“I ordered a beautiful bamboo armchair that came without a base for the seat – another DIY lockdown project to go on the list!” Veil Designer, Suzie Slipper on an odd purchase she made during lockdown
With every stitch Suzie Slipper makes, follows an ethereal, meticulously crafted veil that will undeniably sweep you off your feet. Elegantly sewing love, sentiment and sustainability into her designs, Suzie Slipper’s bespoke and made-to-order veils are the ultimate accessory for the 2021 bride. Having worked for the likes of William Vintage, Hermione de Paula, Hand & Lock and Eden B Studio and, with a background as a bridal stylist, Suzie’s attention to detail and skill is second to none. Proffering whimsical embroidery as well as unique 3D designs, there’s no doubt this is a piece of your day you’ll treasure forever (and probably pass down to future generations). Plus, with Miniature Touches and Bespoke Monogram services available – as well as a purely couture option – the opportunity to create your dream, bespoke veil is truly a reality at Suzie Slipper.
I managed to catch up with the designer herself (digitally of course) to get the lowdown on her lockdown 3.0…
#1 We’re coming out of lockdown 3. In three words, describe how you are currently feeling…
“Reflective, optimistic, inspired.”
#2 Talk to us about your usual daily routine for your business and how this changes in lockdown…
“I love to start the day by going for a walk before settling at my desk with a cup of coffee. The morning is when I’m most creative, so often it’s the time I’ll be developing bespoke designs for clients after their initial consultation. This could include sketching ideas for their veil, drawing their detailed embroidery design or embroidering samples ready to post to them for their approval before I begin their veil.
Around mid-morning I look at and update my to-do lists, plan the rest of the day and continue with design work, whereas after lunch is my preferred time for admin such as responding to enquiries and emailing bespoke clients with design updates. In the afternoon I embroider orders; whether veils from my collection or finalised bespoke veil designs. One of my favourite parts of the day is embroidering a personal touch onto a veil – be it a monogram or a miniature detail – it gives me so much pleasure making each veil truly unique and special to each bride!”
#3 How will/does lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you throughout?
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do my work remotely and all my consultations are held online so lockdown hasn’t had too much of a negative impact for my business. I’m fairly new to the wedding industry but I’ve been struck by the support and sense of togetherness over the last year. It’s been a real highlight meeting and developing friendships with industry professionals and experiencing their kindness and business advice.
It goes without saying, but brides can support me by getting in touch! I always enjoy speaking with brides and developing veil ideas in line with their style preferences and budget. Bridal embroidery celebrates both sentiment and sustainable craftsmanship and it really is true that when you support a small business, someone somewhere does a little celebratory dance!”
#4 Name three small businesses on Instagram you are supporting or would like to support more…
“My lovely friend Ami has recently launched @petalpopstudio offering sustainable flower girl dresses that are absolutely gorgeous! I have long admired @edenbstudio‘s handcrafted bridal accessories (they really are stunning!) and I would definitely recommend Fran from @primrose_wedding_events – I wish I could turn back time and have her help me plan and style my wedding!”
#5 Favourite lockdown snack? Has this evolved from lockdown 1?
“Unfortunately I’ve got really into baking over lockdown – not so great for my waistline especially with my new found love of elasticated waist trousers during the pandemic! I’m trying to be a little bit healthier now and love a green apple with almond butter as a go-to snack.”
#6 What’s your most recommended lockdown pick-me-up when you’re feeling down during lockdown? What’s getting you through the days?
“Fitness Blender YouTube workouts are a great mood booster – I’m not a natural exerciser but always feel better after doing one of their Hiit sessions in the garden! Can’t beat a good curry and film over the weekend though – simple pleasures!”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dreamt continuously about) during lockdown?
“I have so much admiration for supermarkets and how they’ve handled online orders during the pandemic. Eggs, self-raising flour and yeast were genuinely best birthday presents last year- at the time they didn’t seem to be available anywhere! Right now though I am missing M&S bakery milk chocolate cookies… one day…!”
