Blog entries tagged as "irish-designer-week-on-weddingsonline"

Irish Designer Week: Marie McElheron Design

Friday 3 February 2022 - Photo Inspiration, Irish Designer Week, Fashion - Tags: marie-mcelheron-designs, irish-bridal-dress-designers, talented-irish-designers, idw, irish-designer-week-on-weddingsonline

Marie McElheron has worked in the fashion industry in both Dublin and London for over 10 years. She now specialises in bridal design and is based in County Wicklow.

Marie describes the inspiration behind her latest wedding dress collection as slightly bohemian. “The cut remains simple but I’m a little more playful and creative with the design,” she says. “Rich embellishments of flowers and a mix of fabrics are part of each creation.”

Elegance

Marie’s signature style is a classic cut influence by Madeleine Vionnet who introduced it in the 1920s. “I believe less is more without sacrificing femininity or elegance,” she says. “Quality fabric is also very important. I only use silk in my collections.”

The celebrity Marie would most like to design for is Kate Moss because she believes her style is classic boho and she always looks effortless and comfortable in her playful and colourful style.

Marie’s advice for those who are starting to search for their dream wedding dress is to always keep an open mind and to start collecting ideas of what you like. 

“Try on different styles to begin with and then narrow down your choices, most of all enjoy the experience,” says Marie.

When it comes to buying Irish, Marie thinks that most girls would consider it but they believe that having a dress custom-made by an Irish designer is very expensive which is not always the case. 

“Buying Irish can only be a good choice.  A lot of my clients are delighted to have chosen to buy from an Irish designer,” says Marie. “I work with brides-to-be up to a year before their wedding day so I get to know them very well and it’s a very special time and experience.”

Marie McElheron’s wedding dresses start at €800.

For more information contact Marie McElheron Bridal Design, Abbey House, Abbey Lane, Arklow, Co Wicklow or call 00 353 402 32818.

Related Content:

Irish Designer Week: Edel Ramberg Millinery

Tuesday 31 January 2022 - Supplier Spotlight, News, Irish Designer Week, Fashion - Tags: bridal-accessory-design, irish-milinery, irish-designer-week-on-weddingsonline, bridal-headpiece, edel-ramberg

By Amy Croffey

Edel Ramberg Designs is an Irish label based in Galway, specialising in hats and headpieces.

Edel started to make bespoke bridal headpieces a few months after she was approached by a bride who was looking for an alternative to a veil.

“My headpieces are another option for people who don't feel that the traditional veil suits their dress or personality,” says Edel. “The bridal headpiece is something unique to them that they often help me to design and can wear again and again!”

Edel’s collections are all ready-to-wear headpieces but her bridal range needs to be pre-ordered. She has a range of samples and shapes in her studio and creates a bridal pieces using the client’s head, face and dress for inspiration.

Pillbox

“If a dress is quite vintage in style I work from there or if something is very fitted and 'Jackie-O' in cut we may try a pillbox base. It’s always down to the mood the dress creates,” she adds.

She would describe her designs as individual and sculptural, she is not into “fussy” pieces with loads of feathers and veiling.

“I would rather stay true to my style and keep things clean and chic. I like to embellish with quality materials, such as Swarovski and lace, rather than a mix of feathers and beads. It’s more about elegance and quality for me, rather than overkill," says Edel.

For wedding guests her collections are typically bought by women ranging in ages 30-60. Her bridal customers are typically in their twenties to early thirties and are looking for something special, unique and something that will compliment their face, shape and dress.

Overall look

“My clients are usually ladies who know their style and are keen to create something to finish off their overall look,” says Edel.

Edel’s advice to brides-to-be who are trying to find the ‘perfect’ style for their wedding day is to never bring too many people shopping for the veil or headpiece.

“I have seen brides in tears over varied opinions. You have to wear it on the day so you have to love it,” she says. “You should also be 100% sure about the piece, as it is something that will be in your wedding album for years. You need to be sure it doesn't hide too much of your face and that it highlights all your best features!”

_{Images by Richie Stokes}

Edel believes it is always great to buy Irish but especially so with bridal fashion.

“It’s fantastic to get the support of Irish women as weddings are such a big tradition here. One bridal headpiece can often lead to several ladies getting in touch for their big day, which is great for any business as the knock-on effect can mean recommendations for local salons, make-up artists etc,” she says.

Edel admits the choice is not always there when trying to source certain products so people are often forced to look outside of Ireland for selections and price. However, she thinks now more than ever people can personally get in touch with designers to see what other options are available to them.

Materials for headpieces are mostly manufactured in the Czech Republic, France or other parts of Europe but rather than going to these suppliers directly for a small order, Edel tries to source from suppliers here.

“I always feel it’s better to support a small local supplier rather than buying from elsewhere paying VAT and in some cases exchange rates,” she adds.

Email Edel Ramberg at [email protected] or call 00 353 86 837 6084.

Related Content: