In an era marked by a heightened awareness of sustainability and ethical consumption, brides are increasingly turning to a timeless and sentimental accessory to create a lasting legacy: the veil. Traditionally seen as a symbol of purity and modesty, veils are now being reimagined as heirloom pieces that can be passed down through generations, making them a sustainable and ethical choice for modern brides.
The concept of passing down bridal veils as heirloom pieces is rooted in the desire to preserve cherished traditions and create enduring connections between generations. By investing in a high-quality veil crafted from luxurious materials and exquisite craftsmanship, brides are not only enhancing their ensemble, but also creating a tangible link to their family's history and heritage. The veil, once worn on a bride's wedding day, becomes a treasured keepsake that can be lovingly passed down to future generations, serving as a poignant reminder of love, commitment, and tradition.
At the beginning of her career, Sophie secured a coveted position with the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, as their first costume & footwear technician apprentice. ‘The first piece I made in the ladies workroom was a big puffy skirt - not dissimilar to a wedding gown - and I just fell in love with the process of creating something technical, beautiful and to the highest standards.’ After completing her apprenticeship, Sophie joined a bridal boutique in London, learning couture techniques that she continues to use today. Then the final stepping stone before starting her own business was a position at Robert Allsopp & Associates, one of the leading costume-prop companies in the world. ‘I specialised as a milliner for Disney, creating over 150 intricately beaded headdresses for stage and screen.’
Naturally, Sophie’s previous experience has set the bar, in terms of ingenuity, quality and craftmanship for every item she meticulously creates. ‘Each and every veil we create is intended to become an heirloom piece, crafted at the highest quality to be passed down to future generations.’
A veil should elevate and complement, rather than compete with the wedding dress, especially if the dress just happens to be vintage Chanel. ‘Like life, it’s all about balance. For one of our brides, Tracey, the brief was a floor length veil - including the blusher - to be paired with her vintage Chanel gown. Due to the length of the blusher, which required extra wide tulle, we ended up sourcing the silk needed from the same Nottingham-based factory that had also woven the tulle for Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's wedding veils! We combined this with hand-stitched French Chantilly lace - which had little flecks of gold to match her dress.’
By choosing to invest in a veil that has the potential to become a cherished family heirloom, brides are making a decision that aligns with the principles of sustainability and ethical fashion.
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