For our very first feature on Wedding Suppliers here on the new website I decided to re share a previous blog post called ‘Dream Dress to Wedding Dress’.
INTRODUCING LYNSEY FROM DANDELIONS AND PEARLS
I chatted to the super talented dress designer and maker Lynsey Beardsmore of Dandelions and Pearls during a bit of down time when Covid was throwing it’s weight around the industry like a big bloody wrecking ball
I have so much admiration for this lady, especially as it took me until the grand old age of 37 to even own and use a sewing machine…which by the way is now just gathering dust!
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION
Back before lockdown and Covid putting a stop to most things, I was lucky enough to work with Lynsey on a styled shoot and see some of her beautiful creations up close. Lynsey’s designs are beautiful, she has a real passion for dressmaking which is extremely evident in her craftsmanship, and her attention to detail is second to none.
If you’ve been thinking about having your wedding dress made then I can highly recommend this gem!
So, without further delay lets get chatting to Lynsey…
WHEN AND WHAT DREW YOU TO DRESSMAKING?
Definitely my Mum! She’s my biggest inspiration. She’s a talented dressmaker with such amazing style and eye for detail. Growing up, she was always sewing. We didn’t have lots of money as kids but we were always decked out in her super trendy home sewn creations. I was in awe of her talent and so eager to learn, so as soon as I was old enough, maybe around 10 years old, I pestered her to teach me to sew. I later went on to study fashion at university, but I’m still learning from my Mum to this day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE OR ERA OF FASHION?
I’m fascinated by vintage fashions of all eras. I’d be really hard pushed to choose a favourite, but I’ve always been inspired by mid century design. Anything from the 1930’s to the late 1950’s really. I love the simplistic elegance of the bias-cut evening gowns of the 1930’s, the seductive allure of femme fatale looks of 1940’s Hollywood Film Noir and the immaculately tailored feminine silhouettes of Dior’s New Look. No matter the era, I think my inner teenage punk rock/ goth girl is drawn to the more rebellious, alternative trends of that time. I think this definitely plays a part in influencing my designs.
WHAT SEWING MACHINE DO YOU USE?
I have two really old industrial Brother machines. One is a simple lockstitch, which I do most of my sewing on. It’s super basic, so very little can go wrong with it and I love it! It’s a workhorse of a machine and will sew basically anything. My other is an industrial Brother 4 thread over-locker, which is a total bitch to rethread. I know I’m in for a bad day if one of the threads snaps as I’m pulling a new colour through, but I wouldn’t be without it. I can’t imagine going back to a domestic machine after having my industrials for so long. Saying that, I have been tempted to invest in a domestic sewing machine. A computerised Janome 360 DC would be nice, so that I have a machine I can use at home when I can’t get into the studio.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR BUSINESS SO FAR?
I’m incredibly proud of opening my own bridal dressmaking studio back in June 2020 and surviving this far during a global pandemic. I put my heart into creating an intimate, cool and laidback space that I think brides are going to love visiting. It’s certainly not been easy. There have been plenty of setbacks and cancellations along the way. I’ve had the honour of taking part in some fantastic styled shoots, which have been featured in some of the top UK wedding blogs and magazines.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A BRIDES-TO-BE WHO IS CONTEMPLATING HAVING THEIR DRESS MADE?
I would say go for it! It’s a wonderful feeling to put on a garment that has been made for you and fits perfectly.
Go to your consultation armed with lots of photos, or even better get moodboarding! A moodboard is a perfect tool to help you communicate your style, personality and aspirations for your wedding.
Don’t be afraid to think outside of bridal wear design. A good designer can take inspiration from any image, be that a ready to wear item, a colour, texture, silhouette or feeling and translate it into something truly unique to you.
IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW YOUR BUDGET
It’s essential to make sure that when you go to your consultation, you have a budget in mind. It’s surprising how many brides don’t have a budget. You will find that most designers will be willing to do what they can to accommodate a smaller budget. If you think about it, a simple slip dress can be fairly purse friendly or expensive as your budget allows. It really does depend on the materials that it is made from and the finishing techniques that are used. Having a clear budget will allow your designer to suggest materials and finishes tailored to your budget which can alleviate disappointment later down the line.
TOP TIP, BE HONEST
Most importantly, be honest with your designer/dressmaker. Remember, ultimately you are the one who is in control of how your dress is going to look. If you’re not happy with how something looks or fits, or if you’ve had a change of heart and want to make a change to the design, be sure to speak up at the earliest opportunity. This is what all those toile fittings are for and an advantage of having a bespoke dress made.
It can be very costly having to make alterations. Especially at the design later on in the production stage, or if expensive fabrics have already been cut. Communicate your thoughts with your designer throughout your dress journey, this will make the whole process easier.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE QUOTE?
“Well behaved women seldom make history”
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE DRESS THAT YOU’VE MADE?
It’s really hard to choose as I can be kinda fickle. I tend to love the one that I’ve most recently finished working on. One dress that will always hold a special place in my heart is Stacey’s “Madmen” inspired wedding dress.
