Caroline Castigliano is a luxury British bridal label that has been established for over 28 years. Every Castigliano gown is handcrafted in the United Kingdom and is renowned for its understated glamour.

Having previously worked as an actor, Caroline moved into design after her collaboration with Jasper Conran was a huge success. The designer continues to utilise her acting skills when covering the most recent royal wedding on television.

In an exclusive interview with Bridal Buyer, Caroline discussed Meghan Markle’s dress choice.

Can you tell us about your personal background?

I am married and live in Surrey with my husband, step-daughter and biological daughter who is 21. I have two other step-daughters, one lives in New York and the other is in Australia.

I love the theatre, cinema and concerts, and I am a big foodie (and my husband is a sensational chef!). I work out to keep fit and I also love travelling and understanding other cultures.

Read more: Rasha London: what to expect at White Gallery

Where did your career in bridal begin?

It all began in Esher, Surrey, in 1991. I opened my first boutique and shortly after signed Jasper Conran to design his first collection of bridal gowns exclusively for me. The label was Jasper Conran for Caroline Castigliano and it was a huge success.

During the collaboration with Jasper I realised I should launch my own collection; six months later, the first Caroline Castigliano collection was in the store. The rest is history!

Find out where it all began for Motee Maids’ designer Rosanna Garden, our previous Wonder Woman Wednesday star.

What are your secrets to success?

Hard work, dedication, focus and being prepared to move forward, look at new ideas and keep everything fresh with an excellent team around you. Success is about the team, not an individual.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

Building the brand has to be number one. Working with some brilliant people and designing pieces for some really iconic women.

I enjoy TV work and so covering the royal weddings of William and Kate and Harry and Meghan on TV channels worldwide was great. I also enjoyed the making of the TV programme “How the Rich Get Hitched” for Channel 4 – the programme was based around the flagship store in Knightsbridge.

Read more: Stephanie Allin’s Love Stories collection

What’s your favourite part of your job?

I love all aspects of my job because it’s totally diverse.

It’s all-encompassing: my role includes everything from running and building a brand to designing gowns, I couldn’t choose a favourite part of the role.

What does your typical working day look like?

There is no typical working day but, in the morning, I like to work out, catch up with my emails, touch base with production and then check in with the flagship store too.

How I spend the rest of the day entirely depends on what time of year it is and what the focus is. Right now, I’m focussed on the 2020 collection I Believe in Love, and so that’s absorbing most of my time.

Check out the My Diary entry from Kalvin Chow, CEO and Director of Cizzy Bridal Australia to find out how he spends a typical working day.

What can we expect from your brand at White Gallery 2019?

Sensual gowns with plunge necklines, halter necks and beautiful crepes along with damasks and textured fabrics. We’ve also continued our statement organza skirts and have developed a stunning group of gowns focussed on the tux look!

There is simplicity too, with sculptured dresses created with our hidden corsetry that hugs the body and skims curves.

Don’t miss out on this leading fashion event and make sure you register for White Gallery now.

Can you tell us five interesting facts about yourself?

1. I am a trained actress. Acting was my first career and I regularly appeared on TV.
2. I want to help the world become a better place and draw attention to today’s issues that are going to affect the future of our planet. I’m particularly interested in the plastic crisis and how this is affecting our oceans.
3. I’m very interested in charity work that raises awareness for fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
4. I’m a strong believer of ‘the better you treat people, the better you will be treated’.
5. I am launching an event wear collection in May with stunning coloured shift dresses, matching jackets and coats that are perfect for Ascot Henley weddings and celebrations.

Want more from White Gallery exhibitors? Check out our Wonder Woman Wednesday profile on Gill Harvey or read our five minute interview with Alan Hannah.