29 SUSTAIN | BUSINESS FOR GOOD
Our Journey.
As a young entrepreneur in the noughties our designer Elizabeth quickly realised that British craftsmanship was in decline. Most bridal wear, indeed fashion was manufactured in the far east and developing countries, gowns offered elaborate beading and embroideries at relatively modest retail prices, once you deduct retailer profits, shipment costs, VAT, materials; there did not seem to be a fair amount left for the maker.
Most of the skilled seamstresses and tailors who worked with Elizabeth in those early days were significantly older and there simply wasn’t the talent emerging from the younger generation to carry on the skills and traditions.
Seeing an opportunity and a problem that needed to be solved Elizabeth decided to study the art of fashion atelier: couture dress making and tailoring and become a new generation of designer bringing these skills and practises to bear in Britain.
29 Atelier is a brand with a clear ambition for ethical and sustainable production, which does not comprise style, made here in the United Kingdom.
Reusing bridal wear?
We at 29 Atelier are pasionate about looking how our bridal looks can be reworn and enjoyed. People assume that its impossible to reuse and enjoy longevity with bridal wear. We offer a alteration service for our brides where we seperate there dresses into seperates. As well as designing stand alone pieces like the stunning Savannah lace wrap skirt which looks perfect for bridal wear and then can be reworn as luxe beachwear or to create into a cocktail look.
Conscious couture.
Unveiling sustainable wedding dress options with ‘Guides for Brides’ The podcast.
Listen to our founder & designer, Elizabeth Ruddick discuss navigating sustainability and bridal wear.
Creating Consciously Crafed Bridal Wear
We are commited to the following.
Locally made; all our bridal wear are made in the United Kingdom.
Craftmanship and community; we work with local productions and artisans. Sharing knowledge within the community educating the next generation with in house work experience, apprenticships and going out to local schools, universities and colleges to share our practises and experiences.
Considered fabrics and materials; We identify the origins of our fabrics, favouring natural materials. We love to by materials that British produced where possible but with the nature of bridal wear, some of the best world-renowned fabrics such as lace and silk are produced in Italy, France, Spain and further afield places such as Japan. We love to work with independent producers, artisan and heritage makers.
Reducing waste; by reusing and recycling within the atelier. We donate remnants and offcut fabrics to local schools to be used in textile and design projects.
Reusability and longevity, designing garments with this purpose in mind where possible so that they can be enjoyed being worn again.
Carbon footprint; to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible.
