Catherine Blades Wedding Dressmaker Berkshire
It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to Blades Couture.
As a couture garment and gown designer and artist based in the beautiful Hampshire Berkshire countryside there is something so very special about being part of someone's journey, and it is an honour to get to know your unique experience and story.
Blades Couture is about being your unique self, being brave and bold, while being nurtured, cared for and guided.
There is no mass production here. Each dress evolves with love and respect. I provide a unique experience, one that makes each individual feel as special as they deserve to at a time of great celebration.
Having a custom dress made, which is so beautifully important and unique, is a creative process which celebrates the self, in every way.
I am here to guide you through the whole process with ease and honour.
BRIDAL COUTURE
The start of a marriage is such a special thing to be a part of, and it is an absolute honour to get so close to every one of my beautiful brides and their families. If you are searching for the personal touch, and someone who simply ‘gets’ you, you are in the right place.
“The moment a bride steps into the studio I become her protector... witnessing the connection to their heart and body is such a powerful moment... Over the last 20 years of serving many brides, one thing that never ceases to amaze me is the deep desire for empowered self worth and self-love. I constantly find myself saying “Be Kind to Yourself “. Part of this role is to instil confidence and to allow a safe place to be authentic, to be brave and bold, and to glow with self love. You may be a bride for one day but you can learn to love and accept yourself every day.”
BLACK TIE, RED CARPET OCCASION WEAR &
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
& GROOM
Uniquely designed and tailored gowns to tell a story, capture a moment and celebrate an occasion.
This is where art, body and fabric meet. An opportunity to explore texture, shape, colour and storytelling through design.
CONSULTATION
Your consultation is completely free of charge. There is no obligation until you are completely sure. This meeting is where you decide if you can put your trust in me to create this very special gown. We explore inspiration, fabrics and trimmings, the type of emotions one wants to express and the story you want to tell. I will be able to give you an accurate idea of how long your gown will take to create and the pricing.
DESIGN & FIT
Toile fitting & design reveal
At this stage I have taken all your ideas and inspiration. Researched
and produced a series of designs.
A simple dress shape called a toile is moulded onto your figure, where I can begin to proportionally design the gown to flatter and enhance your body. By the end of this appointment, which is approximately 3 hrs long, we have made lots of successful micro decisions together and are on the way to a beautiful custom made dress.
1st FITTING
The gown has been pattern cut and constructed and is now ready for you to try on for the first time. I check the fit, length and positioning of details and add extras where needed.
This is a magical appointment for you as you will really see your dress come to life.
FINAL FITTING
Your dress is finished, all fastenings are added, and the hem and details are complete. It is a chance for you to try on your dress with your accessories, some of which we may have created too. A chance to feel the gown as you walk, sit and perhaps even dance.
This is always such an exciting appointment for us both, seeing your vision and our design come to life.
COLLECTION
Your dress is prepared and presented ready for you to collect before your special day. As a sign of my love and appreciation I gift every individual an original hand drawn illustration of their gown, beautifully framed, and presented to you to signify the end of our dress designing journey together.
“I believe that love is the most powerful energy in the universe, that it gives us hope, drives our dreams, and alters our perception of reality. I choose to believe in love, and share my passion with love. Beautifully designed and exquisitely made dresses, that not only reflect my authentic self, but represent those who choose to be unique.”
