Have you ever wondered what makes your wedding dress designer tick? Who their style icons are and where they find inspiration? We’ve been chatting with Lydia Sayles, leading designer at True Bride to find out exactly that.
How did you become a designer at True Bride?
Having studied Fashion Design, I spent the years that followed assisting stylists and freelancing as a print designer. I eventually found myself running the production department within a fashion company. When I made a spontaneous decision to move from London down to Brighton, I was lucky enough to meet True Bride’s owner, Nicki Flynn. I now design across all our collections alongside Nicki and love the bridal industry!
Can you choose your favourite ever dress that you’ve designed?
Yes! It would have to be our M589, a soft tulle Thirties inspired bridesmaid dress with delicate lace and sheer neckline that is slim and sophisticated and oozes glamour.
Have you designed dresses for anyone in the public eye?
As any designer would, I hope to one-day see a gown of ours on the red carpet. We have recently been lucky enough to dress Olympic medallist Katharine Merry on her wedding day. I would love to design a dress for someone like Holly Willoughby, she’s got real charm and a “real” woman’s figure with bust and hips; whatever she wears, she wears well.
Whose style do you admire?
Right now I’m a big fan of the “effortless” look and I especially admire the eclectic styles of Kate Moss and Alexa Chung. But my ultimate fashion icon without a doubt is Sex in the CityÕs Carrie Bradshaw!
SectionHow far ahead do you design collections at True Bride? And where do you pick up inspiration from?
We design six months ahead, this allows us to react quickly to any emerging trends and offer our customers a new collection twice a year. Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere! From street style to Pinterest, or something as simple as a new lace we’ve found. Sometimes an exciting new fabric or unusual beadwork can inspire a whole collection!
What can brides look forward to in the coming season?
I am so excited to see bridal fashion moving towards a less traditional look and seeing more twenties and thirties inspired silhouettes out there. I love all things sparkly so am pleased to see all the glitz and glamour coming through this season!
Sheer illusion necklines will continue to be a big trend next season and we have stunning bridesmaid designs featuring statement necklines with accents of lace and Gatsby inspired beading. I expect to see a lot of low-backed wedding dresses and a possible move away from lace to a more sleek and slinky silhouette with “Deco” style detailing.
