WIN-terview Wendy Makin
We sit down with Wendy Makin, a renowned bridal designer celebrated for her timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship. As the creative force behind Wendy Makin Bridal Designs, she has earned a reputation for creating exquisite wedding gowns that blend classic sophistication with modern flair. With over 30 years of experience in the bridal industry, Wendy's designs are known for their meticulous attention to detail, luxurious fabrics, and flattering silhouettes.
Her collections offer a diverse range of styles, ensuring every bride can find the perfect gown to reflect her unique personality and style on her special day. Wendy's passion for bridal design and her commitment to quality have made her one of the most respected and sought-after names in the world of bridal fashion. Find out more about Wendy and her upcoming collections below.
Tell us about you
I founded Wendy Makin Bridal Designs in 1993 after gaining over a decade of experience in the bridal industry. I had always wanted to be a fashion designer from a very young age, fuelled by my grandmother, who bought me my first sewing machine when I was just 11. Since then, fashion has always been my calling. Over the years, our brand has grown steadily across Australia, expanded into the New Zealand market in 1996, and launched in the UK in 2002.
Why bridal?
To be honest, I fell into bridal by chance. My first role as an apprentice designer was with a fashion house that created various styles, including bridal wear, it was an enlightening experience but I instantly fell in love with the industry. But It was bridal design that truly resonated with me. The intricate details, the scope for creativity. Bridal design allowed me to push my creativity further. I loved it and have done it ever since.
What do you love the most about the bridal industry?
I absolutely adore working with brides. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the look on a bride's face when she finds "the one." Being a part of making a bride feel beautiful on her wedding day is the most rewarding aspect of what I do.
Please give us the complete low-down on your latest collections - the inspiration, the process, the plan.
My inspiration always comes from the brides themselves. As one of the few designers who actively works in their own retail studio, I have the unique opportunity to interact with brides daily. This gives me invaluable insight into emerging trends and what brides truly want to wear. This connection is where my design process begins. I start by developing mood boards and exploring lace and fabric options before collaborating with my production team to bring the vision to life.
For our Wendy Makin collection, I returned to our signature florals that gained popularity in the mid-2010s. This, combined with our hallmark simple, classic, and elegant look, served as the primary inspiration for this range. Revisiting our signature florals inspired us to reimagine the designs that initially made them popular while maintaining our recognised wearability.
For the French Collection, we drew inspiration from the 90s, incorporating elements like empire lines and puffed sleeve heads into the designs. We blended these 90s influences with our tried and true effortless romantic theme to create a soft, floaty collection that is both easy to wear and timelessly stylish.
Do you have a signature style?
Having two distinctly different collections I have two styles, however, my signature will always be the "Wendy Makin look"—simple, stylish, elegant, and classic. Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly are my style muses so I like to design gowns they would want to wear.
What does a Wendy Makin bride look like?
A Wendy Makin bride She is stylish yet classic. She carries herself with poise, embraces understated beauty, and radiates confidence in everything she does. the Wendy Makin bride could be anyone who seeks elegance with a touch of uniqueness.
What can bridal boutiques expect from you?
Bridal boutiques can expect consistency in both design and quality. This is something I’ve always taken great pride in—delivering garments that meet the high standards that have become synonymous with Wendy Makin Bridal Designs.
What makes your label unique, and successful – what is your USP?
I believe our uniqueness lies in our consistency and dedication. As the sole designer and, as mentioned earlier, I still work with brides on a daily basis, so I maintain a direct connection with them. This direct connection, combined with our unwavering commitment to quality in design, make, and fit, truly sets us apart. Brides are consistently telling us that our gowns feel amazing to wear. This emphasis on the comfort and feel of our gowns is a testament to our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each dress is as enjoyable to wear as it is beautiful.
What are you feeling excited about in the coming year? Anything new?
I’m always excited about releasing a new collection, but what really energises me is thinking about what’s next. The bridal industry is evolving at an incredible pace, and I’m thrilled about the future and what new trends and innovations lie ahead.
Where and when will your collections be shown in the UK?
Our collections will be available for viewing with our Wendy Makin UK team at their studio in Derbyshire.
How do bridal boutiques get in touch?
Contact James Morton at ukadmin@wendymakin.co.uk Tel: +44 780 293 9442
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