The Eco Gown “Remnanta”

We’re delighted that the Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show has inspired bridalwear exhibitor, Julie Dutton to create an eco wedding gown especially for the show. Find out more in our interview below…

So Julie, how did the eco gown come about?
Unlike my usual commission work, I set about making this gown using a pile of fabric in the studio. There are scraps of silks, chiffon and beautiful marocain for the bodice form and tulle for layers of skirt. I find it easy to be inspired by a collection of leftovers, I hate throwing anything away!

So a truly Cinderella dress takes shape. It’s the enchantment of rags to riches. Cinderella tended a hearth until “the dress and shoes” served to transform her into a beauty fit for a prince’s gaze.

How is the dress different from the usual wedding gown?
In this dress you can see the torn scraps giving an instant vitality. The dress seems to be enjoying its remnants for the thought of what previously existed. The idea of trashing the wedding dress, of making the perfect become imperfect is sewn into the very embellishment of this design.

And let us not forget the allure of undress. Cinderella’s working party has reversed and exposed and stripped, bringing the dressmaker’s secrets to the surface and allowing the luxury beneath the creation to be apparent.

Recycling, the concept that worthy constituents of one creation become elements of a newer one, was there in the fairytale and can work in any handmade 21st century bridal gown.

Do you have any plans to re-produce this design?
I have sourced a selection of organic silks that this style could be repeated in. I will seek to advise my future clients of the value of an organic silk dress and the unique style that can evolve when using interesting remnants or even restyling vintage pieces.

Thank you, Julie. The Eco Gown “Remnanta” can be viewed at Julie Dutton’s stand at the Eco Chic Wedding & Home Show on Sunday. It will also be modelled in the two fashion shows at 12.30pm and 3pm.