Wedding dress designer Johanna Hehir talks cuts, colours and class! | UKbride

Wedding dress designer Johanna Hehir talks cuts, colours and class!

Wedding dress designer Johanna Hehir talks cuts, colours and class!

In an exclusive interview, UKbride speaks to London wedding dress designer Johanna Hehir about contemporary cuts, classic colours, and her current collection...

With 10 years of experience under her belt, wedding dress designer Johanna Hehir prides herself on encompassing the 'modern classic' aesthetic to which today's brides aspire. Describing her signature style as "clean and unfussy", we caught up with the London designer to discuss decisions, demand, and definitions of a 'dream dress'.

Whilst she has celebrated success in the UK — having recently shown her 2012 collection on the catwalk at the new international White Gallery Bridal Fair in London — Johanna's pieces are also now available at Kleinfeld Bridal, famed as the most prestigious bridal couture store in New York City.

When, and how, did you break into the world of wedding fashion?
I began by designing and making made to measure evening wear and found that my styles were easily transferred into the bridal market as girls were looking for a slimmer style evening dress. I opened my dedicated Johanna Hehir bridal boutique in London 10 years ago.


What was your inspiration for your latest collection?
The Hartwell House Collection is inspired by soft romantic shapes with strong back detail from the 1930's and 1940's Hollywood film stars. The fabrics I have used are beautiful silk georgettes and satins, detailed laces and layered tulle for the fuller A-Line shapes.


What is your favourite piece from the collection?
One of my favourites from the new collection is a 1930's inspired dress called Arianne. It is a very unique cut and the silk satin fabric is very luxurious.


In your opinion, what's the most flattering cut/colour of a wedding gown?
Most British brides tend to choose a soft ivory colour as white can be very harsh on the skin tone. If a bride is looking for a slimmer evening style, then my 1930's style pannelled skirt on Isla is fantastic for all shapes and sizes as the panels fall softly over the hips.


What advice would you give a bride choosing her dream wedding dress?
Do your research! Have a look online to find boutiques and designers that have the style or type of dress you are looking for. Do not be afraid to try something you would not usually wear — your wedding dress should be special and you may be surprised!


And finally, can you tell us more about the trends for the forthcoming season?
The brides coming into my London boutique are trying much slimmer styles with a soft unstructured look.  Back detail is also very important and my new collection really explores the wow factor from every angle.

Johanna Hehir IslaAbove: Johanna Hehir's 'Isla' gown — a 1930's ruched front satin soft sweetheart dress with bias cut sleeves.

Johanna Hehir ArianneAbove: 'Arianne' — one of Johanna's personal favourites from her Hartwell House Collection — a 1930's plunge halterneck satin dress with ruched waist and diamante trim.