PEARL BESPOKE DRESSMAKERS - BRIDAL COUTURIER

Introducing Pearl Bespoke Dressmakers, a bespoke bridal couturier in central Bristol.

Pearl Bespoke specialise in designing and making wedding dresses, but can also help you with dresses for any other occasion.

Owner and Designer, Pearl Legay-Clarke, is currently working on several 1920s and 1930s inspired dresses with a modern twist.

She designs and makes each garment to suit and will work with you right the way through from initial design consultation to the final fitting.

The team also try to use sustainably sourced and natural alternatives (to synthetic fabrics) as far as possible, ensuring the design of the dress is considered at all times.

And the Pearl Bespoke portfolio consists of more than just wedding dresses. Think bridesmaid, prom and theatrical/commercial costumes too. So whether you're looking for a red carpet style or a vintage reproduction, come and meet Pearl Bespoke at the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair and discuss the bespoke dress of your dreams.

Vintage Baker Finds - Retrovert

Every so often I find a vintage supplier who's so good I have to share. So while they might not always be 'Bristol' based, they certainly get the Bristol Vintage & Vintage Baker Finds seal of approval.

This week is all about Retrovert.

Retrovert specialises in vintage clothing and accessories from the 1920s through to the 1980s.

Their collection is totally unique and absolutely authentic. 

You can find them via their online shop, at local Cambridge events and vintage fairs.

Retrovert is owned and run by Sophie and her eclectic collection is inspired by her love of textiles and design. 

Find out more on the website, have a read of Sophie's online vintage blog or check out where she'll will be visiting next on the events page. You can follow Retrovert on Twitter and Facebook too. Happy vintage shopping!

When Sarah Baker isn't writing children's books she writes features for Vintage Life Magazine and Pretty Nostalgic. You can find her on Twitter @bysarahbaker or via her website www.bysarahbaker.com 

DAYS OF GRACE VINTAGE - VINTAGE STYLE HEIRLOOM WEDDING DRESSES

Days of Grace Vintage is where you'll find beautiful one-off vintage-style wedding dresses and accessories.

Owner and designer, Linda Duriez continues to have one of the largest collections of original Edwardian gowns in fine lawns and laces that work perfectly with fresh flowers and vintage styling.

So on 21st September at The Daffodil, you'll find unique lace gowns sharing rail space with original period pieces, fine tulle veils and gorgeous accessories. She'll also be bringing along a 1920s beaded collection for the bride that's a great alternative, especially for second weddings, and they seem to fit and suit all sizes.

There will also be a few (and very select) vintage-inspired dresses from designers Linda favours. And as there's often only one of each style available, you'll still get that exclusive look.

For headwear there'll be stunning art deco style side headbands in sparkling crystal and diamanté and a boho range using shells, flowers, feathers and buttons (completely new for The Daffodil!).

When it comes to the veils, lots of the finest are beautifully transparent and often embellished with lace and beadwork in the softest creams. But even if you don't fancy a veil, Linda has all manner of unique accessories available from her archives.

You can find out more on the Days of Grace Vintage website, find them on Facebook and follow on Twitter, but do come and see these beautiful dresses and accessories on 21st September. You can try them on and ask Linda's expert advice on fit and style.

(Thanks to Venetia Norrington of firetopphotography.co.uk for the Poltimore house pictures and props from virginiasvintagehire.co.uk)

Clifton Hill Costume and Textiles

Bristol Vintage is delighted to welcome back Clifton Hill Costume and Textiles.

Clifton Hill Costume and Textiles is an antique and vintage costumier as well as a haberdashery with a unique collection of vintage ‘Mother of the Bride’ ensembles, men’s morning suits and stunning gowns on offer. They also run a hire, alterations and customisation service.

Since last year Clifton Hill Costume and Textiles has enlisted the help of some very talented ladies, so alongside their wonderful collections they now have some of AMG Costumier’s beautiful creations - think bridalwear corsets, regency dresses and more. Abby of AMG also runs workshops and takes commissions.

Tricia Designs is an innovative milliner who's also exhibiting at our next Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair.  Since linking with Clifton Hill, nearly all of Tricia’s winter faux fur range and her recently launched S/S collection ‘Vintage Curl’ feature a little something from the shop, be it lace, a beautiful button or some rescued 20’s glass beads. Tricia also makes her own lace as featured on the hat below.

Clifton Hill's shop is brimming full of inspiring pieces, patterns and ideas, but make sure you visit them at our next Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair. They'll be bringing along plenty of things old, a few things new and something very special in blue!  

Shellac Sound

Bristol Vintage are thrilled that Shellac Sound will be joining us on March 16th.

Shellac Sound are gramophone DJs.

There's no sound quite so evocative of vintage as a gramophone and now you can hire Matt Jones and Kate Wright to play at your wedding reception.

Playing music from the 1920s, 30s and 40s on original wind-up 1930s His Master's Voice 102 gramophones, they will tailor their set to suit your tastes.

"On the beach, in the woods, up the river, or wherever you may be, there is no instrument to compare with His Master's Voice portable" - HMV, 1929.

You can find out more on their website, but do come and see Matt and Kate in action and hear the glorious vintage tones of Shellac Sound at our next Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair. We'll see you there!

