Tell us a little about your background and how you got in to dress design- and bridal wear in particular.
In 1981 a school friend was getting married but had a very tight budget for her dress, so I said that I would design and make it for her even though I hadn’t undertaken anything like that before. Guests at that wedding liked the dress and so further orders came in. I certainly wasn’t expecting to pursue dress design professionally but the business kept steadily growing.
Tell us about your decision to introduce the So Sassi collection to your portfolio
I’ve been working with graduates and offering placements at my studios since the early 1990’s; I could see that the talent and enthusiasm of my team was going from strength to strength so it was a natural progression to offer some of them the chance to be involved in the creative design process and launching So Sassi was the result.
Tell us about your proudest moment to date.
The day that I was commissioned for a Royal Wedding! I had always dreamed about it so when it actually happened it was hugely exciting, I felt so honoured. Autumn Kelly could have asked absolutely anyone; but she didn’t, she asked me and it was a dream come true.
Have you faced any challenges along the way? How did you deal with them?
Persuading London retailers to stock my designs should have been daunting but with the audacity of youth I just drove up there and knocked on their doors.
Describe your signature style and what styles best represent you. Have you a favourite dress or collection from over the years.
I am very much a ‘less is more’ designer who looks to take the traditional and add a modern twist to it - like a slight change in the cut of skirt shape. If I were to choose a dress that reflects my style, I would choose Jessica.
The dress alone is a stunning silk crepe column design but it can be worn with any of my accessories to create an individual look.
What do you feel makes you stand out as a designer? Is there any part of the design process or the way you work that you feel is unique to you?
Although I have over thirty years of experience, I don’t see what I do as being about me or how I work. My gowns have to fulfil, and hopefully exceed, my brides’ expectations.
What are your biggest influences?- where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere really! It could be a really gorgeous piece of fabric or a design detail somewhere but I’d say that my brides are still just about the best source of inspiration for me.
Do you have any goals or plans for the future?
To carry on making couture wedding gowns and to expand my apprenticeship training for tailoring and luxury garment production.
We are honoured to have the legendary bridal designer, Sassi Holford, as our special guest for this issue of The Bride Guide!
We asked Sassi a few questions about her path to success...
Insider Info:
Sassi Holford
Bridal Designer
by
Professional Make Up Artist
To see Sassi's fabulous designs,
visit www.sassiholford.com