Your Kent Wedding - March/April 2021 (Issue 95)

75 HANDMADE IN KENT MEET ZOË DOWLE, BRIDES BY ZOË www.weddingdresskent.co.uk @bridesbyzoe Zoë has had a passion for bridalwear from her school days when she began to show a talent for needlework, art and design. She explains, “It was the natural path to follow after school and I was lucky enough to advance my knowledge at The London College of Fashion, where I spent a fantastic three years learning about design.” After graduating, Zoë successfully launched her own business, creating bespoke bridal and eveningwear. Fast forward to the present day and the designer is delighted to have launched her own private off-the-peg label available at her boutique in Canterbury, Brides by Zoë. She handmakes each gorgeous gown – a dream come true for the bride seeking individuality and affordability. Zoë was inspired to set up the brand by brides coming into the boutique looking for certain design and practical elements that were actually quite difficult to find in wedding dress collections at the time. “I felt inspired to start designing again, offering fashion-forward bridal gowns. I’m finding that sleeves, in many different styles, are hugely popular. We’ve moved away from the traditional full-length sleeve covered in lace and sparkle though. Now we have bell shapes, flutter sleeves and cuffs,” she says. Alongside, her own stunning range, Zoë is also proud to stock the whimsical, bohemian collection by Wendy Makin, and Willoughby by Watters. MEET CHARLOTTE BAKER, CHARLOTTE BAKER HANDMADE JEWELLERY www.charlottebaker.co.uk | @ cbakerjewellery Charlotte is a Kent-based jewellery designer and maker, creating custom- made, one-of-a-kind pieces. She uses traditional techniques with a focus on hand-piercing, which requires great skill and dexterity to saw intricate designs out of silver. She says, “I’ve loved drawing, making things and just generally being creative since I was young. So, studying art throughout my education seemed like the natural route for me to follow. Now I get to create unique jewellery for a living.” Her gorgeous contemporary collection includes rings, cufflinks, tie accessories, necklaces, earrings, bridesmaids’ and groomsmen gifts. Charlotte specialises in commissions and works with 925 sterling silver and 9ct gold to create super-special personalised pieces to suit her clients’ colour scheme, theme and budget.