Christine Trewinnard Couture
Our Supplier Love this month goes to the super talented Christine Trewinnard, who designs and makes the most stunning bridal gowns. We were lucky enough to work with Christine on our latest stylised shoot (still to be released!) here at the hotel. In total Toby Lowe photographed three wonderful dresses, we were amazed by how unique they were not only in style, but in materials and detail as well. It was a real privilege to team up with Christine, she even designed a dress just for us (how lucky are we!). We can’t wait to share the shoot, here is one little teaser from the day advertising our Collection in September, the way the dress floats is amazing!
We love Christine’s inspiration and passion and so we thought we’d start with these words from the wonderful lady herself:
“Looking out of my studio window in Cornwall I am inspired by the sea and my beautiful surroundings. From here I am lucky enough to be able to fulfil my passion for creating elegant dresses.
My experience comes from working in London Haute Couture Houses, where for many years I looked after some wonderful people, including celebrities, all wishing to have that unique dress experience. Emphasis is placed on formulating the most flattering design together with the perfect fit, and with the aid of dress fittings, the result is a beautifully hand-crafted personal creation. My connection with London enables me to visit my valuable suppliers and experience the wonderful London scene that our world class fashion capital has to offer.
Having a dress specifically made to measure, my clients tell me, is like fulfilling a dream and such an exciting experience. Deciding what to wear for a special occasion can be daunting but my aim is to help you feel confident and glamorous in the most important garment you may ever wear and, who knows, maybe your gown will be passed on to future generations!”
We then sat down with Christine over a cuppa and spoke about all things wedding dresses, it is a hard life, but someone has to do it!
How did you start designing wedding dresses?
My background is London Haute Couture stemming from Savile Row, so I have always been involved in beautiful design and delicate fabrics. To make a personal bespoke wedding dress is such a joy. From the initial design to creating an exquisite gown allows my client and myself to create a thing of beauty…I couldn’t do anything else!
What’s your favourite thing about designing wedding dresses?
I don’t think I can say I have one favourite thing about designing wedding dresses, except perhaps when I first meet my new bride, usually over a coffee, and we start the design process together. Many people tell me they don’t have any idea of what they would like to wear on ‘the day’. But by the time our meeting is over a style has formed and a new creation begins.
What inspires you when you are designing?
When I’m designing for a specific bride, her lifestyle and personality inspire me. I’m fortunate to live by the sea and my studio has great views of the coastline. Cornwall also has fantastic light, and all these elements inspire me immensely. I have wonderful fabric suppliers who send me their latest collections. I usually find a gorgeous fabric first then the design would ‘come together’ to suit.
Do you have any tips for brides who are about to choose their dress?
My tip for brides when choosing a dress; be open to different styles, what you might think won’t suit, may surprise you. But more importantly have a style that suits your personality and makes you feel fabulous. We all have our own wardrobe personality; romantic, classic, natural etc. It’s important to understand your own dress style, something I establish with my brides. There’s a lot going on in the build-up to a wedding, a bride needs to feel confident that she’s made the right choice with her gown, after all it’s her special day. Pinterest is a fabulous medium for inspiration and gathering ideas, it’s lots of fun too and something that can be shared with the family and friends involved.
Do you have a favourite dress that you have designed?
Gosh a favourite dress, I have so many! I’m a bit of a perfectionist and find I’m proud more than anything when I see someone wearing a Christine Trewinnard dress. Some dresses have been involved in a beautiful process from start to finish with a bride, and I can look back with fondness. Other dresses I have made have been worn by celebrities and featured in glossy magazines, they are all special.
What’s your favourite trend for 2016?
2016 sees a little bit of glamour coming back into weddings, which I love! This will only enhance in 2017. There is also a European feel with styled shoots for wedding inspiration, looking at a touch of French chic or Italian decadence. Shear fabrics, appliquéd flowers and ruffles add a very sensuous feel to gown design. Along with glamorous touches comes a little sparkle, many brides are opting for metallic or a little embroidery in their wedding ensembles.
What about the future – what are the grand plans?
The future, wow… well for me, I love my job and everything that goes with it, the creativity, the inspiration, the lovely clients and the buzz I get from making a bride happy. Although I have many years experience my business here is still fairly young. People often ask me how many dresses I can make in a season/year? At the moment I can give my full attention to the complete process, from the initial coffee to the delivery of the dress, and that’s very important to me. Right now I’m enjoying the balance I have between work and family life. Expansion means letting go a bit and that’s hard for a perfectionist!
What would be your top tip for couples who are just about to begin their wedding journey?
My tip would be to enjoy your wedding journey, it’s supposed to be fun! There are lots of choices and lots of suppliers, the whole process can be daunting. Sit down together with a glass of wine and write a list of priorities and a realistic budget, you both need to be following the same plan. Take time out sometimes and relish the thought that you are marrying someone you love and that is what’s important.
Thank you Christine!
You can find this lovely lady on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – with dresses like this how could you resist asking her to make yours!
“Just a note to say thank you for my beautiful wedding gown. The personal attention and the “Nothing too much trouble” attitude made the whole experience a dream. From the minute I came to see you to my wedding day you looked after me all the way, with love.” Rachel
“Just a little note to say thank you so much for my dress, it was perfect in every way. I knew that trying to find an ‘alternative’ wedding dress off the peg would be difficult. You were brilliant and gave me exactly the dress I wanted. I really appreciated your kind and thoughtful advice.” Emma