Saltaire Bridal
Victoria Road, Saltaire
Week 1
The first week of my placement consisted of:
A tour of the studio
Making two floral heads for the window displays
Choosing dresses and creating window displays
Please see "window displays" section at the bottom of the page for photographs
Began research into bridal separates and detachable accessories
This will be ongoing throughout my placement
Unboxed, quality checked and hung new dresses
Prepared garments for client collection
Photographed a new accessories range for social media
Involved with a client appointment
This week I began research into bridal separates and detachable accessories (eg sleeves), a market which is unsaturated yet highly competitive. The research will be continuous and will lead on to a research/design project in following weeks.
Creating window displays for Saltaire Bridal will be ongoing throughout my placement and will allow me to understand how to create a dimensional, eye catching display.
Each window display will follow a theme and be reflective of;
The season
Events happening in the village
The flowers in bloom that month
Any holidays (ie Easter, Christmas etc)
This month's "heads" have been created using white and yellow daffodils, white carnations and yellow hydrangeas; reflective of the flowers in bloom during March. The chosen dresses reflect the variety of styles on offer at Saltaire Bridal.
Week 2
My second week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Due to the nature of the business these will be occurring weekly and can vary in quantity
Photographing and videoing dresses for social media
Further research into bridal separates and detachable accessories
Adding to the list of companies which sell separates
Created research boards for bridal separates
Began to compile a list of companies which sell detachable
As Saltaire Bridal is a client focused brand, I have been involved with various client appointments; a role which will be ongoing throughout my placement. The client appointments have allowed me to gain an understanding of the varying tastes and requirements from the brides whilst also being able to see how trying the dresses often changes their perspective and opinions. Due to the appointments I was able to be involved with and learn about:
The preparations for the appointment
Tidying the studio and ensuring everything is presented well
Ensuring there are "thank you" bags prepared for if a client purchases a dress
Researching the venue to gain an understanding of the style the bride may like
ie: is it an outdoor/indoor wedding, lots of stairs, the grandure/feel of the venue, is it rural or city etc
Seeing if they provided a date
To understand the season/weather possibilities for the day
Ensuring the "changing and seating" area are prepared for the client
The appointment itself
Welcoming the client
Discussing the wedding
eg date, the venue, the feel/theme of the wedding
Discussing the dress style
Gaging wether this is their first appointment or if they have visited other bridal boutiques also
Taking the client through to look at the dresses and make a selection
Trying the dresses
Discussing how the client feels in the dress and any alterations etc which may need to be made
The owner and I were able to see how the client felt whilst also allowing us to suggest extras (such as a cape/accessoeirs) and other dresses to try which may be of interest
Discussing that Saltaire Bridal will continue communications and that "we" wish them all the best
The follow-up and post-appointment
Tidying the studio
Putting all dresses, accessories etc back in the correct place and ensuring that they are presented well
Sending a "followup" message to thank them for coming to the studio
Discussions between myself and the owner with regards to our thoughts and feelings about the appointment
Preparing for the next appointment
If there are multiple per day
Week 3
My third week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Due to the nature of the business these will be occurring weekly in varying quantities
Client Collections
Styled Photoshoot
Held at Creskeld Hall in collaboration with Leafy couture (a florist and flower school)
Please see the bottom of the page for "behind the scenes" photographs from the shoot
I have been involved with various client appointments. My involvement in the appointments has allowed me to further my knowledge of the varying dresses stocked at the studio whilst also allowing me to gain confidence in engaging with the clients by posing dress suggestions to them and explaining any alterations which could be made.
Saltaire Bridal was also invited to attend a styled photoshoot in collaboration with Leafy Couture at Creskeld Hall; an event I was invited to attend as part of the SB team. Being involved with a styled photoshoot has allowed me to gain knowledge of how the day is planned/organised, what is involved when hosting/attending a shoot, meeting the other suppliers/businesses involved, and how to overcome an issues which may arise. I feel that attending the shoot has not only allowed me to gain contacts in other industries (eg bakers, florists, HMUA's, photographers) but has also provided me with the knowledge of how photoshoots run; should I wish to hold one in the future.
