The Olwen Bourke Bridalwear collection: 3 of our favourites

A former designer to the stars launches a high-end bridalwear collection. We take a look at the collection and three of our favourites

Photography: Claire Harrison

Aislinn is a new bridalwear collection from fashion designer Olwen Bourke. Having designed gowns for the stars of Strictly Come Dancing and worked on costumes for the Royal Opera House in London, Bourke has set her sights on the bridal world with a collection aimed at contemporary, stylish brides-to-be. Aislinn – the Irish word for “dream/vision,” is a whimsical, romantic and sophisticated collection for the fashion conscious, contemporary bride.

The dresses, which range in price between £1,250 and £4,000, are all handcrafted using fine silks and the intricate couture finishing that Bourke perfected during her years creating one-off gowns for clients in London and Paris. They feature unique decorative elements such as gold embroidered motifs, lace-inspired punched leather and handcrafted flower detailing.

Bourke’s signature motifs can be seen throughout the collection, including a gold leather belt with the designer’s trademark handmade leather roses and delicate hand-cut flowers over an ethereal tulle skirt.

Each collection designed by Bourke contains at least one gown made entirely from an

upcycled garment. A champion of ethical fashion, Bourke loves to redesign family heirlooms and vintage dresses into stylish gowns for the contemporary bride. Alternatively she can take a decorative element from a much-loved garment and incorporate it into a new design. For this collection, Bourke has transformed a 1980s silk wedding dress into a stunning, contemporary gown with a slim line lace bodice and delicate peplum frill. Each dress is made to order in Bourke’s East London studio, where she offers a friendly one-to-one service, working closely with brides to create their ultimate dream dress.

The Aislinn collection was launched in April 2014 at A Most Curious Wedding Fair,

London, where it won the prestigious “Highly Commended” award at BridalNEXT!, an initiative set up to support and promote fresh, new and innovative talent in the bridal industry.

For more information visit www.olwenbourke.com