Inspiration for My Designs-What makes this Couture Designer Tick!

By Coral Turner, Couture Designer

I have often been asked what inspires my designs.  I am not sure I have a simple answer for that question, but I will try to answer it.

Besides having a passionate need to express myself, I have a desire to create garments that pioneer a different aesthetic from the norm and are reinterpretations of designs from the past.  I wish to create garments that are comfortable, sexy and gorgeous.  I appreciate the fact that every other couture designer has probably professed similar desires.

I am influenced by both past and present designers.  If you follow my Facebook page, you have seen many of them.  Further, surrealist art and expressionist influences take shape in my work.  In my designs, you will see elements in unexpected juxtaposition and the use of fabrics and colours to add boldness.  You will note that I have incorporated Elizabethan-like collars (long before Alexander McQueen decided to use them in his collection this year) along with kimono-style sleeves.

Culture and history are important to any designer, whether for the design of clothes or buildings.  I am no different, as I have a love for vintage clothing from the early nineteenth century to the present.  In my collection, you will see graphic prints on mini dresses inspired by ’60s fashion and formal suiting with strong, structured shoulders reminiscent of the ’30s and ’40s.  I also love Asian-inspired designs, and strong elements of it are evident throughout my collection.

Nature has taught me to mix textures like in a beautiful wild garden.  My designs are hand embellished with sequins, beads, leather, metallic threads and contrasting linings.

I pursue those moments when ideas flow effortlessly and creativity is a cherished companion.  I believe in and surrender to the creative process as it unfolds.  I let the fabric and colours speak to me as I create something that will have lasting value and a unique point of view for a garment.

I imagine the woman who will wear the garment.  Is she queen-like?  Is she more like a princess?  Is she an entrepreneur?  A scientist?  Will she dance in the garment?  Will she work in the garment?  Will she attend a red carpet event?  Who will see her?  Will it be her beloved?  An old boyfriend who dumped her thirty years ago and whom she is going to see at her high school reunion?

And so the process goes—an endless cycle of imagination, ideas and concepts that manifest as dresses, skirts, tops and pants that I know you will love because they are one-of-a-kind garments and exclusive, just for you.

You may purchase one of my inspired creations through my online store or contact me at 020 7732 7528 for a private consultation.

Behind the Scenes-Time With Natalie; How a Couture Designer helps a Digital Television Presenter.

By Coral Turner

Yesterday, I had the most phenomenal experience, and I would like to share with you why I salute Natalie Brown – a digital television presenter whose show ‘Time with Natalie’ addresses the work/ life balance we all aim for.

The filming took place in a chic town house near Euston station, on my arrival I was greeted by Natalie with her usual effervescent manner, Jess the Chef, and Freddy the eagle-eyed camera man and film maker.  Within 5 minutes of chatting away, it felt as though we had known each other for years as we became a creative team.

My first experience of television was at the ‘Big Breakfast’, my role was two-fold, personnel and assisting in wardrobe at the studio; the atmosphere there was of one big family, no two days were the same and I worked with incredible people, some of whom grace our television screens and radio today.

Moving forward to online digital media where individuals now have the opportunity to produce their own shows and share globally their contemplation of the world we live in; Natalie the consummate professional showed me that whilst taking her role very seriously, there was also room for humour, and the grace to explore other suggestions from her audience as to content for her shows.  With the filming of 4 shows for that day which started early afternoon, and finishing late into the night, Natalie remained upbeat and glamorous, it was no easy feat.

The first interview was a cooking show with Jess, who describes her approach to cooking as Fast, Fresh and Fun, the aroma’s coming from the kitchen had us all ravenousness for the experience of her brightly coloured medley of scrambled eggs and avocado surprise (which I won’t spoil by telling you more, as film editing is taking place), however, I will say, notebooks to the ready.

