Real vintage bride of the week! Gorgeous Chelsea and her 'pastel pirate' vintage wedding.

Dear Reader

This week one of my heavenly vintage brides, Chelsea, has agreed to share the pictures from her fabulous vintage-inspired wedding. 

Chelsea and husband Chris take the first dance at their vintage inspired wedding

Super-stylish Chelsea and fiance Chris have been together since they were sixteen... so romantic!

Be sure to check back at my vintage wedding blog on Friday for lots of lovely pictures from the moment this wonderful couple said 'I do'.

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

Wedding photo c. Lucy Turnbull

My New Grinder!

I know, it doesn't look like much. I assure you that the grinder you see above is truly a work of art. No more hours and hours of grinding by hand, my fingers bloody and my joints in agony.

My friend Lillian (see her gorgeous work at www.enamellist.com) helped me get it all set up. There's two parts- the arbor in front that you can attach different grinding/sanding/polishing wheels to) and the motor in back. It was a tricky business- the motor is attached to the arbor with a pulley, and we've mounted it on a board with hinges so I can easily change the belt. (thereby changing the speed) The motor itself was a pain because the silly cord came unconnected! We had to wire it up ourselves.

It has a little spigot that drips water on each wheel. Check out my ingenious water delivery method. (okay, so it's a plastic jug and some tubing, but still... the wonders of gravity doing all the work!) All the water (mostly) drains into a bucket on the floor. I've put it in the basement because it is a little messy. And, although my basement looks sort of scary, it's really not. I love our basement!


I cant really hold onto the piece while grinding, so I've attached the piece to be ground onto a paint stick using dopping wax. The dopping wax smells really good when it's melting, so there's another bonus.


Here's me actually using the grinder. Remember that dragon from the last post? I spent two entire days grinding and polishing it by hand. There's definitely a learning curve to using the grinder- you have to be very careful not to use too much pressure and to keep the angle correct, or it quickly turns disastrous. I did pretty good- I ground about 20 pieces and only destroyed one. (sadly, it was a charming bumblebee pendant, but that's the price you pay for learning new things.)

A guide to 1960s vintage wedding dresses: from Princess Grace pretty to Swinging Sixties style!

Dear Reader
Thanks for visiting my vintage wedding blog. Today, I've planned a whistle-stop tour of 1960s wedding fashion...

Original 1960s wedding dress designs by John Bates

Although I do love the 1950s - with its exaggerated femininity, wasp waists, full busts and circle skirts - by comparison the 60s offers so much choice. More than any other decade, 60s vintage wedding fashion offers amazing freedom of expression for a vintage bride.

First, a little background...
In the early 1960s, a fashion explosion took place - and London led the world with designers like Mary Quant, Ossie Clarke, Thea Porter and John Bates. In Paris too, fashion was changing fast as designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne explored cleaner lines and more modern styling.

John Bates in his London studio

Fashion became hugely varied, and suddenly allowed girls movement and freedom. Liberated girls wanted clothes that freed them from the tight-fitting and restricting (and sometimes uncomfortable) dresses of the previous decade.


But when it came to wedding fashion, traditions didn't change overnight. And although Grace Kelly's wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco actually took place in 1956, the style of her dress was still the most desired right through to the mid-1960s.

Princess Grace in Helen Rose wedding dress

Most early 60s brides still wanted traditional elegance and romance. And most vintage wedding dresses from this period are based on Princess Grace's iconic style, with its long lace sleeves and fitted bodice, designed by MGM's wardrobe designer Helen Rose. 

By the mid-60s, wedding fashions were beginning to catch up. More girls wanted to be in touch with 'Mod' fashion, and suddenly there was much more variety of shapes and styles available.

Seven lovely 60s trends to consider...

1. Early 60s 'Mad Men' style

Classic 60s chic, Jackie O-style

Chic and elegant in 1960s vintage wedding style

Original 60s vintage dress, price £850

Original 60s vintage dress, price £850

Typically chic and sophisticated, the dress pictured above is made in gorgeous lace with a slash neck and a very fitted hourglass shape. 

This original vintage dress is available, priced £850.

2. Edwardian Style

'Edwardian' dress in lace and silk, £995

Edwardian-style dresses - like Princess Grace's wedding dress - featured a demure high neckline, long sleeves, and a fitted bodice. They were often trimmed with lace for a softly romantic look and feel.

The original vintage dress shown here is a beautiful example, and is available priced £995.

One very notable designer in this trend was Priscilla Kidder, who designed as Priscilla of Boston. At her Boston studio, Priscilla famously designed the bridesmaids dresses for Princess Grace's wedding, as well as the wedding dresses for the daughters of two American Presidents!

The beautiful dress pictured below is an original vintage wedding gown designed by Priscilla, and available priced £995.

Beautiful 1960s vintage wedding dress by Priscilla of Boston, £995

1960s dress by Priscilla (lace detail), price £995

3. Babydoll
By the mid-60s, fashion no longer emphasised the waist and bust. The new silhouette focused on a more Twiggy-inspired, gamine shape. 

For wedding dresses, this translated into a trend for softer and more girlish dresses. These would  typically be ankle-length, with shaping seams below the bust. 

So pretty! 60s Babydoll dress, £550

The pretty original vintage dress above is available, price £550.


4. The Mini

Yoko: an iconic 60s mini 

Surely the most iconic and influential of all 60s fashions! The mini makes a fantastic statement dress for an adventurous bride. 

Yoko Ono famously caused a stir when she married John Lennon in 1969, wearing a pretty tiered mini, white knee socks and a huge white felt hat.

US designer William Cahill was beloved by the New York socialite set. His dresses were used in many movies, including 1967's The Graduate. 

The William Cahill original mini dress pictured here, with its integral cape, is a perfect way to show off lovely legs. It's available in my vintage collection, priced £750.

Original William Cahill mini dress, priced £750

5. Feathers and fur
By the late 60s, trims were very fashionable - whether fur or feather. They were used on necklines, hems, cuffs, and sometimes on hoods. 1960s pop star Cilla Black wore a feather-trimmed mini for her wedding to Bobby Willis in 1969.

Cilla, in true 60s popstar style! 

The lovely ostrich feather trimmed dress shown below is by famous London designer John Bates, who created Emma Peel's slinky styling in the Avengers. Bates' designs were greatly sought after but he retired from fashion at the height of his fame to become an artist. His work remains highly collectible.

Gorgeous John Bates original dress, price £750

6. Broderie Anglaise and Cotton Lace

Bardot in cotton lace

In contrast to the delicate lace of the Princess Grace period, the fashion turned to fresher 'broderie anglaise' and cotton lace - particularly with daisy motifs - as worn by Brigitte Bardot in 'And God Created Woman'. 
The dress shown below is beautifully made in a pretty daisy 'guipure' cotton lace. 

1960s 'daisy' dress, £595

'Daisy' dress lace detail, £595

7. Trapeze or A line
By the late 60s, a new silhouette had arrived. A more pared-down look could be seen in the work of couture designers like Pierre Cardin and Paco Rabanne. 

The A line or trapeze dress was a more modern shape, with its clean lines and structured fabrics.

The stunning Christian Dior dress shown below is a simple ivory silk A-line, high-waisted dress. It has an understated beauty with its simple and long lines and its chic low back. This original vintage wedding dress is available, priced £1350.

Christian Dior A Line in silk

Christian Dior, £1350

The dress below shows a real Pierre Cardin influence, combining the modern A Line shape with a short skirt length and beautiful French lace overlay. This short and pretty style would be lovely with little ballet flats or pointed kitten heels. The dress is size 6 to small size 8, and is available priced £745.

1960s short A Line dress with lace overlay, £745

Pierre Cardin style A Line, £745

I hope I've given you a taste of the different trends of the 60s, and an idea of why I love the dresses from this decade - with all their variety and excitement. 

In addition to the lovely dresses featured here, I have many other 60s originals in all lengths, styles and fabrics. If you'd like to know more about any of these lovely dresses, please do contact me.

Thanks for dropping by!
Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

Photographs with thanks to Robert Lawler Photography

Becky in delicate 1930s peach lace wedding dress.

Dear Reader,
Say hello to Becky, dainty Vintage Bride of the Week...

For her August wedding, petite Becky chose a darling 1930s wedding dress in peach lace. The dress was so delicate and suited Becky to perfection. 

In Becky's words...

"Thank you so much for the lovely fun afternoon we had at your studio trying on dresses. It was just how I wanted to find my wedding dress!  

I loved gazing at the dress for ages before the day, and even more so wearing it on the day.  Thank you for helping me find my absolutely perfect dress!"

Congratulations and love to a dainty bride with a wonderful giant smile!

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

If you like this post, please try:

A GUIDE TO PASTEL LACE WEDDING DRESSES

Say "I DO" 1960s-style! Beautiful vintage wedding dresses, Mad Men style, from the glamorous 60s.

Dear Reader

Just a little tease today... 

On Friday, I'll be posting all about 1960s wedding dresses. This gorgeous decade is sometimes overlooked when considering vintage style dresses. 

But 60s dresses have so much to offer. From the sassy styles of the swinging sixties, to the sheer glamour of Mad Men styling.

Here's just a few pictures to set you thinking...

1960s glamour - Betty Draper style!

1960s vintage style wedding dress 'Stella' from the Heavenly Collection

1960s vintage wedding dresses - sheer glamour

So please do visit on Friday, for my guide to the ultimate 1960s vintage wedding style.

Love
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

All photos, thanks to Robert Lawler

www.robertlawler.co.uk

All hair accessories, thanks to Abby at Cherished Vintage. 

www.cherishedvintage.co.uk

A Gypsy Vintage Wedding, Part 2.

Dear Reader,
Today I have more delicious Gypsy Wedding images, from the photo-shoot using my original vintage dresses...

After some research, the stylist / photographer team behind the shoot knew they needed an original Romany Gypsy wagon. It took some time to find the perfect one...

And luckily for them, they also found Walter - one of the most revered Gypsy Wagon Restorers. As well as loaning them this stunning black-and-gold caravan, Walter and his family guided them through all the details for the day. In Christian and Erica's words...

"Walter took us though to his barn, and it was an exciting moment to come face to face with what would become the centrepiece of our shoot - a gorgeous, original ‘Doors & Windows’ Romany caravan, hand-carved and covered in gold leaf.

We also took the opportunity to talk to Walter and his wife Mary about traditional gypsy weddings, and within minutes they’d found a fascinating old leather-bound album full of black and white family photos from gypsy weddings. And so we began to form a picture of what a REAL gypsy wedding would’ve looked like."

The results are lovely. So soft and romantic... 

Thanks for stopping by,

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

If you like this post, please try
My Gypsy Style Vintage Wedding Dress of the Week


With thanks to:
Authentic gypsy wagon – adzlee@btinternet.com
Vintage Headpieces – Flo and Percy
Crockery – Felicity’s Vintage Tea Party
Blooms – The Blossom Tree
Make-up Artist – Gemma Lees
Hair Stylist - Emma Buck
Boutonnieres – D C Bouquets
Cakes – Rachel Edwards
Vintage Suitcases – Fountain Pen Emporium
Groom’s Vintage Suits - Vintage Whistles
Wedding Favours – Vintage Twee
Models – Cirila Zorenc and Charles Durnian at Model Mayhem
Photography and Styling –  Christian Ward Photography

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dress of the Week... in dreamy original vintage lace. How romantic is this?

Dear Reader

I hope you've had a good week and have exciting plans for the crisp Autumn weekend ahead...?

Yasmin, one of my heavenly brides, is getting married tomorrow in a pale pink lace 1930s dress, which we've matched with a stunning Biba marabou feather cape. She looks radiant.

I'm sure you'll join me in wishing her a wonderful day!

Now.... drumroll please, heavenly ladies... I'd like to share the first ever pictures of my newest vintage-inspired design, 'Angel'. We only finished this lovely dress earlier this week, so this really is a super-sneak-peek.

ANGEL 1930s vintage style wedding dress - dreamy fluted lace sleeves 

I've called her Angel as she is very dreamy and romantic. She is very closely modelled on a lovely 1930s lace dress, with just a few small design tweaks for a super-flattering fit.

ANGEL 1930s vintage style wedding dress - gorgeous lace back detail 

ANGEL 1930s vintage style wedding dress -  elegant fitted bodice 

I chose this dress to show off one of my happiest finds: the uniquely beautiful lace. It's made exclusively for me by a small family lace-making atelier in Nottingham - the traditional home of English lace-making. Now run by two brothers, the company was established by their Grandfather and handed on to their Father. 

It really is part of the famous history of English lace-making, acknowledged to be among the very best in the world.

I was so excited to discover this pattern in their original catalogue. It has been out of production for many years, and uses a skilful old-fashioned lace-making technique called 'English Net' - really an embroidery onto tulle.

This lovely company also make the wonderful lace for my 'Butterfly' dress. (Angel can also be ordered in that type of lace, which is the same lovely light weight.) 

ANGEL 1930s vintage style wedding dress -  dreamy and so romantic!

Angel comes with its own satin slip - shown here in a deep ivory. But a pale gold, or a delicate blush colour would look equally dreamy and show off this special lace while keeping its romantic feel.

And lastly, see how prettily the skirt drapes - two godets (carefully positioned inset panels) give it movement and another godet at the back forms an elegant train. Just imagine how gracefully it would swish down any aisle... 

If you'd like to see more, I'd love to show you at my West London studio. 

ANGEL 1930s vintage style wedding dress - stunning godet fishtail train

Now, if you have time, I'd also love to show you two new variations on my other dresses. First, 'Chantilly'...

CHANTILLY 1950s vintage style wedding dress in fine French lace

Chantilly is shown here in palest champagne, with a three quarter sleeve in delicate French lace - very feminine and flattering. 

The lace is the same ultra fine French Chantilly lace as in the original 'Chantilly' dress. But the new lighter colour underneath gives it a delicately airy, floaty feel. Don't you agree?

CHANTILLY 1950s vintage style wedding dress design - pretty and floaty

This sleeve can be adapted to any preferred length. It is super-pretty short, and very elegant worn full length. The skirt shown here is 'tea length', which generally means just below the knee. But it can be adapted to the most flattering length for my heavenly client. It is amazing as a ballroom-length dress.

CHANTILLY 1950s vintage style wedding dress in tea length

This summer, one heavenly bride chose Chantilly in the prettiest pale dusky pink, and another ordered it in elegant ivory. Both brides were equally beautiful. It really is a special dress and can be perfectly customised to make it unique to its wearer.

And finally... 'Blanche'.

BLANCHE 1950s vintage style wedding dress in deep ivory lace

Blanche is shown here in a deeper ivory colour, with a three quarter length sleeve. This used to be called a 'bracelet sleeve' and is a very vintage and pretty sleeve length. 

The skirt is Ballerina length (rather than the shorter tea length) - perfect to show off a shapely ankle! Ballerina length does tend to suit taller girls but there are always exceptions to the rule. 

I've made Blanche in several types of lace now, to personalise it for my heavenly girls. Here, it's reworked in slightly heavier, 'corded' lace that has a lovely three-dimensional effect making the dress really tactile. You just want to touch this gorgeous, rich fabric... 

BLANCHE 1950s vintage style wedding dress in 'Ballerina' length

All these dresses can of course be tried at my studio in West London. Just email me with an idea of your requirements, and the date of your special day.

Now, I hope all this heavenliness hasn't worn you out, dear reader. And I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Look forward to seeing you next week, and thanks for stopping by...

Love, 
Helena
Heavenly Vintage Brides

All photography © Robert Lawler Photography 2013