Days of Grace Vintage

Bristol Vintage welcomes Days of Grace Vintage to our 2014 Fair.

At Days of Grace Vintage you'll find beautiful one-off vintage-style wedding dresses and accessories.

Whether you'll be barefoot on the beach…

...or having a woodland ceremony with wild flowers, hampers and deck chairs, Days of Grace Vintage have so many dresses for you.

Choose from their own label creations in antique lace to their amazing collection of original heirloom gowns and designer samples, which include Jenny Packham, Sarah Houston and other vintage-inspired collections.

New for 2014 will be a 1920s beaded range for Gatsby brides with fabulous headwear… think antique veils and unashamedly romantic shoes to complement the look.

Come and meet Linda, designer and owner of Days of Grace Vintage at our next Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair. She'll be showcasing some of her beautiful dresses and will be on hand to offer you advice on cut and fit. Meantime, you can find out more on her website, follow her on Facebook and we're reliably informed her dresses will be featuring in the next issue of Wed Magazine!

Gemma Sangwine

We at Bristol Vintage love hair accessories and so we're delighted to welcome our latest confirmed exhibitor… Gemma Sangwine.

Gemma designs hair accessories with a vintage twist.

From her Costwolds studio she hand makes hairbands and fascinators from antique lace, beadwork, feathers and vintage costume jewellery. Each piece is absolutely unique, made with care for composition and colour.

Part of Gemma's current range is inspired by the carefree and decadent 1920’s, and includes flapper-style headbands made from restructured vintage necklaces, combined with diamante and marcasite jewellery and rosettes of antique lace. She also has 1950’s style fascinators made with a round or tear drop sinamay base covered in feathers, vintage costume jewellery and small net veils.

Gemma's bespoke service was launched in 2011, focusing on creating individual pieces for brides to be. Gemma works with you, your wedding theme, personal style and taste to design and make a unique hair piece for your special day.

Her studio is by appointment only, so come and meet Gemma and her beautiful pieces at our 2014 fair. If you can't wait till then, check our her website for inspiration or you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. And if you need a piece right now, her products are stocked at one of Bristol Vintage's favourite places, Cox & Baloney. (We're biased… our pieces are stocked there too!)

Clifton Hill Costume and Textiles

Clifton Hill Costume and Textiles is an antique and vintage costumier - and a haberdashery!

Boasting an impressive hoard of vintage treasures, costume and textiles, and haberdashery including buttons, fasteners, buckles, hats & hat decorations, lace ribbon, gloves, costume jewellery and many more rare and fashionable curios; you’re guaranteed to find something unique for your wedding.

The store hosts stunning examples of lace dresses from the turn of the twentieth century, sections of beaded dresses rescued from the 1920’s and a variety of trims, handmade and machine lace. If you're looking for inspiration or pieces for customising your outfit, go and spend an afternoon immersing yourself in this Aladdin’s cave! 

Jenny also stocks wedding dresses and two-piece outfits ready to wear or for alteration (each item is a one off). She has evening dresses, nightwear and accessories, including new and handmade items from vintage stock, by a handpicked selection of designers. For the mother of the bride there’s an extensive range of beautiful ensembles including pieces by Kunick, Harrods designers and Jacques Vert .

If you're looking for something specific for your big day and struggling to find it locally or online, email Jenny at cliftonhillcostume@gmail.com or visit the shop from Spring 2013 to browse her fascinating collection. Visit Facebook to be kept up to date with offers and events, but make sure you stop by and meet Jenny at our next Fair – she’ll have just a taste of all the treasures with her to inspire you.

Til There Was Uke

Til There Was Uke are a fantastic Ukulele/Vocal Duo who perform an eclectic range of covers from 1920s to the present day.

Providing the perfect musical backdrop to your wedding day with their relaxed, enjoyable sound during the all-important ceremony and with entertainment during your drinks reception, they can add atmosphere to your wedding breakfast or simply keep your guests entertained whilst the photos are taken.

  

Til There Was Uke will bring a touch of originality and vintage style to your day, making it as special and individual as yourselves.

With a variety of packages to suit every theme and budget and everything tailored to your requirements, choose from the Classic Reception (includes 2 x 45 minute sets (with a 15 minute break) and your pick of a mixture of 35 songs from our extensive set list), Classic Plus (same as Classic Reception but with a personalised twist, the set list of 35 songs can include up to 10 songs requested by you. They’ll source the songs, learn them and perform them with a sprinkle of Til There Was Uke treatment or Decade Defined… This package is perfect if you have chosen to have a specific vintage theme to your wedding defined by an era, we can play an entire set to suit. Choose from: Totally 20s, Thrilling 30s, Fabulous 40s, Fun-Filled 50s or Swinging 60s.

After something for the ceremony itself? Til There was Uke will learn and perform up to 4 personal song choices throughout your wedding ceremony. They can provide music as your guests arrive, play for the entrance of the bride, during signing of the register, and as your guests leave.

You can find all the details you need for Til There Was Uke on their blog, Twitter and Facebook. You can also sample their style on YouTube.

Intrigued? Why not come and listen to them at our next Fair!  See you there…

(With thanks to Caroline Blake for photographs 2 & 4)