Week 4
My fourth week on placement consisted of:
Creating a new window display
Victoria Hall in Saltaire is hosting a Vintage Fair therefore the window had to reflect this
Please see the "window displays" section at the bottom of the page for photographs
Organising new stock
Putting on hangers
Adding swing tags
Putting on the appropriate rail
Making up "Thank You" bags
Researching Wedding Directories
Predominantly those located in the North
Client Appointments
Due to the nature of the business these will be occurring weekly and in varying quantities
As a result of Victoria Hall hosting the Vintage fair this weekend, I was tasked with creating a vintage inspired window display. For this display I selected three outfits to be positioned in the window, along with flyers for the event. The outfits selected reflect the vintage theme but are a modern interpretation within bridal wear.
With SB having attended Bridal Fashion Week in London at the beginning of the week, there was a variety of new stock which needed to be organised. The garments are both reflective of the new season but also encompasses some designers whom create timeless (and more couture) bridal outfits.
Week 5
My fifth week on placement consisted of:
Further research into bridal separates and detachable accessories
Creating research boards for the detachable accessories
Adding to the list of companies which sell detachable items
Further research into wedding directories for the North of England
Specifically Yorkshire
Pattern drafting a blouse
This week has been a research week, allowing me to gain a greater understanding of the variety (or lack of) bridal separates and detachable accessories available in the bridal market. I was also able to continue research into wedding directories; which will subsequently allow more brides to discover Saltaire Bridal. The research has been conducted as part of my ongoing research/design project; ultimately leading to the development and production of garments in the coming weeks.
I also began the design/practical element of my project by pattern drafting a blouse. The draft was created using a women's shirt block, ready to be toiled in both calico and lace. The blouses will be made from lace, with fastenings to the back and have a customisable sleeve length; these are to be worn with the separates sold at Saltaire Bridal or as a "cover-up" over the brides dress.
Week 6
My sixth week on placement consisted of:
Making two floral heads for the window displays
Choosing the dresses for the windows
Please see "window displays" section at the bottom of the page for photographs
Photographing and videoing dresses for social media
Adding "new subscribers" (client email addresses) into Mail Chimp
Meeting with the seamstress who will be working alongside SB
The seamstress will be recommended by SB to their brides for any alterations which need making to the dresses
Re-organising the layout of the upstairs entrance
Putting out new jewellery onto the accessories display
Meeting with my placement tutor
This is a requirement of my university and is to assess how I am performing whilst on placement
Being involved with the meeting held with a local seamstress (based at Salts Mill) with regards to her completing alterations on the dresses sold by Saltaire Bridal allowed me to gain an understanding of the need for the alterations industry and the timescales involve with this. I was also able to appreciate the mutual benefit to both businesses as having a recommended seamstress will allow Saltaire Bridal to relieve this stress from the bride, whilst also referring brides to another local business.
The knowledge gained with regards to using Mailchimp (a digital marketing platform used by many businesses); has allowed me to understand the software and the purpose it serves to businesses. This would be a programme that I would use if I had my own business in the future.
This months "heads" for the window displays have been made from cherry blossoms; reflective of the season and what is in bloom during April. Saltaire Bridal has also collaborated with another small, Bradford-based business to include two flower girl dresses in the windows.
Week 7
My seventh week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Due to the nature of the business these will be occurring weekly and in varying quantities
Pattern cutting and toiling the blouse
Filming for a TV programme
Research into local wedding venues
This will allow Saltaire Bridal to attend wedding fairs; subsequently gaining more clients
As a continuation of the research/design project, a first toile of the blouse was created in calico. The toile allowed me to determine the construction method and any pattern alterations which needed to be made. I was also able to gain feedback from the owner of Saltaire Bridal and apply these changes to the pattern before making a second toile in lace.
