Holidays and anniversaries!

Today is my last day before my holidays! Tomorrow myself and my hubby Ben are flying to Lisbon and travelling around Portugal for a couple of weeks. We'll be celebrating our ten year anniversary and a much longer 'being together' date... romance is definitely in the air!

Before I go, I thought I'd share a commission that I'm currently working on. I am designing a crochet hair-wrap to be worn with a gold Johanna Johnson dress called Satine. The dress is embellished with intricate embroidery which inspired me to sketch these drawings. The main fabric is a pale gold satin, featuring hand-beaded Parisian lace accents and a plunging back. You can see how the fabric in the dress floats and moves in a beautiful way.

Aoife has chosen a soft, half-up hairstyle and wanted something like a decorative ribbon to wear across her hair. Some of my beaded hairwires would have been lovely with this dress but the crochet wrap really brings out the sumptuous embroidery detail.
 

Rangoli sketch of Satine dress by Johanna Johnson

If you don't know already, I am a big fan of gold and this dress allowed me to delve into my collection of topaz and citrine coloured beads. The crochet, beaded vine, was inspired by the lace embroidery on the dress. The beaded vine tapers to one side of the head and will be worn like a hair-band.

Sketch of Rangoli crochet headpiece detail inspired by Johanna Johnson 'Satine' dress

This commission will have to wait until I get back from Portugal to be finished! I'll miss you all but will be back to share some photos and stories in a couple of weeks. If you want to see what inspires me while I'm on holidays, you can follow me on Instagram.

 

The studio will re-open on Monday 10th September. For anyone with an up-coming wedding, I have plenty of pieces available to purchase from stock on my return.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 Collection

Alexander McQueen has long been a source of inspiration for me - someone who combines artistry with technical genius, masculine and feminine, both minimal and over the top ornateness. I love a sense of magic and am drawn to the dream world that this design house evokes. Sadly Alexander is no longer with us but the new Creative Director Sarah Burton seems more than capable of carrying the company forward.

I hope you enjoy these two videos - the first is the catwalk show of the Spring 2012 collection and the second is an interview with Sarah about the inspiration behind the collection which is inspired by an underwater world. The show is memorising in many ways; the liquid golds, soft corals and black, the organic movement of the fabrics, the slightly Gothic yet ethereal lace masks. Waists are pulled in with chunky metallic belts in contrast with oceans of soft ruffles.



It's amazing to get an insight into both the workspace and creative process involved. Sarah describes the collection -

“I was thinking about a woman as an object of desire. We go to such lengths to adorn ourselves that we almost become our clothes or are taken over by them. This is a collection about excess – an exploration of ideals of beauty at their most extreme.”

In this short film by Dustin Lynn, The New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn meets Alexander McQueen Creative Director Sarah Burton at the label’s Paris atelier to explore the house’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

I hope you enjoyed the two videos! For more information on McQueen, visit the website. You might like to read my previous post too.

Rangoli headpiece - Lace love

I'm working on a bespoke commission and thought I'd share my work in progress. It's no secret that I love lace and find it inspires many of my designs. I love it on many levels, for it sheerness, transparency and romantic qualities...its timeless nature and ability to work with vintage and contemporary dresses. Most of all, I love the linear floral motifs that twist and flow, following the contours of the female form.

The person that I am designing this piece for is having her dress made by London designer Fiona Clare. Let's call her *Lena! The dress features Chantilly lace as seen above. Lena just loves pearls which are the perfect choice for this style of gown.

Once I had met Lena and heard about her ideas, I began by making sketches of the lace design. There's so many interesting forms in there if you look closely!

For this commission, I'm working to a specific brief for a glamorous side piece which will replicate the lace design. The finished piece will be striking and very feminine. I also like that I've been asked to exclude rhinestone elements - it will be interesting to focus purely on pearl as the main component. I can't give too much more away at the moment but I hope to be able to share some wedding photos with you at a later date!


I'm currently working on lots of individual beaded motifs which will be woven together to form an intricate pearl lace form. I'm having fun creating vintage roses and delicate twisted vines, all lavishly embellished with ivory pearls of different sizes.

Welcome to my world - Hope you enjoyed reading about this latest commission! Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss some ideas for jewellery or hair accessories.

Have a look at my other posts featuring lace or check out my other recent bridal commissions

*Lena is the secret identity that I have given this client but her real name is even more beautiful!

Friday decadence with Yolan Cris

I don't know where Yolan has been hiding but I just discovered her dreamy collections online this morning. Delicate lace with a sculptural twist, layers of soft tulle - super sassy Spanish glamour.

There's definitely a goddess touch to these gowns but they are also so soft and feminine.

