The Early Years

 

That's me on the right, in the

all-white babygro.

 

(What a stylish family I was born in to!)

​

I'll let my parents off for this red white and blue family photo, as it was the Queen's silver jubillee!

First Interest

 

Do you remember Fashion Wheel?

 

According to my mum, this is what kickstarted my interest in fashion.

 

(If you're under 30, you can always ask me to explain!)

College

 

Of the 80 ‘up-and-coming trendsetters’ from City College Norwich, it was me that got my pic into the local paper.

(And yep, that's me in both pictures!)

 

Next stop? Brighton University.

(To get my degree in Fashion and Business Studies)

First Job - New York

 

So how did I get a fashion job in New York?

 

I did a work placement through university. I loved it so much I went back after graduation, and knocked on some doors until I got a great job. How different the world was before internet! 

 

I had a busy (and colourful!) four years.

London - Retailers

 

Back across the Big Pond…

 

My time at Debenhams saw me travel to factories all over the world - from Hong Kong to Mauritius. (A good place for a honeymoon btw!)

 

I also freelanced for M&S, Burtons and House of Frazer.

(And still enjoyed a bit of fancy dress!)

Starting Unique Dress

 

In 2007, I knew it was time to take

the plunge.

 

So Unique Dress was born.

 

Here’s a pic of one of my very first wedding fairs.

It feels like a long time, but I still remember how nervous I was!

And Now...

 

Seventeen years and (literally) hundreds of dresses later…

What do I love?

 

The sheer variety of the creative challenges I face.

(No two dresses are ever, ever the same.)

And also, delighting people.

By translating their ideas into wedding dresses they really love.

Outside of Work

 

Yes, I do have a life away from the

sewing room.

 

Where I get up to other things.

 

Like making my family walk up hills to enjoy the scenery.

 

(We know how to have a good time!)