One-of-a-Kind: Sourcing Vintage Couture

Loving the vintage look like we do, we simply had to find out how Charlie Brear of The Vintage Wedding Dress Company finds all of the amazing, unique pieces that she houses in her London showroom.  Charlie's years of experience working with a celebrity clientele and styling magazine editorials are now put to use sourcing vintage wedding dresses as the director of the VWDC (amongst other things, of course)!  Here, we caught up with Charlie and asked her how she comes across her rare finds; we also listened to her practical advice- helpful to brides around the world, who are unable to stop in and see her in London.

Project Wedding: When you are sourcing vintage pieces, do you go out in search of something specific, or do the pieces ‘find’ you?

Charlie Brear: I source our stunning one off unique pieces from all around the world.  I only buy dresses that I absolutely love.  That is my one fundamental rule for buying.   Of course I have some ideas of what I would like to take back to my exclusive London showroom, but with vintage buying there is always the element of surprise and you never know what you are going to find.  That is why I find vintage buying so exciting, you never see the same dress twice and you never know what is waiting for you on the next rail!

PW: Tell us a bit about what you love about the vintage look and the vintage pieces themselves…What is your favorite decade to style?

CB: With a vintage wedding dress you are often buying a piece that- to be made from scratch- would be a piece of bespoke couture.  By purchasing the vintage dress you not only get a piece of history but also an exquisite, unique gown at an affordable price. Our clients often remark that they have never seen a wedding dress like the one they buy.  Vintage dresses break away from the mould of ‘the traditional wedding dress,’ they offer more choice than the usual kinds of selections offer.

As a stylist I love to experiment with many different styles from bygone eras.  It’s very difficult for me to choose my favorite era- I love them all for different reasons.   Edwardian lace is so lavish, the handwork on each piece is exceptional and I just adore it.  I love the 60’s and 70’s styles for the kitsch factor.  For high-octane glamour I turn to the slinky 1930's and 1940's styles.   These eras create a real feel of old Hollywood opulence. The fantastic cut and fluid lines mean that these styles flatter all figures.  And last, but by no means least, the 1920’s- what can be more exciting than a flapper dress!?  The relaxed dropped waistline and all of the beads and fringing were revolutionary back then and the style is still a true showstopper today. 

PW: What are your recommendations for initiating a search for unique bridal pieces?  

CB: Firstly, it’s important for the bride to feel special, yet comfortable on her big day.  You want to feel like yourself …. Your very best self!

I always tell brides to be open-minded.  When buying a vintage wedding dress, a bride can try on her dream dress and it fits like a glove.  However, this is not always the case.  At The Vintage Wedding Dress Company we can take an amazing vintage dress and use it as a starting point.  Then, we can tailor it to the bride’s requirements. The whole process allows the bride to add her own bespoke element to the dress. 

PW: Tell us about the ‘bridal experience’ at your London boutique.

CB: I spend the whole year seeking out and discovering each unique vintage piece from around the world.  In doing this I take the trepidation and hard work out of trying to find a stunning dress for a bride to get married in. It can be so difficult when searching for a vintage dress- to know whether or not you can restore something to its former glory.  The team at The Vintage Wedding Dress Company all come from a fashion background and a private appointment service gives our customers the benefit of a professional eye, which would normally be reserved for a celebrity clientele. We only show dresses that we love and our motto is that each special dress finds its special owner!  Brides are always excited to discover our collection of rare and exquisite pieces in a relaxed, friendly showroom atmosphere.

PW: We’d love to know what your favorite bridal accessories are.  Accessorizing takes a certain talent… what advice can you give to a bride hoping to create a glamorous, yet timeless look?

CB: In most cases less is more!  Brides should choose a dress that has a fantastic cut and beautiful fluid lines.  Once you have a dress that really flatters your figure, accessorizing is much easier.  I love to use a hand washed silk sash with the majority of our vintage dresses.  The sash really cinches in the waist and adds a bit of detail to the back of the dress if tied in a bow.  Depending on how the bride will wear her hair, some dresses work wonderfully when teamed with a pair of dramatic chandelier earrings.  Alternatively, a statement brooch pinned to a shoulder or strap can just lift a very simple dress. 

All images courtesy of The Vintage Wedding Dress Company.  These dresses cannot be purchased online and are only available thru the London showroom.