Yolan combines fabrics, mixing embroidered Chantilly lace with taffetas, crepes and sequins...not to mention unusual sleeve and strap detailing.


I hope all that prettiness has put you in a good mood for the weekend?! See you next week when I'll be sharing my 'long distance' commission.

Rhinestone Bow commission

Alice is getting married and is wearing this gorgeous dress - I love it. She also loves bows so once she spotted my Rhinestone Bow comb she knew it would be perfect!

Alice has allowed me to share some of her bridal inspiration pics which she gathered online. She is carrying bow elements into her wedding theme, with vintage dickie-bows, delicate hair-ribbons for the bridesmaids and cakes with perfectly-formed sugar bows!

Wishing you all the best for your April wedding Alice...

You might like to read about my other recent commissions or visit my website for more inspiration. And don't forget to leave me a comment - I love to hear your feedback!

Alice's dress is from U Dreamy Bridal
Her images were sourced on We Heart It

New Rangoli Combs

I'm excited to showcase two new Rangoli combs - here are some words to describe them...high glamour, sparkle and 'so wearable' after your wedding day! These pieces of hair jewellery are inspired by 1920's to 1940's design. I'm even including a pic of the Chrysler building in New York - a classic piece of Art Deco architecture.

The comb on the left is called Rhinestone Vine and features delicate crystal encrusted leaves and beaded vine. The second design is the Deco Swirl, reminiscent of 1920's Art Deco fabulousness. I think it would go perfectly with Jenny Packham's Sorrento dress below.

I love, love, love working with pearls for their lustre and antique quality and have combined some into these designs. However, some dresses just demand that extra sparkle that only rhinestone can provide! I'm already thinking of some occasions to wear these myself! Keep an eye on my website for new designs and remember that I have lots more designs in my showroom.

Which do you prefer - Sparkles or pearls or a bit of both?!

Dress image found via Google images
Chrysler image via New York Posters

Christian Dior Couture 2011

I simply had to post this image from Christian Dior's 2011 Couture collection...I tried just tweeting about it but it wasn't enough. I'm not so wild about the headpiece but I could definitely find somewhere to wear this dress.

'Three things' 3

The 'Three things' series is about things that inspire me to design. This is a visual diary of images I love... might be a colour, a form or simply something that triggers a happy emotion. Welcome to my world - I hope you enjoy leafing through my visual diary!

One of the things that inspires me most, (and is a favourite part of my job!) is looking at the selection of gorgeous gowns that clients have chosen for their weddings. Here are three dresses that I am currently designing accessories for - they each have distinctive features that inspire me to create...and drool over :-) As you can see - Lace is still popular in 2011 collections.

First up is a Cymbeline gown called Eleanor. It's from the 2011 collection. I love the neckline and the softly draped lace. This dress is so feminine and soft.

For this client, I am designing long delicate drop earrings and a fine pearl and rhinestone bracelet. As the hair will be worn up, the earrings will be the key decorative feature.

The second dress is called Satine by Johanna Johnson. Johanna is renowned for her Old Hollywood glamour styles and this sumptuous latte coloured gown features hand-beaded Parisian lace accents and plunging back.

For this client, I am designing a bespoke pale gold beaded comb. The beading will include topaz Swarovski crystal beading along with taupe and champagne pearls. The bride would like to wear the piece to the back of the head for the earlier part of the day and move it to the side for more of an evening look.

The final dress and commission that I am sharing is a Mon-Cheri dress called Emme. This sleeveless lace slim A-line gown features a hand-beaded lace bateau neckline and plunging V-back bodice with cowl draped chiffon straps. I love the back feature of this dress!

For this commission, I am making a delicate beaded hairwire with a vintage lace inspired side feature. The piece will combine both rhinestone and soft pearl detail, to pick up on the rhinestone belt detail.

Are you jealous of my job yet?! I love how varied these dresses and commissions are. I hope to share the finished designs when they are completed!

You can read more of my 'Three Things' inspiration posts or read about my latest Rangoli bridal commissions.

I'd love to design something for your wedding so please get in touch if you'd like to arrange an appointment to visit the Rangoli Showroom.

Christian Lacroix designs for Rosa Clara

Well here is a dress that I love for 2011 and I'm not normally drawn to full princess skirts! It combines some of the key style trends for the coming season...lots of tulle layering, flower forms and a cute bow. Quite a glass slipper dress for 2011!

I love the idea of two designers working together and Christian Lacroix brings some of his haute couture magic to this gown. The neckline is another beautiful detail and one that rarely features in bridal gowns. Below is a gown from the 2011 Rosa Clara collection. I love the pleated layered tulle combined with soft lace.

Next up, I'll be sharing a gorgeous bridesmaid commission with you - a delicate beaded hairband in a soft mauve and grey palette!

I've been tagged!