This week Saltaire Bridal was involved in filming for a new TV series. This opportunity allowed me to work behind the scenes, taking photographs for social media whilst also gaining an understanding of the filming/production methods used for TV shows.
Week 8
My eighth week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Due to the nature of the business these will be occurring weekly and in varying quantities
Photographing and videoing dresses for social media
Organising new stock
Quality control
Adding swing tags
Putting on hangers
Hanging on appropriate rails
Further research into local wedding fayers and venues
As a result of Saltaire Bridal being busy with successful appointments, a delivery of new stock was received. These dresses were then organised before being photographed and videoed for social media; the social media posts (specifically those on the Instagram grid and reels) tend to lead to appointments being booked after a bride has seen the range of dresses on offer.
Further research has been conducted into wedding fairs and venues which will allow Saltaire Bridal to be in attendance, subsequently building a larger base of contacts in the northern wedding industry whilst also leading to more clients visiting the studio.
Week 9
My ninth week on placement consisted of:
Making two floral heads for the window displays
Selecting dresses for the window displays
Please see the "window displays" section at the bottom of the page for photographs
Client Appointments
Due to the nature of the business these are a frequent occurrence during my placement
Second toile of the blouse
As a continuation of the research/design project, a second toile of the blouse was created in lace. The second toile allowed me to make pattern adjustments whilst also having a visual of how the finished product will look. As lace is extremely delicate, all seams were sewn as a French seam (leading to a neater finish), whilst the hem edge was cut to match the scallop of the lace (providing a delicate and feminine detail to blouse). I also gained further feedback from the owner of Saltaire bridal who was pleased with the result and instructed me on the next steps for this project.
Create a lace blouse to be displayed in the studio
Produce a document detailing;
A rundown of costings
Turn over time
Personalisation options
ie sleeve length, back fastening etc
The "heads" for the May window displays have been created using green foliage and white gypsophila; a popular choice by many brides for their wedding bouquets. The dresses chosen for the display reflect the variety of styles on offer at Saltaire Bridal and the new stock avaliable.
Week 10
My tenth week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Due to the nature of the business these will be occurring weekly and in varying quantities
Making up "Thank You" bags
Putting out a new jewellery line onto display and photographing this
Photographing and videoing new dresses for social media
Going through brand building
This is one of the stages related to setting up a small business and underpins the business from a visual communication perspective
With Saltaire Bridal also stocking a variety of accessories, photographing the new lines available at the studio allows for them to be displayed on social media. The social media promotion will allow brides to see the accessories available, potentially leading to sales to compliment their dresses.
As a result of the owner of Saltaire Bridal having worked in the wedding industry for numerous years, along with owning multiple businesses; I am able to gain knowledge of how to build a business and the variety of stages involved. A key stage with business development is branding which underpins the business and is used across all outlets. Having the knowledge of how branding is crucial to a business has allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the importance of this and how branding can be the difference between a successful/unsuccessful business.
Week 11
My eleventh week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Due to the nature of the business these will be occurring weekly and in varying quantities
Client Accessories Appointment
Organising new stock
Quality control
Adding swing tags
Putting on hangers
Hanging on appropriate rail
As the height of the wedding season is approaching, more brides have been coming to Saltaire bridal for appointments, with may finding "the one" to take home. Saltaire Bridal has also had an increase in enquiries about the accessories on offer; headbands, tiaras, hair beads, millinery, belts etc. The accessories appointments have allowed me to explain to brides potential hair styles to complement the pieces they are choosing whilst also ensuring the pieces they choose will be coherent with their dress.
Due to the increase in successful appointments, Saltaire Bridal has been receiving new stock. These dresses have to be organised and put away as well as being photographed and videoed for social media.
Week 12
My twelfth week on placement consisted of:
Making two floral heads for the window displays
Selecting dresses for the window displays
Please see the "Window displays" section at the bottom of the page for photographs
Client Appointments
Final Pattern adjustments
For the "research and design project"
The heads for the June window display have been created in the colours of the Pride flag due to it being Pride month. The dresses selected represent the range available at Saltaire Bridal, one is non-traditional whilst the other is more of a "princess" style.
