When Amy approached me to design and create a jacket for her wedding, she and her fiancé, James, had made the spontaneous decision to elope – with only six weeks to go! Their intimate ceremony was planned for a beautiful forest in the Scottish Highlands at Easter, where the crisp spring air meant a cosy cover-up was essential.
In keeping with the timeless tradition of Scottish brides wearing a warm tartan layer over their wedding dress, Amy envisioned a jacket made from James’ family tartan to perfectly complement his kilt. Tartan, being a woollen fabric, is wonderfully warm but can be a little itchy, so we opted for a butter-soft habotai silk lining. Not only did this luxurious silk feel indulgent against the skin, but it also added an extra layer of warmth and breathability, making the jacket both practical and comfortable.
Amy came to me with some inspiration images, and from there, I sketched out a range of designs. After experimenting with different shapes, we settled on a waist-length, fitted jacket with a mandarin collar. The jacket featured a short peplum at the front that elegantly flowed into a deeper curve at the back, mirroring the train of her gown. We went through several versions of the toile to refine the design and fit before cutting into the precious tartan. Extra attention was given to carefully match the tartan’s coloured weave lines at the seams, ensuring a seamless and harmonious flow around the entire garment.
Since her wedding, Amy has worn her bespoke jacket on numerous occasions – for job interviews, nights out, and even at her post-wedding hen party! It’s become a versatile staple in her wardrobe, effortlessly elevating everything from jeans to evening dresses. What began as a practical wedding layer has turned into a cherished piece that holds both sentimental and stylish value.