Meet The Designer
Thank you for dropping by my little digital corner of the world.
I’d like to share a little about me and look forward to finding out a little about you too.
I have been a couture bridal gown designer dressmaker for over 20 years and am still enjoying every minute. I love being able to draw out the creative ideas from a bride, and this is one of the pure pleasures of a wedding dress designer.
I’ve added a few more strings to my bow recently though… Writing, Speaking, setting up a bookshop and starting new collaborations with fashion colleges for instance.
It’s all hinged on the writing of my book, Relovable, about what to do with your old wedding dress, which is out in September (pre-order your copy HERE and use discount code RELOVE10 at checkout). As I explored the alternatives for publishing and distribution, I was led me into a fascinating new literary world and what I discovered prompted me to set up my own publishing imprint, find a sustainable printer who would distribute directly to readers, and launch my own online creative BOOKSHOP.
As for Speaking – I joined Toastmasters International and got over my fear of talking in public, which meant I was able to fully engage with Fashion Colleges, several of which I visit regularly to help run sustainable projects and encourage students to take a zero-waste approach to their work. Find out more about booking me as a SPEAKER for your event, or as a guest on your podcast.
I have an Italian degree from Lancaster University, and spent a year in Florence, before graduating and working as an Area Manager for the rapidly expanding brand Monsoon Accessorize in the 1990s. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and longed to run my own business, so put myself through a course in Couture Bridal wear at the London College of Fashion, and set up my company in 2002.
“…My father was an architect, and so from an early age, I was surrounded by an awareness and appreciation of good design, even before venturing into the world of fashion. Childhood holidays at home in Surrey were often spent at our sewing machine, and I was really taught to sew by my mother…”
I had a few health setbacks in the last few years – open heart surgery and a pesky blood condition, which was a bit of a reality check, but things seem to be stable. I live in the leafy Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with my young family and am excited to see what’s around the corner., following the launch of the book at British Bridal Week on 9th September. For now, I spend my days doing what I love – designing, sourcing exciting new sustainable fabrics, sewing, doing fittings and making videos for my growing channel on YOUTUBE.
Contact Caroline
I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line with your thoughts and questions – I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
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© Copyright Caroline Arthur 2020