Hello lovely readers and it’s great to be back with you. I’ve had a few days summer break in France and I have to say that writing this feature has totally banished those pesky post-holiday blues because what could be more wonderful than beautiful hand made wedding gowns? Today, it’s my absolute pleasure to introduce you to the exquisite work of London based luxury bridal designer, Andrea Hawkes…
The ‘Auden’ gown
2015 has already been an amazing year for Andrea Hawkes. Back in January, the first Andrea Hawkes boutique opened in super creative Clerkenwell and in May, the 2016 collection was launched to great acclaim at London’s prestigious White Gallery bridal event. It’s fair to say that everyone is a little bit in love with Andrea’s classic modern aesthetic that’s combined with astonishing attention to detail.
Having worked for some of the most established British bridal designers, it was a natural progression for me to start my own bridal design company,” says Andrea. “I spent some time in my studio in Hackney, designing one off commissions, and from here, I developed my first collection and that led to us setting up our boutique in Clerkenwell.
The ‘Eva’ gown
Andrea has, rightly, received much praise from both the wedding and fashion worlds and her fashion forward designs and bespoke approach.
The ‘Stella’ gown
Every bride receives a toile (cotton) fitting before her dress is individually handmade by Andrea’s talented team so that the finished gown fits perfectly.
The ‘Amber’ gownAnd now, the second bridal collection from Andrea Hawkes will doubtless set more hearts aflutter:
Our signature style has developed from my love of classic, simplistic shapes with a modern twist. I use the finest European fabrics such as Italian silks and French laces. The new collection is a continuation of our debut collection but there is a more stylistic approach to key shapes and we can base new bespoke designs on these when we’re working with individual brides.
Top – The ‘Camilla’ gown
Middle 2 images – The ‘Willow top’ and ‘Floe skirt’
Bottom – The ‘Amber High Veil’
I for one am a huge fan of the new bridal collection from Andrea Hawkes and although it seems like a horribly over-used cliché, there really is something for every bride. From the amazingly elegant Auden long sleeved gown with its demure neckline and the super chic Luna column dress to the modern lines of Stella with a full skirt and crop-top style bodice and the lacy, ethereal combination of the Willow top and Floe skirt, there’s a lot to love.
I take my inspiration from everywhere and it comes from all angles. I am inspired by the most obvious and the least obvious places and things – it’s important to absorb your surroundings and the things that inspire your thoughts and take these into your designs.
The ‘Stella’ gown
My experience has shown me the importance of the relationship between the designer and the bride and day to day, working so closely with different brides to design new bespoke dresses is the most inspiring part of my work.
If, like me, you’re smitten with the delightful wedding gowns from Andrea Hawkes, you probably need no further encouragement to arrange your appointment at the boutique. However, let me just tell you that Andrea has recently begun working with Love My Dress favourite Emmy London and the award-winning Kelly Spence and will have shoes, bags and accessories from these outstanding British brands in the boutique as well.
Temptation has never looked so good…
Top 2 images – The ‘Luna’ gown
Bottom image – The ‘Eva’ gown
The bespoke bridal collection from Andrea Hawkes typically ranges from £1650 to £6000. However, prices are dependent on each bride’s individual requirements. Couture commissions are also available and these are detailed and priced individually after an initial consultation at the Andrea Hawkes boutique.
Top – The ‘Willow’ gown
Bottom – The ‘Auden’ gown
For more information on Andrea Hawkes, do take a look at the website and connect with the team on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. To arrange your appointment at the Clerkenwell boutique or to ask any questions that you might have, simply get in touch via [email protected] or on 020 7837 0759.
Love Tamryn x