Competition Winner- Elizabeth Anne Design

Elizabeth Anne Design started with a little girl in Northern Ireland with strong artistic abilities, a love of colour, a desire to create and an eye for fashion. Wanting to stand out from the crowd, she soon developed her own unique wardrobe using skills handed down to her from other family members.

This eye for detail and knowledgeable approach secured Anne a management position within a childrenswear manufacturer. During this period she developed machining techniques and learnt many valuable things about fabric technology. Alongside this full time occupation she began taking on individual clients for whom she created unique, top quality outfits and naturally gravitated towards wedding outfits and formal dresses.

Eventually she took the plunge and opened her own shop, complimenting her design work and stocking fabrics and haberdashery, too. After 12 years, demand for unique designs and personal service became so great that Anne closed her shop in favour of a small workshop in the heart of Clogher Valley. This decision ensured that all customers received a completely personal experience at the new Elizabeth Anne Design workshop. Every part of the process - from initial sketch to finished garment - is expertly carried out by Anne to ensure each outfit is perfect. Elizabeth Anne Design is still based in Northern Ireland but has devoted clients worldwide.

With a growing number of clients, demand for new designs and unique fabrics increased and so new sources were required. Joel and Son ably filled this void, offering a vast range of quality fabrics and trims from around the world. The client pictured in the Joel & Son Competition photo first came to Anne for a few special dresses and eventually asked her to design her wedding dress (pictured below).

As someone who also works in the clothing trade, this bride-to-be appreciated quality fabric and effortless style and glamour. After initial consultations on style and fabrics, a design was approved. Without hesitation Anne went to London and selected fabric from Joel & Son Fabrics - beautiful silk crepe satin overlaid with silk chiffon and finished off with the most gorgeous Valentino Diamanté trim. When the toile was made it suited perfectly so Anne was able to begin cutting the dress with the confidence that it would be stunning when completed. With help from John, a close friend who also helps with millinery, the delicate fabrics were laid out and cut. The skirt was cut into panels to give it that beautiful flowing shape, which extended into a train at the back. The drape neck at the front was so soft and fluid, and the deep V at the back complimented the bride’s perfect figure. Other outfits designed by Elizabeth Anne Design for this occasion included the bridesmaid, Mother-of-the-Bride, Mother-of-the-Groom, an evening dress for the bride and also a dress for the next day, all using fabrics from Joel & Son.

Anne believes the quality and feel of a fabric, as well as print and colour, are equally as important as the design and fit. It is for this reason that Anne has chosen Joel & Son time and time again to source fabrics and trims for her designs. It gives her immense pleasure to see her finished work and to hear people say how “confident and comfortable” they feel in her outfits. To show that Anne is continually developing her skills she can now produce fascinators to match her outfits so everyone can get the ensemble in one location.