It was one of the first wedding dresses that I ever made. It stirred up a passion in me for creating alternative bridal wear that I didn’t know existed. Until then I think I was a bit scared to take on such a daunting task. Making the most important dress in a person’s life is a big responsibility. Completing Stacey’s dress and seeing how much joy it bought her was such an incredible feeling.
Her wedding was also featured on the Rock n Roll Bride blog which was freaking awesome. I received so much positive feedback from that feature. It definitely gave me the confidence to push myself and my business in a new and exciting direction.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT DRESS DESIGNING OR MAKING WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING?
I’m a bit of a music geek and enjoy listening to pretty much all genres of music. I especially love music on the heavier side, which lots of people seem to be surprised to hear. I can’t wait for the day when we can go back to sweaty gigs and festivals again.
TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM ABOUT YOURSELF
I was once the UK’s under 11 disco dancing champion.
Well that was awesome! Thank You to the lovely Lynsey for taking the time to answer all of my questions. It’s been great getting to know her. I’m a nosey sod and love to learn things about the people behind the business. I believe people buy in to people. My aim for these blog posts is to help you get to know the creatives, the ones that are trying to build their businesses back up after a shitty couple of years.
To keep up to date with blog posts and follow our journey on this new adventure you can subscribe to the mailing list here. Laters D x
IMAGES 1 & 2 – STYLED SHOOT AT THE LUCKY 7 CLUB
Photographer – Ruby Walker Photography Styling – Danielle Donnelly The Wedding Hub Venue – The Lucky 7 Club Props, Velvet Sofa and Armchair – The Prop Factory Headpieces – The Lucky Sixpence Hair – The Pop Up Salon Make up artist – Rose Forrest Cake – Claire’s Sweet Temptations Bridal Shoes – Sasha Archer Shoes Groom Suit – Vintage Suit Hire Bridalwear – Dandelions and Pearls
IMAGES 3, 4, 5 & 6 – STYLED SHOOT IN SHOREDITCH
Coordinator and stylist – The_Italian Dream Photographer – Maria Madison Photography videographer – Leesha Williams Photo Cake – Amalina bakes HMUA – sjb hair and makeup Hats – Rebecca Anne Designs Stationery – Chloe Ainsley Creative Flowers – Flowers by Daiva Props – Bay Wedding Props Cake stands Bramble Sky Earrings – The Vamoose Headpieces – Ophelia Ren Bridal Campervan Buttercup Bus Celebrant – Helen Noble MODELS @meera.and.ben @lauraxharwood @astrid_flint @byakunala
IMAGE 7 the DANDELIONS AND PEARLS STUDIO
IMAGES 8 & 9 – CUBAN LOVE STYLED SHOOT
Concept & Styling The Italian Dream Hosting Photographer Steve Mulvey Photography Venue: Hackney Venues Videographer : Charli May Video Dress Designer : Dandelions and Pearls Models : Couple – @aleeshahicks @marvricpamphile Flowers : Thistle and Folly Cake : Cake by Mina Hair: lvmontgomeryhmu_ MUA : @amcevoybeauty Props & Styling : The Toast Veil & Hat : Rebecca Anne Designs Stationery : Rock Paper Cloud Earrings : Knit and Knot Designs Just Phoenix Designs Caitlin Daw Studio Salsa Band : @rebellionsalsa Confetti : Your Confetti Rings : London Victorian Ring Co
IMAGES 10, 11 & 12 – MODERN MISS MATCHED SEPARATES
Photography: Stephanie Dreams Photography Hair: Natalie Nichols Bridal Makeup: Makeup by Zoe Jewellery: Claire Austin England Model: Poppy Florence Marks Venue: Cockington Court
IMAGES 13 & 14 – STACEY’S WEDDING DRESS
Photographer: Marcin Gruszka Dress : Dandelions and Pearls Real Wedding Feature on Rock n Roll Bride
IMAGES 15 & 16 – HOOES YURTS SHOOT
Tents and furnishings – Hooes Yurts Styling, Stationery & Coordination – Knots and Kisses Photography – Clare Kinchin Photography Bridalwear – Dandelions and Pearls Venue – South Hooe Count House Florist – Thorn Flowers Makeup – www.lauralepagebridalmakeup.com Model – Instagram @hereatthecottage Hair – The Updo Girl Glassware – Keeping It Vintage Featured on Unique Rebels Union
IMAGES 17 & 18- DULWICH COLLEGE STYLED SHOOT
Venue – Dulwich College Design & Concept – Couture Wedding Tales Photographer – Jessy Papasavva Photography Florals – Florist – Queen of Hearts Floral Design Hair & Makeup – Brides by Aina.M Bride – @ryunnossulce Bridal Gown – Dandelions and Pearls Hair Accessories – Saint Beth Official Stationery – Leonie Gordon London Cake – Meera Makes Wedding Cakes Bridesmaid’s dress – www.asos.com Videography – Art of Life Films Tablescape Elements – Duchess and Butler
