Christine Dando is the Director of Design at Dando London and regularly appears on the popular television show, Say Yes to the Dress UK. Having established Confetti & Lace over 30 years ago, Christine is innovative and influential in the bridal industry.

See Christine’s gorgeous designs in London Dando’s Passion Collection and learn about the inspiration behind the collection here.

Can you tell us a little about your personal background?

I was born in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey and left the UK when I was three years old. My family travelled extensively across Europe and Asia, before eventually settling in Singapore.

Having been introduced to the cosmopolitan lifestyle, I attribute my love for the world of design and beautiful things to the experiences, sights and delights I experienced in my youth.

I now live and design in Canada but travel almost every month to the UK to see brides, work with Say Yes to the Dress UK, touch base with my Dando London team and see the manager of my retail business, Confetti & Lace.

Learn all about Bridal Buyer’s previous Wonder Woman Wednesday star, Gill Harvey, and her fascinating personal background.

How did you get into bridal design?

I spent my childhood designing and making clothes, especially dresses. I was hugely influenced by Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981.

My first collection was made of pure silk with Nottingham lace and I named it Bellissimo, which translates to ’most beautiful’.

I have gone on to design and launch labels and collections for international design houses and now am Director of Design for Dando London, which is showcased in bridal showrooms across the globe.

Check out Charlie Brear’s Wonder Woman Wednesday to find out about how this talented designer got into bridal.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs from?

I get inspiration from the world around me, this could be a beautiful landscape or a sunset at the end of the day.

Alternatively, I can see a beautiful bolt of fabric or a stunning embellishment and know I just have to weave them into a bridal gown.

Buildings are also a great source of inspiration, I had a magical time designing a gown for Kimberley Anne, who was appearing on Say Yes to the Dress UK. Kimberley Anne is a bridal boutique owner and was very discerning.

The building I got inspiration from was St Paul’s Cathedral. St Paul’s, full of history, majesty and rich in heritage, was the start point for the stunning design of Kimberley Anne’s bridal gown and, of course, the dress had to be called St Paul’s.

The overriding inspiration for me, however, are the brides-to-be. I adore working with real brides -listening, learning and making their dreams become reality.

Read new designer Jacqui James’s Wonder Woman Wednesday profile to understand where this talent gets inspiration for her designs from.

What are your secrets to success?

Passion, hard work and creativity; these three elements are essential, together with a love for the bridal industry.

I wake up every morning with a smile on my face, excited for the day ahead. I am truly passionate about what I do.

What’s your greatest achievement?

I am fortunate to be immensely proud of many achievements in my life and career.

Juggling motherhood whilst running a retail business and designing has to be up there. To have my collections for Dando London sold in showrooms across the globe is truly a ’pinch me’ moment too.

Read more: Wonder Woman Wednesday: Regine Ellis

Who is your greatest female inspiration?

Michelle Obama and Ellen Degeneres are inspirational women of today. Michelle Obama for her grace, poise and sense of style and her work for women across the globe. Not to mention dealing with the pressures of being America’s First Lady without losing her humanity.

Ellen Degeneres is most certainly a female of today, married to her long-term girlfriend, she is a woman of high achievement and she gives voice and support to other women. I admire her career, style and the good she brings to the world.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

Designing stunning bridal gowns is what I live to do. I lose myself in sketching, allowing the creative process to unfold unfettered. I like to push boundaries, be a step of ahead designing edgy yet commercial bridal gowns.

Read more: Wonder Woman Wednesday: Marguerite Hannah

What can we expect from Dando London at London Bridal Fashion Week?

London Bridal Fashion Week is one of the highlights of my year. Being able to show my new collections at such a prestigious event is a joy.

Read more: London Bridal Week has rebranded as London Bridal Fashion Week

Expect clean, sleek lines in the new Signature Collection with exclusive new unusual lace designs and the most amazing beautiful beading.

My new Signature Collection remains true to the Dando Signature heritage: enhancing the female form.

To sit alongside Signature, I am proud to be launching the new Dando Couture Collection. The dresses in this collection are fashioned in the highest quality fabrics and laces with embellishment to reflect luminosity and radiance on to a bride’s complexion.

Expect the unexpected from Dando London; I simply can’t wait for LBFW.

Read the London Bridal Fashion Week 2019 Preview to find out what you can expect at the show and make sure you register to London Bridal Fashion Week to ensure you don’t miss out on this world-leading fashion event.

Can you tell us five interesting facts about yourself?

• I won Miss Lossiemouth, in Lossiemouth, Scotland, when I was 16 years old.
• My Grandfather was Thai, so I’m of multicultural heritage.
• I am a daredevil skier.
• I love scuba diving and have my PADI advanced diving qualification.
• Crab pâté is my signature dish I love to make for family and friends.

Want more from this bridal superstar? Make sure you read our exclusive interview with Christine Dando here.