I am always in awe of talented, creative people who can design and make the most beautiful pieces that are so exceptional, they’re actually works of art. Today, it’s my huge pleasure to introduce you to someone who embodies all of that and a little bit more – Lizzie McQuade.
Lizzie McQuade Millinery designs and makes hats and headpieces with a playful spirit, elegant aesthetic and abundant embellishments using traditional and modern millinery skills. Let’s indulge ourselves and find out more…
Lizzie made her first foray into the world of fashion many moons ago and, after experiencing everything the industry had to offer, she found millinery was her passion. She fell in love with the hands-on approach to design and making that is the hallmark of millinery work and she adored creating pieces that were the finishing touches to very special outfits.
“Working within fashion millinery, with London Fashion Week, Vogue, Elle and Dazed, I found that my feminine aesthetic drew a lot of attention from the bridal industry. I worked on many bespoke bridal commissions for both real brides and for shoots and editorial before launching my own bridal range in 2016.”
The 2018 bridal collection from Lizzie McQuade, ‘To the Moon and Back’, was influenced first by the sparkling night skies in Lizzie’s native Scotland, and then by the many moon and star based stories that she reads to her young son every night. As always, this range features Lizzie’s signature details – playful proportions and sculptural elements that take their shape from her distinctive use of embroidery, beading, hand dying and applique.
“Texture as always takes a leading role when I’m designing and I brought sparkle in all its forms to this collection. From the tiny delicate stars and beads on our ‘Carina’ veil, to the shimmering disco sequin on our ‘Lumen’ headdress and the exquisite hand embroidered stars that hem the silk tulle ‘Lux’ veil.”
“This season’s pieces range from ethereal, delicate and subtle to full-on party sparkle!”
I love the metallic tones, layered paillettes and sculptural faux leather that all reference the 60s space age couture of Paco Rabanne and the images of the same era by Richard Avedon. Lizzie loves to look back to the golden age of hat wearing for her research and she takes her inspiration from the intricate textures of 50s and 60s couture, flowers and nature, inspiring women and romantic films.
Another thing I absolutely adore about Lizzie’s work is the amazing level of craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Everything is made by hand, using artisan millinery techniques in Lizzie’s East London studio. She uses luxurious and sometimes unusual materials and she truly believes that the love and care that goes into this process of hand crafting is an essential part of what makes a hat or headpiece so special and unique to the wearer.
“Meeting people who share a love for beautiful things, getting to know them and creating a piece that reflects their character and how they want to feel on their special day is such a privilege. Every client brings a new experience and I’ve been lucky to meet the most wonderful women while getting to design and make what I love.”
“I couldn’t love weddings more! I really relish being able to work with so many women as they plan their big days. When I get images back weeks later of a client beaming with happiness, wearing something we made by hand, well, it just doesn’t get better than that!”
If you’d like to find out more about the latest collection from Lizzie McQuade, to shop the collection, request alterations to designs or to begin the process of collaborating on a completely bespoke piece, do visit the website or get in touch with the studio.
Love,
Tamryn x
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