My love for design started at a young age.
I was into anything with fabric or thread and I would often embellish my clothes with beads or spend hours creating patterns, everyone started somewhere so here is my story on how Garter & Veil began.
With a heart full of passion my real design career began when I started a textile design degree at the prestigious Winchester School of Art - tutored by the award-winning artist Michael Angove, it's where I learned about style, individuality, and design integrity.
I loved every moment of working amongst raw unabridged creativity, drawing trips to Paris, spending hours in opulent haberdasheries, and evenings mixing up dyes but I have never known fear quite like standing in front of a panel of design critics and trying to justify my own work!
Towards the end of the degree my final project work, (screen-printed wallpaper adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals depicting the city of London underwater with giant sea creatures) was chosen to be displayed at the New Designers Exhibition, where I was personally commended by the legendary British Designer Zandra Rhodes, a moment that has stayed with me throughout my career.
Since graduating I went on to work for some of the best British designers across multiple disciplines including Lee Broom, Hill House & Louise Bradley.
GARTER & VEIL WAS BORN
In 2016 my 'to be' sister-in-law turned to me deflated and uninspired by the limited choices available for bridal accessories and she was concerned that her dream to wear something truly unique for her wedding in South Africa was disappearing.
After listening about her perfect veil ( a cathedral length with fluttering butterflies that looked like they had just landed)- I set to work to create exactly what she was looking for, printing and cutting individual realistic butterflies from silk organza and sewing them in place so that they would flutter as she had requested.
The love for all things bridal grew and later that year Garter & Veil was born from my small studio in the South Downs of West Sussex.
The name is inspired by my initials and a passion to create unique modern accessories and statement jewellery with a unique and personal approach to design.
A long-standing obsession with Alice in wonderland means I always create with a vivid imagination, unexpected details, and a found beauty of the unusual.
MODERN-DAY HEIRLOOMS FOR THE
STYLE-CONSCIOUS BRIDE
With each modern-day heirloom having the individual style-conscious bride in mind, I am so excited that the growing online collection has been regularly featured in some of the best UK blogs and international publications including Vogue.
I believe your special day is your chance to express your unique personality and what better way to do that than your accessories? However bold or subtle.
Bespoke, couture, or ready to wear I can create a piece that is perfect for your bridal look.
If you would like to know more about a piece from the collection, or you are interested in having a bespoke design please get in touch here I am always thrilled to hear from you.
Gemma x
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