All images by Kate Nielen
One of the best things about being a wedding blogger is, undoubtedly, that I get to go and gaze at exquisite wedding gowns — for my job! For that reason and many others, including the impulse to share cutting-edge bridal fashion with you guys, I’m really passionate about promoting incredible bridal designers.
With that in mind, it was a real treat to be invited to the 2017 Open Day of the one and only Sassi Holford, a leading international designer with a plethora of awards and accolades, earned over 35 years in bridal design. As the official blogger I wanted to get ALL the coverage so I asked Sassi if she would do a Facebook Live showcasing her designs and talking about current wedding trends.
With the opportunity to interview such a wedding world heavyweight, I came dressed for the occasion (even wearing a floral dress to echo one of Sassi’s most sublime designs, and my Emmy London shoes) — and armed with questions.
Despite a couple of small hiccoughs with the live feed, it was a fabulous experience, which you can catch up with above — and a couple more at the end of the post. (Also, a very special thank you and shout out to Pamela and Andrea, who did my makeup to perfection).
The event was a viewing of Sassi Holford’s ‘Twenty17 Collection’ to celebrate the designer’s new location on Fulham Road, which opened in November. The large space, perfect for events, boasts some illustrious neighbouring wedding industry brands such as Emmy London (shoes) and Jane Taylor London (millinery), who also teamed up for the event. The proximity of so many luxury wedding designers makes Fulham Road an absolute must-visit for luxe-loving brides.
The space was beautifully decorated with decadent floral arrangements by my very own wedding florist, Lavender Green, and adorned with a treasure trove of beautiful, shiny pieces by St Erasmus and Stephanie Browne, as well as heels from Emmy London that deserve to be gazed at for days.
Everything was captured with expert ease by my good friend and Smashing Supplier, the phenomenal photographer, Kate Nielen.
I was able to chat to Sassi herself about her collection, encompassing beautifully fitted fishtales, subtle hints of colour, soft crepe skirts, rose satin belts and wrap coat gowns.
Each gown is handmade in the South West of England by Sassi Holford’s in-house team of pattern cutters, sewers and hand finishers.
In addition to her to-die-for bridal wear collection, Sassi has also added a new line of occasion wear, particularly some sensational mother of the bride outfits, which, frankly, would make any Jewish mother the star of the show.
Sassi’s stunning collection for bridesmaids also feature standout designs, with a fantastic selection of styles, colours, mix and match tops and skirts, that allow bridesmaids to inject their own unique tastes into their dresses.
The evening wear collection is also a favourite among celebrities such as Darcey Bussell and Sharon Osbourne, re-defining chic with meticulous attention to detail and breathtaking fabrics. I was totally in love!
If you haven’t caught up with the Facebook Live feed yet, please do go and have a peek — and join in the chat. I’d love to know which Sassi Holford gown you would wear to your own wedding!
