Tell us a little about yourself and your career so far…
I grew up in the beautiful Lake District, surrounded by mountains and wide open spaces, but always loved joing to ‘The Big City’ of Carlise for shopping trips. I always loved art and design, and remember spending a lot of time drawing and doing woodwork with my dad, making rabbit hutches etc. II also always loved dressing up and dreamed of dressing up in a beautiful gown for some amazing red carpet event! I studied Fashion Marketing at Northumbria University in Newcastle.
My first job in the fashion industry was as an intern for Maria Grachvogel as a design room assistant – I helped with laying up and cutting out garments and became fascinated with how patterns and garments were put together and constructed. After graduating, I got a job with a bridal wear company, Design Portfolio, which owned a number of labels. I worked with several of the designer developing patterns and embroideries and loved it. Then I got the opportunity to move to London and work for legendary label Jean Muir and I jumped at the chance – I’d always wanted to live in London, and the opportunities that it would hopefully bring! Ive been really lucky to have a lot of opportunities and have worked for several companies and suppliers giving me a massive range of experience in design, cutting, and fitting for brands including, All Saints, Topshop, Matchesfashion.com, Roland Mouret, MuuBaa, Coast, Debenhams.
18 months ago I was made redundant and decided to make the leap to go freelance – I’d made several wedding and bridesmaids dresses for friends in my time, so it was a logical step to to try make a career of it, while still freelancing for other designers and companies to help pay the bills!
How would you describe your work? Are there any designers or eras that you’re inspired by?
I think my work is quite soft and feminine, with a modern feel – I wouldn’t say I have a particular style, I take influence from different aspects of designs, but there is a definite tone of understated glamour – I love high heels and beautiful dresses, and love the work of Elie Saab, but I also the cleaner lines of Celine, and the drama of Alexander McQueen.
What does a typical day look like at your studio?
I spend 1-2 days a week in my Studio (aka my beautiful Shed at the bottom of the garden, built by my boyfriend last summer!), and the other days at the studios of my clients. I start the day with a bowl of weetabix, and reading my emails, then pop on my wellies and head off down the garden. Every day is really different, depending on what I’m working on – if I’m working on my own stuff, my day will involve making patterns,scribbling ideas on scraps of paper when they pop into my head, and cutting out fabric, sewing and fitting on my stand. The favourite part of my job is sketching my ideas and turning them into 3D – the creative process!
What was your proudest moment so far?
I loved seeing my dress ‘Autumn’ on the Brides the Show catwalk last year, but seeing any of the garment I’ve cut in magazines or on celebrities is always a bit of a buzz, even if I haven’t designed them!
If you were to get married, what would you create for your own wedding dress?
I get asked this all the time, and it’s REALLY hard to answer. I think it would be something slim and fitted, definitely with a train – sophisticated but a little bit sexy too – and if it was this season, it would have to be in a sand washed silk crepe (my current fabric crush!)
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Helen Pollington for Miss Bush Bridalwear launches on Tuesday – click here to find out more.
Miss Bush Bridalwear
Miss Bush Bridalwear is Surrey’s leading designer bridal shop
