CLASSIC CUTS WITH MODERN SPIRIT AND GLASWEGIAN GRIT
Behold, the most beauteous bridal you’ve ever seen in your life. Or maybe the most beauteous non-bridal you’ve ever seen in your life – but that’s the beauty of it! The insanely talented Laura Ironside is a designer who draws on the vulnerability and strength of woman to create her designs, which mesh traditional 1930s shapes with modern style. She aims to slow down the fast fashion cycle, and this sensitive approach to creation also applies to bridal. Her alternative wedding designs are so beautifully crafted, timeless and elegant that you’ll 100% want to wear your wedding outfit again, and again, and again…
WHO ARE YOU + WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
I’m a womenswear designer, based in the south side of Glasgow.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORKPLACE
I have a studio in my house, an old Glasgow tenement style building with wooden floors and plenty of light. I research and design there and develop initial prototypes with a fantastic pattern cutter. We also fit clients for bespoke garments in the studio. The final garments are then all made in a small atelier in London – their detail and finish is incredible!
WHERE/HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
I worked for a good few years in London for small fashion labels after graduating but had always wanted to set up on my own. I returned to Scotland to set up my own label in 2013. At the time I found it so difficult to find the right manufacturer, I was working mainly with suede and leather. I ended up meeting with so many incredible craftsmen and women from all over the UK and had produced a range of samples but none seemed quite right. I eventually ran out of money for prototyping and became quite depleted and disheartened. I stopped and took some time out completely.
Slowly, when I began designing again, I found I had a much better appreciation and respect for the craft of making a product and the responsibility you hold bringing a new product into the world. It made me completely re-evaluate my approach to making. That apparent failure that was so difficult at the time is actually what has made the brand what it is today.
The label is still very young, only 15 months since the website and first collection launched but we’ve had a great reception, great customers and we’ve been part of some very exciting projects. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds!
FAVOURITE WORK TO DATE?
I’d have to say our EDIT-01 campaign shoot by the brilliant Igor Termenon. It had just been such a long journey to get to that point where the first collection was finished and Igor captured it better than I ever could’ve hoped for. We also shot it at my Mum’s house in Kilcreggan, a tiny village on the west coast of Scotland, which is so full of memories for me. It meant a lot to see it all come together like that.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
People doing anything extremely well, people raising the bar in what they do professionally is incredibly inspiring.
DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY
My days are very varied depending on what’s going on! My favourite type of day though is either a new customer fitting – its the best feeling seeing someone wearing a piece from the collection – or, having a full creative day – drawing/developing shapes on the stand.
WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO?
I absolutely love being near the sea – preferably in the sea! Scotland, England, Ireland, Thailand – doesn’t matter, I just love the sea!
FAVOURITE WEDDING VENUE?
Crear is so beautiful but there are so many gorgeous venues/locations, especially in Scotland, I’m not sure I can pick a favourite! I also love the idea of getting married outdoors at dusk.
TRENDS YOU HOPE TO SEE THIS SEASON
Lots of beautiful chunky hair-clips, brides/bridesmaids in trousers, brides in colours, bridesmaids in colour palettes rather than matching…
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
Be yourself. It’s a classic but it’s a good one.
