballet and made to measure. She took me under her wing and I haven’t looked back.
Where do you get your inspiration from when you begin designing a new dress?
My inspiration is driven by the person wearing the gown, their personality, style and how they aspire to look and feel both inside and out, on their special day. I’m also entranced and enchanted by the vast array of stunning materials available both nationally and internationally. Quite often I will start with a design and get excited about all the options that present as the dress comes to life. I love reflecting on the history of design as it unveils the secrets of bygone eras, when women dressed beautifully from head to toe.
What trends do you see for the 2011/12 wedding season here in Australia? What is getting you excited?
I’m very happy to see lace is still strong, hem lines are long and ladies are exploring beautiful necklines!
Why should a bride consider coming to you for a custom experience rather than buying off the rack at a big chain store?
Having a bespoke gown made at Loui Col is a special treat, for a special day. I want my girls to enjoy the whole experience from start to finish. I aim to understand each bride individually and support a creative environment where we can explore beautiful designs, laces and materials. They are involved in the whole process. My brides look forward to their visits as each new fitting brings their dress to life. It is a wonderful space for the bride to either come by herself for her own personal experience or to share it with mums and friends.
When should a bride begin to look for her dress and when should she have bought a dress in relation to her wedding date?
When she is ready! For a customized Loui Col Design the construction process starts 3 months prior to the wedding. Most girls will meet with us 9-12 months before to book their dates and from there we use this time to work on designs and chose the perfect lace, silks and trims. I don’t believe that process should go on and on, I don’t know anyone who really wants to choose a dress 12 months before wearing it. We are women! We change our minds!
What is the average cost your brides are investing in their wedding gowns?
Every gown is costed according to the lace, trims, materials and time that will go into creating the perfect bespoke piece.
Do you have any advice or tips you could offer brides when shopping for their wedding gowns.
Find the right person to work with. You have to be confident that ideas and designs are going to work for you. Follow your heart and trust what really inspires you. Don’t always follow trends, check them out, admire them but be guided by what suits you and your day!
Stick to a classic design and incorporate your own elements whether they are vintage, spunk, elegance or a modern feel. Be careful not to be influenced by others if they have particularly strong feelings as how ‘they’ think you should look.
How can brides be fashion forward (or even draw inspiration from the past) without ending up with a style that will date badly?
Keep it simple look for gowns and designs to suit you and your wedding day. You want your gown to be a family heirloom, to be passed down and admired. You don’t want to be experimenting with ‘something different’ on your wedding day!
How do wedding dress fashion rules differ from everyday fashion rules? Such as avoiding cropped jackets if you’re short in stature. Are there different things to keep in mind when shopping for your dress?
The wonderful experience of having a gown made to fit you is getting the proportions correct. So often I have girls saying ‘I love this idea but I can’t wear that style’. A lot of the time we can wear it when it is fitted correctly.
ATTIRE ETIQUETTE
After the wedding day, how should the dress be care for and stored?
Dry cleaned is always recommended and then boxed accordingly. I am lucky enough to have mine on display! Why not if you have somewhere in your home to have it on display?! In the coming months Loui Col Designs will be displaying some of our gorgeous brides wedding dresses in our shop window with their wedding photos! We all like to see real brides on their day with their special glow to highlight everything.
Why is it important for guests to follow the dress codes given by the bride and groom? I.e., black tie, semi formal, cocktail.
The dress code compliments the scene and atmosphere that the bride and groom are creating for their special day. We must respect this. I always tend to think that it’s always better to be over dressed, than under dressed!
Can a guest ever wear white to a wedding?
Ah, I’ve mixed feeling about that one. With so many wonderful colours in our world why would you chance it? I had my beautiful bridesmaids in all the same ivory silk as my own gown, assuming that my guests would all wear colours. This way my whole bridal party had the opportunity to shine with us!
I have been so inspired lately by the trends in wedding gowns, especially after all the royal weddings in 2011 and was so pleased to find out from Katie what her thoughts were where trends are going and how a bride could go about creating her wedding gown while having a great experience.
If you’re just starting the pilgrimage to finding your perfect wedding gown, definitely have a chat with Katie at Loui Col Designs about her made to measure wedding and evening gowns. Katie just opened her new studio storefront at 7/14 Money St, Perth and would love to hear from you!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and stay tuned for the next installment of Summer Series.
What fabulous gowns, you always know the right people Ange