This piece is part of a sponsored advertorial with Bridal Buyer.

 

You can contact the Castigliano team at mlowry@carolinecastigliano.com or via Whatsapp: +44 07435 529197.

Tell us a little about the history behind Caroline Castigliano – why did you decide to enter the bridal industry?

I launched the brand "Caroline Castigliano" 31 years ago when I opened my first boutique in Esher in Surrey.

I had made clothes all my life having my mother teach me how to sew from the age of five. By the time I was 10, I was able to make my own clothes. Sewing and designing was a fundamental part of my life from an early age. My best friend was very similar to me and our idea of fun was to go to Liberty of London, buy fabric and drape clothes on each other! This was an important learning stage in my life. I had no idea it would be so important in my future career.

I realised very soon after launching "Caroline Castigliano" the boutique that I wanted to also launch my own collection. I decided to ask the designer Jasper Conran if he would design a bridal collection with me - I am pleased to say he accepted, and so the label Jasper Conran for "Caroline Castigliano" was created.

This collection was a great success and the dresses sold all over the world. It was at this time that I opened our production studio. 

The following year, I launched the first ever “Caroline Castigliano” collection and at that time we only sold via our own shops which by then included concessions in both Harrods and Liberty in London as well as a small number of “Caroline Castigliano” shops, which eventually grew to fifteen boutiques across the UK. I ran these specialist stores for twenty years until I got to the stage where I was being pulled in every direction and no longer doing the things I loved. It was at this point that I decided to concentrate on designing and started wholesaling the collections around the world. 

Today, we are proud that all Caroline Castigliano gowns are crafted here in the United Kingdom by our dedicated team. We offer our gowns in half sizes, made to measure and mini made to measure. We believe the fit and architecture of a gown is fundamental to the gowns we create.

We produce luxury gowns in the true sense of the word and use the finest quality fabrics from the leading houses around the world. Quality, luxury, fit and style are fundamental to the Caroline Castigliano brand. 

You’ve been in the bridal industry for nearly 30 years – what are your greatest achievements and challenges, and what significant changes you have seen in the industry since starting?

I feel I have been very lucky over the thirty one years. It would be hard to choose one aspect and say that is my greatest achievement. I have dressed many celebrities and royalty and have had television programmes made about us. For me, building a successful brand that is thriving after thirty one years is probably my greatest achievement and to have the most fantastic team around me, some of who have worked with me for over 21 years is invaluable. 

The changes over those 31 years have been significant. I suppose the most noted is that 31 years ago, one got married in a church, synagogue or registry office. When things opened up to allow civil weddings pretty much anywhere, it changed the whole industry and of course made it very exciting for a designer as brides were able to be so much more diverse with their wedding locations and consequently their gowns. One minute you would be designing for a castle style wedding and the next, a beach wedding. 

In designing a wedding dress I appreciate being part of one of the most important days in a woman’s life. I feel a wedding dress says everything about the bride’s personality and style and to create gowns that speak volumes about a bride that makes that woman feel special, is very rewarding. There have also been many challenges over the years, recessions, Covid... it is like playing chess! You constantly have to be on top of everything and try to make the right moves. In many ways, that is what I find exciting and keeps me on my toes. Most importantly no matter what the challenge at the time, our service to our brides and our world wide stockists is always paramount. 

There’s so much pressure for brands to come out with collections season after season – how do you keep them fresh?

To keep fresh within your design you have to be inspired. Keep an eye at all times on fashion trends, but I like to look at historical style. My passions are the 50’s glamorous and well groomed. I love the style of Jackie Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and the like. I am passionate about vintage Givenchy, Cristobal Balenciaga, Coco Channel, Christian Dior.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest collection and which dresses you’re excited for retailers to see?

I regard the Caroline Castigliano signature style as understated and effortless. I draw on classic traditions and add elements of modern styling. 

We introduced the new ‘Celebration’ collection at Bridal Week Harrogate 2022: we have created gowns in printed organza with petal style corset bodices, along with texturised mikado split front ballroom style skirts fused with satin corsets. We have jacket/ shrugs in modern corded lace with exquisite pearl and diamanté beading as well as pleated Chantilly sleeves. It is a wide collection with several new gowns together with jackets, shrugs, detachable sleeves and trains.

The ‘Celebration’ collection is for a modern bride with a flare for classic contemporary style. Our dresses typically wholesale between £1,250 and £1,850 so if you are looking for a luxury line and have a client base for our price points, please drop us an email!