I recently had the pleasure of spending time with Sally, the founder and visionary behind Sally Victoria Couture, a bespoke bridal atelier creating an uplifting and fulfilling experience for brides. We met over lunch at a charming cafe near her new studio in Cottesloe, Perth, and it felt like catching up with an old friend – instantly connecting and chatting for hours; thus, I'm excited to share our conversation with you.
Sally shared with us what sets her atelier apart from others in the bridal industry. Her passion for making women feel confident and beautiful is evident in every piece she creates. Her inspiration comes from the feminine form, fabrics and nature, and she is constantly exploring new trends and styles to incorporate into her collections.
We also discussed how Sally balances motherhood and business. She shares her daily life via Instagram and connects with her audience with an unfiltered, raw and fun approach, so jump onto @sallyvictoriacouture. I have been following Sally for a while now, so I’m not surprised I felt instantly comfortable with her over lunch – Sally beams warmth and loving energy, which radiates through her business and is exactly how you’ll feel when visiting her socials or studio in person.
As for the future of SVC, Sally has big plans. She’s constantly thinking of ways to grow and innovate in the ever-changing fashion landscape. From expanding her product line to ready-made, Sally is always searching for innovative ways to push the boundaries and take her brand to the next level.
Sally, I can’t wait to see your brand evolve and enjoy many more long lunches and beach walks with you.
Georgie
xx
WHAT IS THE QUOTE YOU DESIGN AND LIVE BY:
The best thing you can wear is confidence. That and an SVC dress.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT COLLECTION.
Currently, I have my 2023 ready-to-wear designs available for order, which I launched in the middle of last year. I like to work a little differently from most bridal brands by continually adding new designs that grow the collection over the years rather than releasing one or two seasonal collections. I put a lot of love into each design, intending to create timeless pieces that won’t go out of style after just one season. By dedicating more of my time to my ready-to-wear collection, you can expect to see many more designs released this year.
CAN YOU SHARE THE BRIDAL TRENDS THAT WILL DEFINE THE 23/24 WEDDING SEASON?
I’m finding that more and more brides aren’t looking for just one look but instead want to style multiple looks to impress their husband/wife and guests. Mini dresses are a must-have, whether it’s a cute one for the hen’s party or a party version for the dance floor. Accessories like giant bows, detachable skirts, gloves, and pearl veils are all about the finer details that transform your look. I love the idea of starting with a corset bodysuit and adding or removing layers to shift from one look to another. It’s all about finishing or transforming your look to create something unique and special.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION?
Fabrics will always be a source of inspiration for me. Once I’ve picked up a piece of lace, I’m transported by how it will fall on the body and what design would work best. The female body is always my guide when designing, as I aim to create designs that complement its lines and shape. My ultimate goal is to make women feel confident and powerful in my designs. My creative side emerges when I’m in nature, feeling zen and at peace. I spend a lot of downtime at cafes alone, going on coastal walks and taking dips in the ocean.
TELL US ABOUT THE FABRICS YOU WORK WITH AND THE TECHNIQUES AND AESTHETICS THAT DISTINGUISH YOUR DESIGN.
I believe my talent lies in my eye for detail. Whether it’s a pattern-making technique I’ve discovered myself, or the placement of an appliqué, it’s the little things that only I can see and add to a design. I particularly enjoy working with lace and beaded fabrics, as they allow my imagination to run wild with intricate and beautiful designs. I focus on creating chic, modern, and timeless pieces that will turn heads.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR BRIDES TRYING TO FIND THE PERFECT WEDDING DRESS? CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE BRIDAL BIBLE?
The bridal bible is the ultimate resource for brides who don’t know where to start. It’s where I’ve compiled all my tips and advice to help brides feel confident in choosing their forever dress. My biggest piece of advice would be to choose what you like and don’t worry about pleasing others. This is your moment to stand out, look amazing, and have that “wow” moment – don’t be scared! There are many opportunities to dress up, but you only get one chance to wear a wedding dress. Make it count!
EXPLAIN YOUR RANGE DESIGN. WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS?
For the past four years, I’ve had the pleasure of working exclusively with custom brides and have absolutely loved it. However, I’m excited to focus more on my ready-to-wear collection this year. I have so many ideas that I’m eager to share with brides everywhere. I typically spend a month or two fine-tuning each design, creating multiple samples until I’m satisfied with the final product. Once the design is perfected, it’s made with the actual fabric and photographed for boutiques to view. My goal is to collaborate with boutiques all around Australia, making my designs accessible for brides to view, try on, and order. I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter for SVC and proud of all the hard work that has brought me to this point.
ANY STYLING TIPS?
It’s all about balance. If you’re going for a heavily detailed dress, keep your veil and accessories simple and opt for classic, polished hair. Add some detail with your veil or accessories choices if you’re wearing a simple dress. Strong, brown-winged eyeliner is feminine and perfect for a bride.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW SPACE.
Well, it’s absolutely stunning. I still have my office HQ in Applecross, but I’ve been blessed with a studio space in Cottesloe for fittings and creating my new collection. I’ve spent many years designing at the local cafe on John Street, so to be lucky enough to work in this beautiful part of Perth is amazing. I feel it’s a massive season of creating, and for that, I need to be in the right place. Having this space so close to the beach, where I can get into my creative flow, is perfect. It’s a beautiful space to invite brides to as well. It truly embodies what SVC is all about.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE MUM AND WORK LIFE?
It can be challenging at times, but overall, I really enjoy balancing running a business and raising a 5-year-old. Being super organised is important to me. I focus on my fitness, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep to have the energy to do both. I am strict about sticking to my workdays and leaving work in the studio to be present with Charlotte when I am home. I co-parent, so I have her for a week on and a week off. When I have her, I plan a lot of quality time with her; when I don’t, I dedicate more time to work.
DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF SALLY VICTORIA.
My daily routine definitely includes waking up early because I am an energiser bunny in the morning! After hitting the gym, I get ready and head to a cafe to journal, plan, and get in the zone. If I have my daughter Charlotte with me, we spend the morning together before I drop her off at school and head to the studio to work in between. I like taking her to the beach, whether to the playground at Cottesloe or back to the studio to be creative together. If I’m being social, it’s usually over morning coffees or brunch because, by late evening, I’m already all rugged up and ready for bed! I also love listening to music and catching up with friends via FaceTime, so my day can involve that too.