I was tagged by Pamela from Farrell & Chase on her blog and the idea is for me to answer some questions about myself so you can get to find out some more about me! So here we go...

1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Dublin and I really love this city! It's not that I'm a home bird as I absolutely love travelling, but Dublin has a special place in my heart and I love 're-discovering it' when I've been away for a while.
2. What made you choose the career path you have?
I've had a curvy career path! I started off studying graphic design and illustration. A six month trip to India and Nepal in 1993 inspired a love affair with colour and ornamentation and I chose to return to college to study jewellery design. I also specialised in textile design and ended up combining traditional jewellery techniques with textile skills...and having lots of fun! I suppose everything that I do is inspired by pattern and ornamentation - I have to surround myself by it :-)
3. Who is your favourite bridal designer?
This is a really hard question for me as I get to see so many gorgeous gowns every day! For delicacy and femininity I would pick Claire Pettibone but I have stacks of 'favourites'.
4. What is your favourite colour?
I go through phases of loving different colours and it would be boring to have to pick just one...and so unfair. I just love everything between blue and green and I think peacock or petrol blue is my ultimate favourite.
5. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Travel is one of my passions. Myself and my husband like adventures and discovering places that are off the beaten track. Two years ago we spent three weeks in Iran and it was one of our most memorable holidays for lots of reasons. The people are incredibly welcoming, (contrary to what the media might lead you to believe). I got to experience a completely different culture and occasionally, it felt like stepping back in time. I also had to get used to wearing a veil but this had its benefits - I was able to blend in and observe everything around me. Iran is a totally fascinating country and I would definitely go back if I can.
6. What is your favourite past time?
Hmm, sipping or guzzling wine with good friends...
7. Do you have any pets?

Yes, we have a gorgeous black cat called Samson. However, I'm number 2 in the pecking order for lap cuddles.
8. What is your favourite song?
I actually don't have a favourite song but I love listening to Bebel Gilberto in my studio. I can listen to her albums over and over and still love them. I also browse new music online at last.fm
9. What is your favourite meal?

Indian food is definitely top of my list - South Indian food in particular. It's much lighter, with lots of vegetarian and fish dishes subtly flavoured with chilli and spices. My favourite meal would have to contain dhal, vegetable or fish curry, rice, chapatti, raita and pickle. The image above is a South Indian Thali served on a banana leaf.
10. What items are currently on your work desk?
I bought a huge desk when I set up my business in 1998 and I love that every piece that I have made has been at this desk. However, in my case, it's really a question of what surrounds my desk. I have trays and trays of stones and pearls, tools and wires, inspiring pictures and drawings as well as photos of clients. It's very organised chaos though and it's my space which is what makes it special. I feel like my studio is my second home!
Well I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about 'my world' - It's been fun thinking about the answers :-) And I have someone in mind to tag...

Lorraine and Conor's Italian wedding

Lorraine came to me to discuss commissioning a bespoke headpiece for her wedding. She described her own style and her plans for a relaxed wedding celebration in Arezzo, Italy. I love hearing everyone's ideas about venues and personal touches!

Lorraine brought in the picture above of a headpiece that she had seen in a magazine. She loved its shape as well as the fact that it had delicate white feathers in it. This image was the starting point for Lorraine's bespoke Rangoli headpiece. We worked together to come up with a design that she loved. The piece was made from fine silver crochet and incorporated rhinestones and pearls. I then wove fine white feathers into it. I think you'll agree that she looked stunning on her wedding day. Here are a few words from Lorraine -

" Thanks you for the beautiful head-piece you made for me for my wedding on 25 June in Montebenichi, Arezzo, Italy. I just wanted to let you know that on the day it was perfect and everyone loved that I chose not to wear a veil and go with something that was so simple but yet at the same time elegant...it really was perfect in keeping in with the simple aspect of my wedding".

Lorraine and Conor's wedding was photographed by Lelia Scarfiotti and I was not surprised to read that she is a 'Style Me Pretty' Little Black Book supplier. Have a look at her website and if you'd like to see more of Lorraine and Conor's wedding album, visit this link and click 'Gallery' and then 'I do', followed by the heading 'Put a ring on it'.

Thanks Lorraine and Conor - your Italian wedding is spellbinding. I can almost smell the Italian countryside :-)

Phototography by Lelia Scarfiotti

Lace inspired hairband

Lena is getting married in October and has chosen this gorgeous Magnolia dress by Pronovias. She wanted a delicate headpiece that would complement the beautiful lace fabric.

Lena is wearing her hair in a simple elegant up-do and this fine hair band really completes her look. This piece is also available as a circular comb and is inspired by the scalloped edging of lace. She will also be wearing a dainty pair of matching Rangoli pearl and rhinestone earrings.

