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Our new series, ‘Maker of the Month’, takes a closer look at the talented designer-makers at Oxo Tower Wharf on London’s South Bank. Each month highlights a new designer-maker and explores each maker’s story, product, and creative process.
For the first instalment of the series, we’ve been talking to Grace Colquhoun from Grace Lane London. Grace designs and makes dresses for bridal, film, and fashion.
A specialist in pattern cutting and garment construction, Grace uses couture sewing techniques and traditional craftsmanship from her training at Alexander McQueen and Angels The Costumiers. Her atelier at Oxo Tower Wharf is both a working studio and a fitting space. Clients can see where their commissions are created and explore fabric samples, sketches, and see ongoing designs.
Growing up on Mersea Island on the East Anglian coast, nature has had a big influence on Grace’s work, which is why sustainability is at the forefront of Grace Lane London’s dresses. Having graduated with a 1st in Fashion Design from Southampton Solent University before moving to London, Grace’s background includes working on Paloma Faith’s ‘Architect’ tour and BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Grace joined the designer-maker community at Oxo Tower Wharf just over a year ago, and she finds the creative community very inspiring to be a part of. She loves seeing what the other designers are working on, from bespoke shoes to artisan pottery and incredible floristry – every day you’ll see something different being created at Oxo Tower Wharf.
The creative process for each of Grace’s clients begins with a design consultation at her studio, looking at inspirational images, samples, and fabric. Grace guides her clients through the design process, sketching their designs and taking their measurements. Following this, a bespoke pattern is created, and each design is made with the client’s specific measurements and unique tastes. Every bespoke commission requires several different fittings, during which the design is perfected and any embellishments and final touches are added to create the final piece.
New for 2023, discover Grace Lane London’s curated collection of beautifully restored vintage wedding dresses. Sustainable and one-of-a-kind, these are the perfect dresses to wear on your special day. Browse over 100 vintage dresses at Grace’s atelier where she restores and repairs every piece, expertly fitted, and reworked for you. The collection ranges from intricate Edwardian lace dresses to impeccably cut 1970s silhouettes.
We asked Grace: “If you had to describe Grace Lane London in three words, what words would you pick?”
She responded: “Creative, bespoke, sustainable!”
Visit Grace Lane London at Oxo Tower Wharf to commission a bespoke dress of your own, carefully handcrafted and tailored to suit you.
Explore Grace Lane London’s dress designs and collections on their Instagram and website:
Meet our designer-makers at Oxo Tower Wharf:
