PLANS AND PRESENTS WEDDING AND EVENTS BLOG: Supplier Spotlight - Designer

Today I am delighted to welcome designer Nicki McFarlane to the Blog.

Nicki Macfarlane has been a leading designer of exceptional dresses and outfits for bridesmaids, flower girls and pageboys for many years.
Her award winning designs feature regularly in leading UK bridal publications, and her clients have included many celebrity and society brides.

I think most the country all let out an audible "aww" when Nicki's beautiful gowns adorned the little bridesmaids of Kate Middleton when she walked down the aisle at the end of April.

I had a chat with Nicki to find out about her work, THAT commission and where her brand is headed.

What is it you do, and what services do you offer ?

"We specialise in occasion-wear for children, particularly bridesmaids and pageboys outfits.
We offer either a bespoke service or a ready-to-wear range which is available nationwide.
We have also created a capsule collection for John Lewis which first went in store earlier this year."

When, and why did you start your business ?

"I have been making children’s clothes for over 30 years, but I started specialising in bridesmaids dresses about 6 years ago after I was asked to make 22 dresses for one wedding – I spotted a gap in the market and haven’t looked back!"

What inspires you ?

"Every wedding is unique and special, and I feel inspired every time I meet a new bride!
I consider it such an honour to be part of their special day."

"I am constantly inspired by the whole process - creating new designs, sourcing fabrics, working on the dresses, finishing off with beading and embroidery and then finally seeing the final product.
I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!"

What has been your favourite assignment, and why ?

"Well, I think the moment The Duchess of Cambridge’s bridesmaids walked down the aisle of Westminster Abbey earlier this year was one of the proudest moments of my life.
It has certainly been my biggest profile assignment but I honestly enjoy the variety and honour of designing for every wedding."

What’s your greatest achievement ?

"My greatest achievement has probably been answered in the previous question."

What’s the future for your Business ?

"Life has been extremely busy for the past few months and as well as our bespoke commissions, we’re currently working on our 2012 ready-to-wear collection.
Due to numerous requests, we’ve included a ready-to-wear version of the dresses we designed for The Royal Wedding, called ‘Eliza’".

"We’re also planning our next collection for John Lewis, and we are designing our first range of Holy Communion dresses."

If its not terribly intrusive how did the commission of THOSE dresses [Royal Wedding] come about ?

"We were recommended by one of The Duchess of Cambridge’s friends - always the best way to get a commission!"

Thank you so much to Nicki for sharing her exceptional designs. As a mum, it makes your heart melt to see such gorgeous creations and imagine them on my own children.
And what better testament to the outstanding craftmenship and quality than Royal approval.

Some sublime examples of Nicki's work are shown below.