A theatre designer turned dressmaker
Beatrice Espinosa Bridal was founded in 2015 by Beatrice Espinosa, who designs and makes every dress herself. She studied theatre design at Wimbledon College of Arts, took a pattern cutting course at London College of Fashion, and spent ten years working freelance in professional theatre on set and costume before opening her own business.
Her studio is in Bentley, Hampshire, on the Surrey and Hampshire border near Farnham and Alton, with free parking. Clients also come from Guildford, Winchester, Southampton and London.
How a bespoke dress is made
Clients work directly with Beatrice rather than with a design team. A free design consultation covers styles, fabrics and prices. She then draws the first designs and presents fabric swatches, makes a toile in calico to check the style and fit, and makes the dress from scratch in the chosen fabrics, with fittings of 45 minutes or more. Hand beading and embroidery finish the gown, and she advises allowing six to nine months.
The silk collection and the separates
Beatrice also offers a small silk collection that can be tried on and ordered in the client’s size, by appointment for up to three guests. Lace bridal jackets, silk skirts, cloaks, capes, detachable sleeves, belts and made-to-order veils are available.
Prices published by the studio
Couture dresses start at £2,000 plus fabric, and the silk collection ranges from £850 to £3,000. Alterations start at £250. The appointment booking fee is £25 on weekdays and £40 at weekends, and a getting ready service, with dress steaming and dressing the bride, is £150 within 10 miles. The work favours natural silks, laces and deadstock fabric from established UK suppliers, and video calls are available for the first conversation.
