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Interview with Corrine Smith of Corrine Smith Design
Posted on December 18, 2009
This month VOWS award winner Corrine Smith of Corrine Smith Design answers our questions about her couture bridal accessories business.
1) Corrine, what are the current looks for bridal accessories?
As well as providing my current collection of accessories I love to create bespoke designs for my brides based on their own ideas. This year I have seen an increase in demand for vintage inspired accessories which I absolutely love. Birdcage veils are also making a comeback, and I have designed quite a few in recent moths with a modern twist. One of the current trends in bridal gowns seems to be one-shoulder designs, which look fabulous with an asymmetrical hairband or tiara set to the opposite side. Of course there will always be a huge demand for the traditional style tiara which will never go out of fashion, and which many brides favour.
2) What is the most important advice you can you give brides when selecting jewellery to suit their bridal attire?
When choosing your accessories, it is helpful to consider the following:
Bridal Gown Neckline: V-neck and sweetheart necklines lend themselves well to pendants and drop style necklaces. While most necklace styles will compliment a strapless dress, it is best to avoid chokers and very ornate necklaces if the bodice of your dress is heavily beaded or if you are having a very detailed statement headpiece.
Detailing: Consider the beading and/or embroidery detail on your dress. It is possible to have this incorporated into your accessories.
Face shape: Round shaped faces are complimented by high tiaras or tiaras that come to a point at the centre, thus giving the illusion of height. Long faces are more suited to tiaras that have less height or perhaps a headband style. Most style tiaras will suit if you have an oval shaped face.
Hairstyle: It is also important to consider your hairstyle when choosing a tiara. Most tiara styles are suitable for a high up-do or hair half-up half-down where there is plenty of volume to the hair. Shallow tiaras and headbands are more suitable for hair down or very sleek hairstyles. Side tiaras, combs and hairpins will work with most hairstyles.
Having said all of this, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the accessories that you have chosen for your big day. My idea of the perfect outfit is that onlookers will say “you look beautiful” rather that “that’s a gorgeous dress” or “that’s a really sparkly tiara”. In my opinion it is important to get the balance ‘just right’. I am always happy to offer advice to any brides who are unsure which accessories will compliment their wedding gown.
3) For someone looking for unique, individual pieces, please talk us through the process of creating bespoke accessories.
If brides are within travelling distance to Kilmarnock I would suggest contacting me to arrange a personal consultation, however brides from further afield have worked through the process with me via e-mail and phone. I do find that it really helps if I can meet with my brides or speak with them personally to get to know them and get a feel for their individual style and likes/dislikes.
In the first instance I like to have a detailed look at the wedding gown and idea of hairstyle, as the dress style and detailing can have a huge impact on the type of accessories that are suitable.
I will then work with the bride’s ideas and help to create the perfect accessories taking into account all of the styling advice detailed above. I will provide sketches if required, and there is no time limit on the process as my aim is to provide each and every bride with the perfect accessories that she will cherish for a lifetime.
4) Please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your business.
On leaving school I studied European business law at university and went on to have a career in the civil service, although I always had an underlying passion for all things related to craft and design. After struggling to find reasonably priced quality accessories for my own wedding in 2002, I decided to have a go at designing some pieces myself, I found that this was something I thoroughly enjoyed and after encouraging comments from friends and family (and a few orders for bits and pieces) I decided to make a go of it as a hobby. Increasing demand for my designs allowed me to establish the business a couple of years later. Since then the business has gone from strength to strength, attracting clients from all over the UK and worldwide. Throughout this process I also became a proud mum, and at times the challenges of motherhood and running a successful business can be interesting to say the least!! However my passion and commitment to my business has ensured that despite my other responsibilities I have never compromised on the quality of my products or service.
5) How does it feel to be a VOWS award winner for the second time?
Given that I am a sole trader, running every aspect of the business myself I am extremely proud and delighted to have won the VOWS award for Bridal Accessories 2 years running. I feel that this is a testament to my commitment to ensuring each and every one of my brides feels special on her big day. The VOWS awards are designed to recognise outstanding levels of customer service throughout Scotland’s wedding industry, and are voted for by brides and grooms all over the country. To be recognised for providing an excellent level of customer service makes all that I do worthwhile and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my brides who voted for me to make this happen.
Want to know more? You can order accessories online at http://www.corrinesmith.com/ or visit Corrine’s home studio in Kilmarnock to browse and try accessories in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Contact Corrine on 07789 558555 or by emailing info@corrinesmith.co.uk.