After which, Natalie then met with Nina Kristofferson’s actress and singer, whose one woman show portraying the story of Billie Holiday has been a sell-out success at the Charing Cross Theatre.  Being the in presence of this formidable actress and singer, who shared with the audience her philosophies of life and life in the theatre, it was clear to see why rapturous applause for her performances has been bestowed upon her.  Ms Kristofferson encouraged the viewers to ‘follow their dreams as it gives you energy, and makes for an exciting and interesting journey’.

This was then followed by Dion Johnson, an author and mentor whose transformational work for women has earned her accolades as she assists women who are at the stage in their life, where they want to explore how to move forward, from having pressed the ‘pause button’ in their own lives, as they move from caregiver to all, but now want to have more ‘me time’ in their life journey.  Dion’s own story of resilience and courage was a revelation in itself.

Natalie and Nina 

Finally there was me, Coral Turner, couture fashion designer, who once having got over the fit of giggles talked about the passion for my love of fabrics, designing, the love of the craft, and the privilege of being able to be a part of the transformation in wardrobes of men and women.  Natalie wore two of my designs during filming, and each time – yes, I do say so myself; she looked awesome, plus as she couldn’t bear to be parted with one of them she made a purchase at the end of the show!

What about Freddy the gentle soul camera man, whose calming manner and patience put us all at our ease? Camera, sound check, action, this maverick gentleman made sure he captured all of our best sides and moments along with numerous ‘out-takes’.

To close; I will sum up with Ms Brown, Natalie Louise Brown of www.timewithnatalie.com , she is more than a talk show host, as to anyone in the creative media industry can testify, it is extreme hard work with long gruelling hours, having to think on your feet, and garner from your guests inspiration and stories to share with the audience that are not only entertaining, but informative.  Natalie, makes it look easy, yet having witnessed first-hand the work that goes on behind the scenes it is anything but.

Natalie I salute you, and thanks for looking so spectacular in my dresses!  The filming from this experience are coming soon... in the meantime have a look at www.timewithnatalie.com previous shows for pearls of wisdom.

I'm A Couture Designer!

Eastern Promise

By Coral Turner

One of the most common questions that we ask one another is “What do you do?”.  When I respond to that question, “ I am couture designer.”, I get a mixed reaction of quizzical looks and flattering nods of “Oh that is wonderful.”  And from time to time, I get “Ahh, you’re a dressmaker ( or seamstress) which leaves me with quizzical look on my face!

Xanadu

Yes, I make dresses along with blouses, trousers, skirts,coats and tops. However, a couture designer is someone who creates a garment specifically tailored for a particular customer. We work with refined fabrics, and exquisite embellishments. The process is extremely labour intensive since the couture designer is involved with the inception of the design, sourcing the fabric, creating the pattern and then executing a carefully interlined, fitted to perfection garment.  A great deal of the work is done by hand.   These customized fashions are not available for mass production and variations of style are limited to one or two other garments.  They are exclusively designed garments that require a great deal of artistry in their execution. The creation of one these garment can take between 50 to 100 hours.

Pearly Queen

This is the genre of my fashion business. I strive to create unique glamour dresses, coats, suits, tops and trousers for all women. When I work in this genre, I am inspired by my client, and the reason why she needs the special couture dress.

A dressmaker or seamstress is someone that works with someone else pattern or design.  This is where every designer starts and must master before we can strike out and create our own garments.

I do have a ready-to- wear line that is on my website that are exclusive designs.  These garments were not created for one specific person but there is only one of each design.  They only fall under the category of ready to wear since they are ready to wear and standard sizing is used!  You can buy the piece if your size is available but know these are exclusive one-off dresses and tops.  "What makes them exclusive one-offs is that no two styles are exactly the same and the fabric are not reused for the same style."I understand that not every women wants to commission a distinct design and this is a great alternative and  luxury that you cannot ignore for your next special occasion. 

Crushed Cream and Flowers

However you choose to engage my services, you will encounter the highest workmanship, originality of a unique design, and superb materials.  It is my goal that I create an experience for you that you will always remember.