It's distinctive, dainty and very pretty - perfect for this stylish Rangoli bride :-)

Claire and Eddie's wedding

Ok, here we go...feast your eyes on this romantic, stylish and fun wedding.
Claire and Eddie - you look amazing. You also look incredibly relaxed and your photos capture such beautiful emotions.

This wedding was photographed by Christina Brosnan and when Claire showed me her pictures, I had difficulty narrowing down the ones I wanted to feature! Christina's style is really informal with lots of natural lighting and pretty feminine details.

When I first met Claire, I could tell that she wanted help and advice in creating the overall style of her wedding. She was well able to choose different elements that she liked but was a bit overwhelmed when it came to putting the whole look together. I found her attitude very refreshing. She was completely open to asking for advice from different experts and this resulted in her enjoying the planning of their wedding much more. Claire also attended a styling workshop with Julie Cobbe from StyleFish.

Claire found her dress in Eden Manor and was full of praise for both the owners of the shops as well as the great selection of dresses. This dress is a sculptural, yet so soft and floaty. Although there is no beading detail on the dress, I advised Claire against wearing anything around her neck. Instead she chose an elegant headpiece with simple drop earrings and a very delicate bracelet.

Choosing my dress was easier than expected - one bridal shop (Eden Manor in Enniscorthy) and 25 dresses later. But a dress doesn't create the look alone. A veil was never for me, so wearing something in my hair seemed logical. I also presumed I needed earrings, a necklace and bracelet. However, I didn't feel confident about what would look best - especially since I didn't have my dress to try on with anything. After looking for some advice, I found Julie Cobb and StyleFish. Not alone did Julie recommend Aisling and Rangoli, but I completed her 7 week style course and graduated a more stylish wife-to-be!!!

During my appointment with Aisling in her fabulous studio, she looked at images of my dress which i had brought, styled my hair as i planned on wearing it and chatted about the type of bride I was and the kind of day we were planning - I genuinely felt she was trying to get to know me. After trying a number of pieces in my hair and their matching accessories, I was totally confident making my decision. Although I confess i would never have chosen not to wear a necklace if Aisling hadn't pointed out that it was too much.

On our wedding day, I absolutely felt the most stylish i ever have and received more compliments than i could have hoped for. I would like to say a big hugable THANK YOU to Aisling for her creativity and encouragement and for giving my look the wow factor.

Claire

Claire and Eddie - Thanks for sharing your day with us. Claire - thanks for the hug too! You can read more about the wedding on Christina's blog -

What a lovely Friday post :-) Hope you all have a lovely holiday weekend for those living in Ireland!

Credits:
Photogrpahy by Christina Brosnan
Make-up by Aoife Callaghan
Styling course at StyleFish

Rowena and Ronan's wedding

Rowena and Ronan were married in June and had a gorgeous day for their wedding. This pair look so relaxed and happy! No wedding jitters here...

Rowena chose a Rangoli beaded hairwire. She wanted something elegant, yet understated and I think this headpiece really complements her beautiful lace gown.

It's great to be asked to design accessories for some of the bridal party too. On this occasion I made jewellery for Rowena, her Mum as well as her bridesmaids. I wrote about this bracelet commission recently. It was fun to customise my gold crochet bracelet for Rowena's bridesmaids. The stunning green dresses are by Alvina Valenta and were purchased in White Orchid.

See and read more about my recent bridal commissions ~

The wedding was photographed by Michael Crean.

A dress with a story

Well, while we're on the thread of all things vintage, I thought I'd share a beautiful story, a beautiful dress and a beautiful bride with you.

Mel is not one of my clients but I read about her wedding on Rock My Wedding. Although I design for all dress styles and personalities, I do love an element of vintage glamour. Maybe it reminds me of the feeling I get when I look at my parents and grand-parents wedding albums!

Mel wanted something a bit different for her wedding gown and decided she would visit The Vintage Wedding Dress Company in London. This shop sources beautiful vintage gowns from the Victorian era right up to the early 70's. I think the one she picked is really beautiful!

Here are a few words from Mel about choosing her dream dress -

My engagement ring is vintage and after looking at a few contemporary dresses online, I decided that they just weren't for me. I didn't like the idea that no matter how beautiful my dress was, another girl could be getting married up the road wearing the exact same thing.

What a beautiful wedding - you can read more about it on RMW. For Irish brides looking for a beautiful vintage dress, have a look at Dirty Fabulous. This shop hopes to re-open in September so keep an eye on the their website and blog for details. Trust me, this shop carries the most beautiful vintage dresses for weddings any other special occasions. Some of my clients have also bought their bridesmaids dresses here too. Read my other articles about Dirty Fabulous -

The images above were taken by Touch Photography