Interview with Debbie Bailie
Refined Bridal accessoires
I first discovered the beautiful world of Gibson Bespoke on Etsy, and then on Instagram via fine art photographer Tanja Kibogo. I was immediately smitten by Gibson Bespoke´s refined and timeless creations. Luxury bridal capes, glamourous wedding gowns, unique headpieces: each piece created by Debbie reveals her impeccable taste. I was not surprised to read that Harper’s Bazaar and Elle magazine named her among the ‘Best Bespoke Bridal Designers’.
{ Gibson Bespoke Bridal Accessoires } Did you noticed that many pieces of the collection are named after French Culture? -the Voltaire headpiece, the Rousseau couture gown...- A way for Debbie to tell us how much she loves France! This interview reveals a passionate, talented person, beautiful inside and out!
Dear Debbie, could you please give us your bio?
After almost 15 years working and buying for high end labels such as Balenciaga, Alaia and Prada, I yearned for a creative outlet. I’d always been into the arts and with a background in classical ballet I was searching for something equally as expressive to fulfil me artistically. Then out of the blue, I was given the opportunity to create a bridal headpiece for my friend’s wedding, I went to work sourcing materials and inspirations for her design and that’s when my love of bridal was truly born. That was back in 2011 and since then I have created many beautiful and complex pieces for brides all around the world. I’m completely self taught which my clients are surprised and delighted by. My work has been featured on the covers of Brides, Vogue magazine and I’ve been named by Harper’s Bazaar and Elle magazine ‘Best Bespoke Bridal Designers’.
Do you have an anecdote you would like to tell us? A funny or moving experience with a bride?
Every experience I have with my brides is moving in some way. In the 9 years I have been working with women, I’ve heard many stories, I’ve seen thousands come through my doors. I’ve had brides battling illnesses, a bride who just had triplets, brides juggling important careers such as heart surgeons or nurses, a bride with not one but four weddings! One lovely bride Tamara, lost her mother to a terminal illness, during the creation of her wedding dress. She said to me after, how I gave her and her mother such a special experience and it was something she would always cherish. I place great responsibility on myself to make every woman’s experience a very special and memorable one. I welcome all of my brides with an open heart and hope they feel as special in my studio as they truly deserve to be.
What is a typical day in your atelier?
{ Gibson Bespoke Bridal Accessoires } Each day in my atelier is unique in some way, I think this is what makes my work so exciting. Most days though, I’m in my office for around 9am with a coffee and some relaxing music and I set about answering emails and bridal/press enquiries and sourcing materials. After, I’ll post some beautiful inspirational posts for my social media followers, including any exciting news or new designs I have. I always work around my brides busy schedules so I’ll have bridal appointments in the showroom all throughout the day, 7 days a week. Many of my brides are juggling careers, children, social lives and wedding preparations so it’s important I’m really flexible for them. Grabbing moments in between bridal appointments I’m happily tucked away in my top floor studio. Everything is created here, from editorial pieces to bespoke designs and ready to wear. I find it a really inspiring space, there are moodboards, rows of silks and sequin fabrics and of course, millions of beads and crystals. I’ll usually finish around 7pm, sometimes later depending on the amount of commissions I have. Although I never really finish work and switch off, a designer is always imagining the next piece to create!
How do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in absolutely everything, from art galleries, books, movies, architecture. Just the other day in a magazine image, I noticed a globe ornament with a succulent plant draped over it and immediately inspiration for a new headpiece design sparked and I had to sketch it. There are constant ideas popping into my mind, so I usually carry a small notepad with me to quickly sketch ideas down. Current design houses that really inspire me are Ralph & Russo and Elie Saab, for their intricate details and superb tailoring. Looking back in history I’d say Christian Dior for his appreciation of the female silhouette and Coco Chanel, the innovator of the modern woman’s style.
What are your projects for 2020?
I’m currently (and excitedly) designing and creating a new collection for mid 2020. I’ll keep it under wraps for now but what I will say is that it will pay homage to my background in dance.
What is your advice to the bride-to-be when it comes to choose the perfect accessoire for her wedding?
{ Gibson Bespoke Bridal Accessoires } I would definitely advise brides to strip it back to the essentials. If you have a simple dress, you can afford to add a little more detail than say, if you had a fully embellished or lace gown. A plain silk or crepe gown will look exquisite with a long flowing crystal cape or a beautifully intricate embroidered veil. Equally a very ornate gown with lace or crystals should be accessorised with a simple veil and/or a headpiece or some statement earrings. It’s about getting the right level of adornment without going over the top. So start off by adding a little at a time, you’ll know when your look is just right. I’m always on hand to offer my brides advice on how to accessorise beautifully. A woman should be able to look back at her wedding photos in 20 years and still be in love with her look. Note : This rarely happens brides from the 1980’s
What is the question I didn´t ask but still want to answer?
Who would I love to dress? I’m in love with Miroslava Duma, her style is impeccably chic and she always manages to accessorize to perfection. I would love to dress her for a magazine editorial or gala event! Then please send my a pic of you + a selection of max 20 pictures of your beautiful work+ photographer credits
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