Rangoli in Confetti Magazine - Winter 2008

I am delighted to have my work featured again in the Winter 08 issue of Confetti Magazine. Stylist Roxanne Parker chose another creative theme for her fashion shoot and styled the story around fairytales.

I designed a necklace especially for the 'Princess and the Pea' theme and had fun weaving tiny 2mm green Swarovski crystals into a precious encrusted 'pea' which hung from the elaborate black and green rhinestone and crochet neck-piece, (see above).

I also incorporated white feathers into one of my more dramatic headpieces which was originally designed for a 'Children of Lir' exhibition and suited the feathered style gown. This piece has black pearls and labradorite stones woven through it which reflect both purple and green hues depending on how the light shines on them.

Photographer Agata Stoinska really captures the magical qualitiy of these ancient tales and you can view more of her work at http://www.stoinska.com/

You can also visit the Confetti magazine website at http://www.confetti.ie/

Real Weddings

One of the most popular areas of my website is the 'Rangoli Brides' section where clients have been kind enough to share photos of their wedding with myself and others who view the site.

'Real' brides always look so much more natural and happy than those that model for the bridal magazines or on cat-walks! It's also lovely to see how the same dress or accessory can look completely different on someone else. This section gives inspiration about dresses, hairstyles, accessories and flowers as well as reminding us of what a lovely and unique celebration wedding days are.

Mary, seen above, chose a Rangoli hairwire which had Swarovski rhinestone and pearl flowers. This complemented her gown which was so elegantly simple with just a small rhinestone buckle detail at the waist. Hair-stylist Michael Leong created a soft natural upstyle which he wove the hairwire into.

These natural and relaxed shots were captured by photographer Mark Nixon.

Mother of the bride

My collection of jewellery and hair accessories are designed for anyone who wants to add a touch of glamour to their special outfit. I often design custom made pieces for mothers of the bride or bridal guests.

Recently I have been getting a lot of requests to design something elegant to distinguish the bride or groom's mother, that is an alternative to a hat or feathers. Hats are definitely not for everyone and there are lots of sophisticated and elegant headpieces that will really complement any occasion outfit.

Where possible I ask clients to bring along their outfit so that I can advise on the best style of headpiece or jewellery to co-ordinate with it. Other elements to take into consideration are the bride's gown as well as the the style of wedding that is being planned. I find that my clients enjoy the process of being involved in the design process and having bespoke accessories created for such a special occasion!

Thank you!

I recently received this lovely 'Thank You' card from Penny and her husband which I thought was really fun and something a bit different. It's lovely to feel appreciated and it's nice when a card brings a smile to your face too!

I designed Penny's hairwire and matching pearl drop earrings. The wedding was photographed by Ger Lawlor.

Thanks to Paula, Stephen and Ger for allowing me to share this great image!

Rangoli in Confetti Magazine - Autumn 2008

Rangoli is featured three times in the current issue of Confetti magazine! The issue includes a fashion shoot called 'The Aristocrats' where a selection of my jewellery was used to accessorise this romantic portfolio. The cover shot, featuring a Rangoli necklace is also from this collection.

The shoot was photographed by Cale Brennan and styled by Roxanne Parker

You can also see my designs in the 'Real Weddings' feature on Chloe Gaine who was the Wedding Circle and Confetti Bride of the Year 2008. I am a member of Wedding Circle which is a small network of bridal specialists. Chloe and Ivan won a fantastic dream wedding and honeymoon valued at €30,000.

And finally my 'Something Blue' vintage rhinestone tiara was featured in the 'Confetti Style' pages.

Look out for the Winter issue where my work will be featured in the fashion shoot!

You can also visit the Confetti magazine website at http://www.confetti.ie/

Dirty Fabulous

Dirty Fabulous is a vintage clothing boutique specialising in high end vintage wear, jewellery and accessories. It was launched in 2008 by my glamorous friend Carloline and (equally stylish) sister Kathy!

Caroline and Kathy have turned their love and knowledge for genuine vintage clothing and accessories into a dream job! They have the enviable task of visiting Paris, New York and Berlin to source beautiful original vintage clothing and accessories. A visit to their showroom is a personal and fun experience and Caroline will individually tailor each garment to fit you perfectly as well as offering advice on the style of shoes and accessories that will complement your outfit.

If you are a bride looking for a truly vintage, one-off gown then Dirty Fabulous should be your first port of call! Mothers of the bride will also love the choice of outfits as well as the one-on-one attention and advice. In fact any woman who loves glamour, sparkle or understated elegance should make an appointment to visit the showroom, step into the world of chandeliers and sip on a glass of sparkly!

Watch out for further updates and pics of gorrrrgeous dresses or subscribe to http://dirtyfabulous.blogspot.com/

Dirty Fabulous
No 97 Lower Baggot Street
Dublin 2
01 6624249
info@dirtyfabulous.com

Myla Kent Photography

I came across the photography of Myla Kent on Flickr and I love her images. Myla manages to capture magical moments in her photographs and uses beautiful quotes from many sources to represent each image.

One of Myla's on-going projects began when she started to photograph the designs of Luly Yang. What makes these images so magical is that the dressed mannequins are photographed through Luly's shop window and so the images capture reflections of the 'outside world'. Window shoppers, architecture and trees are some of the dreamlike and sometimes ghostly things that Myla reveals.

'Imagination encircles the World', above, is one of my favourites and I was delighted to be able to purchase a print from Myla. Every time I look at it, I seem to drift off into a different world! Myla's chosen quote for this photo is -

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

-Albert Einstein

Denise Assas Couture

One of the best parts of my job is that I get to see pictures of client's gorgeous dresses every day! This is the starting point for choosing the jewellery and hair accessories that will best complement each individual gown.

An added bonus to working in any industry is that you get to hear about and meet some really talented designers. I first met Denise almost ten years ago and absolutely loved her gorgeous French designs. But really, it is the whole experience of visiting Denise in her showroom and having her design a gown for you that is the special part! Denise designed my wedding dress and we have become friends ever since :-)

Read more about Denise

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is a designer that I really admire. I love the sculptural style of his designs as well as his exquisite tailoring. His designs can be minimal or highly decorative and I love the quirkiness of his work.

This season, some of his collection is inspired by India and the image above shows a variation on the decorative hair jewellery worn by Indian women during wedding ceremonies.

See more at www.alexandermcqueen.com