How and when did you start out in fashion design and bridal wear?
After opening The Wedding Boutique in 2008 I started to understand what brides wanted and began designing my own range.
What do you enjoy most about designing Bridal Wear?
The diversity of our brides, striking up long lasting friendships with them and being part of such a special day in their lives. Seeing a dress come to life from a drawing is very rewarding.
What was the defining point in your career for Felicity Cooper Bridal wear?
There have been a few, launching the brand at the highly regarded London Bridal Fashion Week last year and more recently being asked by Bride: The Wedding Show at Tatton to design an exclusive dress to be unveiled at the show on 6/7 February.
What inspired your latest collection of bridal wear?
There is a real mix in the latest collection but bohemian vibes are apparent, with the use of lots of cotton and guipure lace and soft flowing lines. The dress I have designed for Bride: The Wedding Show is something extra special, a vintage twist on the Cinderella theme.
Do you have a personal favourite style of bridal gown, and if so, why?
I am a lover of everything vintage in bridal and interiors so my collections always have a vintage feel to them, but I try and put a modern twist on each design so it appeals to the modern day bride.
Where do you seek your inspiration?
From everywhere, literature, pinterest, real brides, fabrics, movies, I use them all and mix it all together.
What type of fabric and embellishment feature in the latest collection?
Cotton and guipure lace appear a lot but silk chiffon skirts also play a big part. The feature dress of the collection, Ella, for Bride: The Wedding Show has an exquisite glitter tulle layer under a full silk chiffon skirt and it really dazzles.
Do you have a design muse?
Not really, I like such varied styles I wouldn’t say one designer stands out, there are so many fantastic ones.
What do you like to do apart from designing?
I love spending time with my husband and two children, we go to Abersoch in North Wales at any opportunity.
What’s next for the Felicity Cooper Line?
We launch our 2016/2017 collection at this years London Bridal Fashion Week in May and we have our first UK stockists to announce in February. 2016 is going to be a busy year for the brand and we look forward to welcoming lots more stockists.
Do you have any choice words to pass on to a Bride-to-be looking for the perfect wedding dress?
Stay open minded, research the boutiques before you book appointments to see if they stock the kind of designers you are looking for and within your budget. And of course, visit Bride: The Wedding Show! It will be a great starting point to see lots of suppliers all under one roof, not to mention a little champagne to celebrate!