#8 Name a dinner/meal or beverage choice you feel might bring someone joy to their lockdown life…
“BBC Good Food have an incredible recipe just called ‘Pineapple, beef & ginger stir fry’ – would 10/10 recommend.”
#9 Talk us through what’s new at your brand…
“Pretty much everything is new as I launched my business late last year, but embroidering bespoke personal touches onto my veil designs is what I specialise in and love doing the most. In 2019 I embroidered my wedding dress with my favourite wildflowers and I embroidered a monogram onto my veil that incorporated personal elements of our day. Recently I’ve started offering bespoke monograms to brides – for example, I could create a design based on the flowers in a bride’s bouquet or embroider a couples initials / wedding date. The sky is the limit when it comes to what a bespoke monogram, or any bespoke embroidery design, can include!”
#10 What’s your lockdown outfit most days? Have you, say, developed an unhealthy attachment to the elasticated waists of your leggings like myself?
“Absolutely! Though I’m a big fan of wearing comfortable clothes that also have an element of style to them – my favourite lockdown outfit is a beige knitted pencil skirt paired with a navy cashmere jumper and my much loved small gold hoops from Delphine.”
#11 What series have you now completed on Netflix/Amazon Prime etc.? Any recommendations?
“My husband and I are the biggest fans of Line of Duty and have just re-watched series five of it on Netflix in anticipation of series six just starting… it’s an obsession!”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My best friend who has been working for the NHS on a covid ward in London for many months now. She stays so positive despite not having been able to see her family and is all round the most amazing woman I know. I can’t wait to give her a massive hug!”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“My friend knitted me the most gorgeous Alpaca wool jumper and I’ve barely taken it off all winter!”
#14 For a little Instagram-escapism and positivity, what account would you recommend?
“So many people know it already but I love @petershamnurseries Instagram feed and I can’t wait to visit their garden shop in Richmond when I can.”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Hugs – I will forever be more appreciative of them!
No.2 Technology – being able to see friends and family virtually.
No.3 The little things – it’s worrying how much joy a cup of coffee brings me!”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted again?
“There’s an amazing restaurant in Cambridge called Bedouin that serves delicious Moroccan cuisine in the most incredible setting – it’s hard to describe but the décor makes me feel like I’m a million miles away.”
#17 What would be your five film recommendations to watch during lockdown…
“A United Kingdom, The Green Book, Rebecca (the new remake with Lily James), Notting Hill, and Top Hat (pure escapism!)”
#18 What book would be top of your lockdown book list?
“For a while I’ve wanted to read The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal – I read that my favourite jewellery designer Alex Monroe is a fan and I’m excited that it’s next on my list.”
#19 Name an odd purchase you’ve made during lockdown…
“I ordered a beautiful bamboo armchair that came without a base for the seat – another DIY lockdown project to go on the list!”
#20 The best gift you received this festive period?
“I received a pair of vintage culottes from Jigsaw that have a gorgeous peony print and I can’t wait to wear them more as the weather gets warmer.”
#21 Name a brand you would love to collaborate with…
“I am a huge admirer of The Mews Bridal and their Notting Hill boutique is truly stunning.”
#22 What’s your advice to lockdown brides?
“My advice would be to take each day at a time and to celebrate every wedding planning ‘win’ – however small it may be. The wait will be worth it!”
#23 Your favourite beverage?
“It has to be a G&T!”
#24 Name your favourite magazine to curl up with.
“It’s a treat when VOGUE comes through my letterbox – it’s a classic and always a hugely inspiring read.”
Discover more bespoke veil creations and wedding veils from Suzie Slipper.
Want to read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal brands, boutiques and designers? Head on over to the Bridal Editor WFH Diary page.
Above images: Photography by Grace & Mitch | Dress: River Elliot Bridal | Model: Charlotte Frazer | Florist: Wild Rosamund | Jumpsuit: stylist’s own
