Accessories. Those ‘little extras’ that you add to your outfit always reflect your personality and that’s particularly true on your wedding day.
Today, it’s a treat to welcome Lizzie McQuade to Love My Dress and I’m so happy to share Lizzie’s story, and her beautiful bridal accessories, with you. Her collection of handmade headpieces has grown to encompass earrings, collars and belts. If you’re an accessories obsessive, here’s a new name to love.
Milliner and accessories designer Lizzie McQuade began her career in the fashion world and, after being asked to make some headpieces for a Vogue shoot, added some millinery training to her repertoire of skills and hasn’t looked back since.
“Millinery was just what I needed. I loved getting back to working with my hands and creating in a sculptural way with my favourite tools. The bridal fashion world has been so friendly and welcoming and personally, the best part if getting to work, one-on-one, with the women who come to me for their accessories. It really is such a privilege to listen to their ideas and stories and guide them through the design process.”
Lizzie McQuade + Follow
Lizzie’s feminine, modern, romantic and directional style really does bring something different to the world of bridal accessories. I love the subtle references to 1960s fashion, the intricate embellishments and, of course, her signature handmade faux flowers.
However, it’s her latest collection that I want to focus on here and it’s just heaven. Inspired by the river nymphs of Greek mythology, these pieces stand apart from the headpieces that you might be used to seeing in bridal shops and yet they’re still delicate, exquisite and different without being totally alternative. As Lizzie says, her pieces are “pretty but not boring!”
“My collections usually start with some visual inspiration, anything from a film or painting to a style icon or fictional character. This collection is inspired by the delicate, beautiful enchantresses of Greek myths who have a power underlying their ethereal looks. The John William Waterhouse painting ‘Hylos and the Nymphs’ depicts them with wildflowers and waterlilies in tones of gold and white adorning their hair and bodies. I love their calm, hypnotic vibes and the allure of their mystical beauty.”
These superb pieces, particularly Lizzie’s favourites the Theia headpiece and the Dione earrings, all ooze a gorgeous creative flair and a strong style – perfect for the bride who wants to feel unique and wear something hand crafted that will last well beyond the big day.
“I have spent the last year trying to make eco swaps in our home life and also my business. It’s tough when buying fabrics and materials to know the source sometimes, but I try to buy from domestic suppliers to reduce on emissions, and all my packaging is switching over to recycled boxes and tissue. And the thing we have always done and will always do is to ensure the make quality is second to none, so that your piece will last a lifetime, can be worn again after your wedding day and passed on to future generations. No fast fashion here!”
In fact, the process is anything but fast. There’s no sense of hurry and rush and there’s time to make sure that every piece is absolutely perfect. Lizzie and her team do everything by hand, from blocking and shaping wire to cutting the flower shapes and endless amounts of beading. All to create an individual piece that the bride will love.
“In between all the making, we will be meeting with brides to discuss their vision, or to make the final touches to their pieces. I make it easy to adapt my designs and we offer bespoke commissions too as want everyone to be able to wear pieces that truly reflect who you are and I strive to make that experience as accessible as possible.”
To find out more and to shop the latest collection from Lizzie McQuade, do visit her website. You’ll also find more details about the bespoke process here and details of the London studio are there too.
Tamryn Settle
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Self-confessed wedding addict Tamryn spends her days in her Berkshire studio writing about all things beautiful and romantic with her black Labrador for company.