Road to LFW: Rosie Dennington
"Whether you’re plus size or petite, I can promise you a fabulous experience from start to finish."
Rosie Dennington is a designer from Oxfordshire who creates luxury bridal and couture-wear for all body types as she is passionate about body confidence and body love. Her work has been featured in the September issue of Vanity Fair, worn by Helena Bonham Carter and shot by Mario Testino. She has also had garments worn by Billie Piper, Sharlene Hector of Basement Jaxx and even requested by Madonna!
How would you describe your design aesthetic in 3 words?
Ethereal, Fantasy, Dream-like
What is your creative process when designing?
When designing my collections I like the process to be as organic as possible. I don't restrict myself, instead allow myself to explore my wildest dreams, and then put them into practise. I have family in 'the middle of nowhere' in Northumberland where I have always drawn my initial sketches, by the fire, looking out onto the hills and alpaca! I do think being in fantastical places helps you to design fantastical things! On the other hand, sometimes an idea comes to me at the strangest times, and I have to jot it down quickly!
What does it mean to you to be showing your designs at LFW?
It means that I get to see reactions to my brand new Wanderlust Collection, first hand. It's such an honour to be able to show among other Princes Trust creatives, and I can't wait to see the pieces come down the catwalk! Even more excitingly is the fact that I will be having an additional 2 plus size models. Bringing a diversity of bodies to runway is one of my goals, so I can't wait for this to cause a stir! The main philosophy at Rosie Red Corsetry & Couture is that all bodies deserve to feel beautiful.
Have you ever had to deal with a difficult client?
I have genuinely been really lucky with all my brides and clients, and if I hadn't, I wouldn't be telling you publicly would I?
How do you handle stress and what skills do you think are necessary to be a designer?
Balance! Balance is ridiculously important. I adore what I do, and I am lucky that I am able to do this full time. My brand is one of my major priorities and loves, but at the end of the day you still have to remind yourself that you are just making clothes (wise words from an old lecturer!) I don't let work consume me, I have friends, family, and a partner that would be pretty mad if my brand was my whole entire life! Some nights I work very late, some nights we drink a bottle of wine on the balcony and work isn't mentioned once. I think that's important. In regards to stress, I have never been a very stressed person. I can keep pretty cool and calm in most situations, which I think comes from experience. Life is too short to be full of worry!
It must have been amazing dressing Helena Bonham Carter, who else would be your dream client?
Dressing HBC wad a total dream come true. I would love to dress her again, but there is a whole list of celeb clients I would love to have. Paloma Faith, Christina Hendricks, Gi Fletcher and Danielle Brooks are all included. It would be pretty amazing to dress Taylor Swift for a music video too! And I wouldn't say no to corsetting Beyonce!
Rosie will be debuted her new Wanderlust collection at The Prince’s Trust first fashion collective at London Fashion Week! You can check out Rosie’s brand, blog and social media handles right here!