Ruth Milliam has just opened a by-appointment bridal boutique in her Chichester, West Sussex studio where you can explore her collection of super-romantic gowns and accessories
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]uth Milliam may be a relatively new name on the bridal scene, having launched in 2015, but her designs are definitely making a splash. Now she has opened her flagship bridal boutique in her home county of Chichester, West Sussex, offering brides the opportunity to explore her super-romantic collection of wedding gowns and accessories.
Ruth trained as a fashion designer and worked around the world in design before returning to the UK. The birth of her twins inspired her to focus on creating wedding attire – also giving her the opportunity to build a collection around her passion for all things handmade. Her signature is floaty and ruffled skirts and intricate embellishments on bodices, including fine beading with crystals and pearls, use of silk flowers and French laces. She also works with ostrich feathers – creating gorgeous accessories with ostrich plumes and incorporating them into some of her gowns.
Fine laces, silks and chiffons predominate and this is showcased beautifully in her 2017 collection, which was shot on location on a windswept beach and portrays brides as ethereal sirens.
There is a daring aspect to Ruth Milliam’s work – at the White Gallery in May she chose to highlight one of her fabulous form fitting gowns at the catwalk shows. The addition of gold embellishment to a scultural longline bodice – combined with a lavish chiffon ruffled skirt – was pure Hollywood glamour. And the perfect showstopping combination for the bride looking to make a dramatic entrance to her party.
If you’ve found your gown, Ruth Milliam is most definitely worth checking out for her decadent accessories – which were her first foray into bridal. Fine pieces include ostrich feather gilets and capes and glamorous rhinestone and feather headdresses. Some of these accessories are available via her website.
Ruth Milliam Bridal Couture accessories are also available at select UK stockists, including Truly Madly Deeply in Tadworth, Surrey. At her Chichester studio – an idyllic converted barn close to Goodwood and the fabulous Sussex coast – you can see dresses and accessories being made and also choose a bespoke service for your wedding gown.
