Planning Your Wedding

Wedding Dresses in Devon

Wedding Dresses in Devon

Wed meets dress designer, Kate Walker

Kate Walker's dresses embody femininity and timeless elegance. The Devon-based designer tells Wed about her passion for bridal fashion...



Kate Walker's dresses embody femininity and timeless elegance. The Devon-based designer tells Wed about her passion for bridal fashion...

As you wander along the bustling main street of Honiton, past a wonderful jumble of antique shops and tearooms, your gaze will fall upon a delightful little boutique. An impossibly elegant gown at the window gives a taster of the treasures within, where rails brim with acres of cream, ivory and lace, and chic vintage-style furnishings abound with glistening accessories, dreamy veils and birdcages woven with pearls.

Beyond the changing room and elegant viewing space where pretty floral wallpaper cloaks the walls, there is a little workroom. Here, bridal designer Kate Walker works her magic, turning those sweet reveries of budding brides into covetable works of art. Brides may opt for a design from the Kate Walker Collection or, alternatively, collaborate with Kate on a bespoke gown.


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Tell us about your journey to where you are today.
I have a degree in period costume for theatre, film and television, so I am a fully trained corseti're, which is where my passion for boned constructed garments developed. My interest in designing bridal wear stems from as early as I can remember, so the two go together hand in hand. After working in several bridal shops as a consultant and in-house designer, I moved into bridal wholesale and worked as a junior designer for Peter Brandon Couture. When Sassi Holford bought the business, I was promoted to Head Designer. We changed the name of the company to Kate Sherford, which became my 'stage name', under which I designed and created two collections of designer bridal gowns a year. After ten years, I decided to realise my dream and open my own bridal boutique. I named it after my 95-year-old grandmother, as Walker is her maiden name. As a busy market town with a large catchment area, Honiton is the perfect location - so here I am today, two and a half years later and loving every moment in Kate Walker world!

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How would you describe your creative style?

My creative style is clean, classical and elegant. I love the curve of the female form and the fine art of creating a beautifully handmade structured gown that celebrates those all-important curves.

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What inspires you?

I take my inspiration from everywhere. It may come from keeping an eye on haute couture catwalks or red carpet events, but it can also come from a detail I see in a high street fashion window. My brides are my biggest source of inspiration along with the fabrics I choose.

What would be your dream brief from a bride?

It is impossible to say as every bride comes with their own personal style and ideas, so what excites me about one bride's dress may not be the same about another's. I adore making my brides' dreams a reality; most of them can't believe it's real when the dress is finally finished - it's so exciting! I have been called a magician on several occasions!

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What are your favourite fabrics to work with?

I prefer to work with structured fabrics rather than floaty fabrics. I love beautiful laces and stunning silks yet I also love sheer organza and the drama that can be created using lots of tulle.

Do you have a favourite dress from fashion, film or worn by an iconic bride?
I don't have a specific dress but I do adore the style of Kate Winslet. She has a beautiful English rose curvy figure and fabulously clean and classical taste in her entire wardrobe. She is one celebrity I would love to dress!

www.katewalkerbridal.com

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NOTES ON A DRESS

Find your be-mine dress with Kate's top tips...

1. Research bridal boutiques. Ask friends and family if they have any recommendations; look at their websites to find out about their designers and style, and then call to make an appointment. It's important that you get a good 'vibe' and have trust and confidence in the boutique you decide to work with, as they will be helping you to make a very important decision.

2. Start with an open mind. Don't be afraid to try different shapes, styles and necklines, as usually the style you think will suit you the least actually works the best! Consider your own personal style and the style or theme of your wedding. When trying on dresses, think about what style make you feel special but comfortable, as the right dress will help you to exude confidence on your big day.

3. Limit the amount of guests you take to your appointments. You may well feel confused by too many opinions - after all it's all about you!

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words Rebecca Matthews
photography Firetop Photography


Copyright Wed magazine 2013



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