Acting on the feedback gathered from the second toile created, final adjustments and alterations were made to the pattern to ensure that the lace tops meet the brief and are suitable for the bridal market. These adjustments included,
Adding 2cm to either CB seam to create a double rolled hem finish
Adjusting the sleeve length to sit on the wrist bone, and to create the patterns for the 3/4 and short sleeve options
Reducing the overall length by 10cm so that the top will sit above the waistline of the skirts sold as separates
This has ensured that the pattern is ready to be cut in white/ivory lace to be displayed in the studio.
Week 13
My thirteenth week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Making up "Thank You" Bags
Adding branding to bags
Photographing and Videoing new dresses for social media
Pattern cut and manufactured final lace top
this will be displayed in Saltaire bridal for brides to try on
The final step of the research/design project was to create a lace top to be displayed at Saltaire Bridal to be sold alongside the separates. This subsequently required a final garment to be manufactured ready to be displayed. The final lace top was manufactured in ivory corded lace, with a scallop edge on the hem and bottom of the sleeves. All seams have been French seamed to ensure they are neat and to a professional standard, the CB fastens with clear poppers. A document detailing costings, turnover time and personalisation options has also been written to give to Saltaire Bridal alongside the final garment.
Week 14
My penultimate week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Styling Session Event
Focused on the accessories sold at Saltire Bridal
Styled Photoshoot
At Saltaire Bridal and in the village
Please see the bottom of the page for "behind the scenes" photographs of the shoot
Saltaire Bridal hosted a "Styling Session" event at the studio to display the range of accessories available. The event included a model and HMUA to show examples of hair styles and ideas of accessory placement to the brides; making the visualisation of placement easier.
Saltaire Bridal also hosted a photoshoot in collaboration with a local photographer. The model and HMUA from the styling session were also involved in the shoot which took place in Saltaire Village. The shoot displayed the range of dresses that SB has on offer whilst also showing how hair accessories can complement the different styles of dresses. The shoot allowed me to gain further experience with styling and has provided me with invaluable contacts for the future.
Week 15
My final week on placement consisted of:
Client Appointments
Discussion regarding the styling event and photoshoot of the previous week
The event was a successful evening and generated multiple sales of accessories, it also allowed for brides to return to Saltaire Bridal, to gain styling advice and inspiration.
Finishing the research/design project and having a discussion about pricing for the lace tops
Talking through my placement and what I have gained during my time at Saltaire Bridal
Finishing the research/design project allowed me to understand the demand for bridal separates and what the market for these is lacking. Manufacturing the lace top allowed me to apply my pattern cutting knowledge to the project and produce a successful product. The lace tops will be sold within the separates range at Saltaire Bridal.
I feel that during my placement with Saltaire Bridal I have gained confidence both in myself and when engaging with clients; have a greater understanding of the bridal industry and the varying sectors within this industry, gained a greater understanding of the workmanship required to produce wedding dresses and the variety of styles available, and I have developed a commercially viable product to be sold at Saltaire Bridal.
Summary of Experiences
During my time at Saltaire Bridal I feel that I have gained a wealth of experience within the Bridal industry. The mentoring and support provided by Saltaire Bridal has seen my confidence grow, not only as a person but also within my abilities as a designer. I am leaving this placement with a multitude of knowledge not only surrounding the bridal industry but also with regards to setting up a business, branding and marketing.
The highlights from my time at Saltaire Bridal include:
Creating monthly Window Displays
Being involved with client appointments
Both bridal and accessories
Creating content for social media
Meeting other creatives and suppliers
Seamstresses, milliners, accessories businesses
Photoshoot in collaboration with Leafy Couture
Photoshoot hosted by Saltaire Bridal
Styling Session Event hosted by Saltaire Bridal
Filming for a TV show
The research/design project
Having my lace tops sold at Saltaire Bridal
