“My cousin Emmanuel who just shows up on the doorstep with shopping for my parents. The biggest heart ever.” Kate Edmondson Bridal Couture on an act of kindness you’ve appreciated during lockdown
Celebrated for her innate style and meticulous attention to detail, everything bridal designer Kate Edmondson Bridal Couture touches is infused with her signature spirit, something Kate describes as an “unapologetic edge of contemporary style”. The Kate Edmondson Bridal Couture bride is a true romantic at heart and searches for something modern, but forever timeless to take to the aisle in. Having started the label over 20 years ago, this is a designer determined to craft and create a gown that is worthy of every one of your bridal dreams. I caught up with Kate to get the lowdown on her lockdown (2.0)…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now as we look to go into another lockdown:
Before: “Humble, grateful, anxious.”
During: “Reflective, creative, inspired.”
After: “Relief, determined, stronger.”
Photography by @rvcreative.studio 
Photography by @rvcreative.studio
#2 What time do you get up? Does this change in lockdown? Will life be a little slower for you? Talk to us about your usual daily routine and how this changes in lockdown…
“I get up around 8am. My day is pretty much the same but at a lot slower and more relaxed pace. I am currently working out of my home studio so I am able to work on some new pieces designing and developing new styles. I am still contactable on a virtual basis. From time to time I have done virtual consultations with my brides. I also take visits to my bridal studio in Acton.”
#3 How does lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you throughout?
“At the moment a lot of brides are browsing rather than committing to have their dress ordered. I feel brides are not feeling confident about going ahead with their wedding plans. The main reason being that there is not a clear road map as to what they can and cannot do. Until things become clearer weddings as we know will not go ahead. In saying that, I still hope couples can keep planning to keep their dream day alive. We are still open on a virtual basis only, so happy to hear from our brides-to-be!”
#4 Name three small businesses on Instagram you are supporting or would like to support more…
“Shopping local is essential and keeping our local high street alive is extremely important!”
“@rvcreative.studio – Rachel has been a massive support to our brand. Telling our story through her gorgeous images. She is also a local business to me and very passionate about supporting fellow women and local businesses through this difficult time.”
“@1011Cht have been a great support to us! Not only is it a great venue, its perfect for elopement-style weddings in the ultra chic heart of London. Its also great for larger weddings and events too.”
#5 What is your favourite isolation snack?
“One of my weaknesses is snacking on too many biscuits along with a good cup of coffee.”
#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down during lockdown?
“I love reading which allows me to relax and switch off, I also enjoy a good movie on Prime or Netflix.”
#7 What’s the item you could NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dreamt continuously about) during lockdown previously?
“Extremely grateful to get what I need.”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdowns?
“During the last lockdown my dad had a stroke so not being able to reach out in person. The feeling of being helpless and not being able to visit him was really a frightening experience.”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“WhatsApp is great for keeping in touch with family and friends.”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Isolation – the restrictions.”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Feeling more relaxed.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My sister and friend Dawn – she needs a massive hug right now. She said to me if there was someone she could carry around in her pocket it would be me!! Bless her!”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“My cousin Emmanuel who just shows up on the doorstep with shopping for my parents. The biggest heart ever.”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“I am always being creative working on new ideas and styles – something more relaxed and less informal. I think couples getting married now are having more relaxed-style weddings, opting to have a larger celebration later when it is safe to do so. We have a few new styles and I’m still working on some new ones as we speak!”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “My workspace at home.”
No.2 “Good health.”
No.3 “Having more time to reflect and plan.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted again?
“Cottons in Notting Hill.”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“Greenleaf on Netflix.”
#18 What book would be top of your quarantine book list?
“I’ve brought several books on my tablet I am yet to read including Across the Way, Shattered and Over the Fence.”
#19 For a little Instagram-escapism, what three accounts would you recommend?
No.1 “@bespokediva“
No.2 “@okensi_”
No.3 “@masktribe”
#20 Name three things you bought online during lockdown last time and three things you’re thinking of buying this time around:
“I have brought some lovely jeans from Zara.”
#21 What’s your ‘lockdown’ outfit most days?
“PJ bottoms and a t-shirt along with a comfortable pair of slippers.”
#22 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“I’m not a drinker so a fruit cocktail would be great!”
Discover more of Kate Edmondson Bridal Couture’s beautiful bridal creations here.
Read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal brands, designers and boutiques on Bridal Editor here.
Editorial Imagery Credits:
CREDITS
Photographer : Rachel Takes Pictures
Venue: Carlton Terrace House
Hairstylist: Love hair by Lou
Make up artist: Makeupology brides
Shoe designer: Freya Rose
Model: Maria King
