Emilia Wickstead

The majority of our clients are British. They want to wear things time and time again. ”

I saw a niche in the market where made-to-measure wasn't being done in a modern, fresh way or in a short period of time. Traditionally, bespoke orders take a very long time, but I thought, 'Here we are with all these fashion-forward ideas - why not?' ”

I feel like British designers are having a real moment; there's a lot of freedom to be different, and I think that that's what so unique. There's no expectation of what you're going to see at London Fashion Week, and I think that's why you get such a mixed bag of sweets. ”

I attended speech and drama classes with a nun to help me gain confidence in speaking without my face turning red each time. ”

Old images and films are my main source of inspiration. ”

It's almost like a chintzy floral that I play on, and sometimes it can get a bad rep. It doesn't necessarily feel modern, but with different silhouettes and cuts, it can. ”

I'd say I play on old world couture as opposed to modern day bridal; there's something very timeless and appealing in that. ”

What's exciting for me is to make sure that people do still dress up - how do we do that in this fast-paced modern world, when we're all on the move and all so busy? ”

If I'd really known how hard I was going to have to work behind the scenes to have any kind of business, I think I would have stopped. ”

As for design, I gravitate to traditional styles but mix it with an element of surprise. Whether it's a big sash bow in the back or an unexpected fabric, it all needs to work together. ”