British fashion designer, Sassi Holford has been creating classically elegant wedding gowns for 25 years. Sassi’s clientele – definitely more society than celebrity – appreciates the understated but knowledgeable service that underpins the highest level of bridal couture. In the late eighties and through the nineties Sassi Holford’s collections were stocked in Harrods and Liberty’s and other leading stores, but in 2003 the time was right for Sassi to open her own showroom.

In her delightful studio in England, Sassi and her talented team of designers work passionately to create wedding gowns that reflect today’s modern global bride. Located in Chelsea, the elegant Georgian boutique tempts the discerning bride with a stunning array of exclusive, bespoke gowns. The decor and furnishings were carefully selected by Sassi to complement the heritage of the building with an understated elegance that creates a calm atmosphere for clients’ appointments. We thought we’d ask Sassi a few questions about her approach to bridal fashion, as well as share a few photos of her lovely Signature Collection….

{THE BRIDAL CIRCLE}:  HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN BRIDAL FASHION?

{SASSI HOLFORD}:  It was a happy accident when just finishing at school I volunteered to make the dress for a friend who had no budget for a proper dress. Though I clearly underestimated the task, it was successful and led to a first commission even though I wasn’t thinking of making wedding dresses as a career!

TELL US ABOUT SASSI HOLFORD, THE DESIGN STUDIO, AND THE BRIDAL EXPERIENCE.

Each and every one of my gowns is handmade by my brilliant team of pattern cutters, seamstresses and hand beaders in my studios in Somerset, England. Some of whom have been working with me for over twenty years!

The finished result for every client is an exquisite cut that does truly echo a bride’s own style. Nothing is spared in the structure of each gown; there is an integral corset within each design that results in a beautifully streamlined silhouette and a deceptively high level of comfort -an essential feature on the big day.

My flagship boutique in London exclusively offers my Couture Collection where clients also enjoy a full bespoke service if they wish.  The Signature Collection is available at my Somerset store and with selected bridal boutiques in the UK and North America. Both of my boutiques have a real understated elegance to them that offer a calm atmosphere for all of my clients’ appointments –something that I feel is necessary, for every bride, to enjoy every moment of finding “The One”.  In the hope that my clients won’t have to search too far for accessories to complete their outfit, we also offer a gorgeous selection of veils and shoes and, in addition, there’s a stunning collection of headpieces and glittering jewellery to carefully consider that I have specially selected to complement my design style.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE, AND WHAT TYPE OF BRIDE DO YOU CATER TO?  

My schedule is generally manic so I need my style to go from the school run to the office to my clients – it’s got to come together quickly! I get far more out of styling my brides who are savvy, independent career minded women who are not afraid to make a statement.

WHAT BRIDAL FASHION TRENDS CAN BRIDES CONTINUE TO SEE IN 2013?

The year is looking so classic and elegant- we’ll continue to see a greater number of sleeved designs. Fitted bodices will create more of an impact with dramatic skirt shapes playing a very important part: fit with a very full flare, fishtail and ball gown – all these silhouettes are aimed at emphasizing the beauty that is the female figure.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR SPRING 2013 COLLECTION?

This year has been about 1940s Hollywood glamour. It’s very much about luxurious textures such as duchesse satin, silk organza, silk crepe and vintage laces. There’s some eclectic layering this year and I’ve looked to translate statement fashion accessories into my detail of my designs, such as beautiful bows and tails, vintage inspired brooches and diamante appliqué (it’s all there and unashamedly romantic!).

FROM WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION AND YOUR IDEAS ABOUT FASHION?

There’s no single source of inspiration for me – but it’s great to still be inspired by my brides, gorgeous fabrics and design detail.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE GLAMOUR AND ELEGANCE?

It should look effortless.

WHAT WON’T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT?

My mobile phone and my credit card.

WHAT IS YOUR NECESSARY EXTRAVAGANCE OR GUILTY PLEASURE?

Fine dining – recently I was blown away with a visit to Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, this place should be on everyone’s ‘bucket list’! Just an hour outside of London in a sleepy little village is divine cuisine.

WHAT WOULD WE FIND ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND? 

A lamp, because I try to read every evening.

SUCH A GIRLY VOYEUR QUESTION, BUT IF WE PEEKED IN YOUR BAG, WHAT ITEM WOULD WE BE TOTALLY SURPRISED TO FIND THERE? 

Puppy treats! We’ve just bought a Shitzhu-cross who we’ve named Monty.

WHAT IS ONE LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU THAT YOU’D BE WILLING TO SHARE WITH US?

I was sports captain at school and I was a promising sprinter – I have a challenging relationship with my personal trainer as he can’t quite believe it!

You can absolutely tell that Bridal couture is a passion for Sassi and an appointment to view her Couture Collection is the first step to a truly memorable experience of creating your perfectly beautiful wedding gown.