Andrea Hawkes Bridal ~ Couture Wedding Dresses Made In London

I truly do love being able to introduce our readers to talented, up and coming new designers, so it’s with great pleasure today that I ask you to welcome Andrea Hawkes Bridal to the Love My Dress community.

Andrea Hawkes is a couture bridal designer based in Hackney, East London.  Inspired by the classic shapes and simplistic style of fashion from the 1920s through to the 1960s, Andrea’s work references Modern Scandinavian design while also celebrating the intrinsic beauty of luxurious fabrics. In short, Andrea Hawkes Bridal represents a perfect pairing of contemporary and couture.

There’s an aesthetic to these designs that I’m really drawn to –  I can’t help but think of Carrie Bradshaw and chic Manhattan bridal elegance when I look at these dresses.  I love the teaming of the box pleats above with those simple satin court heels both of which are beautifully set off with the addition of that beautiful bouquet.

After returning from travelling in her early twenties, Andrea decided to go back to college in order to pursue a more creative life. Part time courses that covered the foundations of pattern cutting, technical sewing skills, illustration and tailoring inspired her to do a degree in Fashion Design at the University of Hertfordshire.

‘Whilst studying, I went to work for a bridal boutique in St Albans called The Bride which I absolutely loved. They stock high-end British designers such as Suzanne Neville, Stephanie Allin and Jenny Packham. I was instantly hooked and in love with the warmth of the industry. I also loved the fact I was working with British made gowns. It was very inspiring.’

Later, having moved to London with her partner, Andrea secured a job with Suzanne Neville working as her assistant during fittings. With her time split between production and the boutique, she gained varied experience before moving on to work for Phillipa Lepley and eventually Stephanie Allin. Having worked for some of the most established bridal designers in the country, it has been a natural progression for Andrea to start her own bridal design company.

‘I enjoy the personal nature of working with individual brides to make sure they have a beautiful dress that they feel comfortable in for their wedding day.’

If provenance is important to you, the fact all production is carried out in house using European sourced fabrics will no doubt appeal.

‘I love muted tones and soft fabrics that feel amazing, as well as subtle textures and layering fabrics. Heavy crepe satins cut beautifully and sand washed Italian crepes feel incredible. My work also features French lace – not your obvious floral choices but interesting patterns. I adore structured fabrics as well as fluid, draping fabrics like silk georgette.’

The collection is priced from £1500 for a made to order service. Dresses can be made to measure with a full couture service or simply produced in standard sizes. A bespoke service is available if you have something specific in mind and you can expect to find Andrea’s designs stocked in UK bridal shops very soon.

‘I think an Andrea Hawkes bride wants to look beautiful for her wedding day, but she doesn’t want to look fussy or overdone. To her, it’s all about being understated and elegant, expressing her personality, femininity and confidence through the best fabrics, beautifully made.’

So what do you think ladies? Smitten? For more information about Andrea Hawkes Bridal, head over to www.andreahawkes.co.uk.

You can also keep up-to-date with the designer via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

Andrea Hawkes is also on our list of highly recommended suppliers.

 

Andrea Hawkes is a sponsor of Love My Dress
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