Designer & Founder
Gemma Victoria BA(Hons)
My affinity with design started at a very young age, I would often embellish my clothes with beads or spend hours drawing patterns. So skip forward a few decades and with a heart full of passion my adult career began with a textile design degree at the prestigious Winchester School of Art - tutored by the award-winning artist Michael Angove.
During these formative years is where I learned about style, individuality, and creative expression. I loved every moment of working amongst raw unabridged creativity, drawing trips to Paris, spending hours in opulent haberdasheries, and evenings mixing up dyes. It was also during this time I learnt couture sewing techniques, explored fabric technology, experimented with embellishment and found a love for sparkle!
Towards the end of the degree my final project, (screen-printed wallpaper adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals depicting the city of London underwater with giant sea creatures) was chosen to be displayed at the New Designers Exhibition in London, where I was personally commended by the legendary British Designer Zandra Rhodes, a moment that has stayed with me throughout my career.
Since graduating I went on to work with some of the best British designers across multiple disciplines including Lee Broom, Hill House & Louise Bradley in positions that included project planning, sourcing and visual display.
In 2016 my 'to be' sister-in-law turned to me deflated and uninspired by the limited choices available for bridal accessories and she was concerned that her dream to wear something truly unique for her wedding in South Africa was disappearing.
After listening about her perfect veil ( a cathedral length with fluttering butterflies that looked like they had just landed)- I set to work to create exactly what she was looking for, printing and cutting individual realistic butterflies from silk organza and sewing them in place so that they would flutter as she had requested.
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The love for all things bridal grew and some years later Garter & Veil was born from my small studio in the South Downs of West Sussex.
The name is inspired by my initials and a passion to create unique modern accessories and statement jewellery with a expressive and personal approach to design.
A long-standing obsession with Alice in wonderland means I always create with a vivid imagination, unexpected details, and a found beauty of the unusual.
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My enthusiasm knows no bounds when I hear from brides who are searching for their perfect accessory and it is pure joy to see these pieces being worn for such momentous occasions.
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I can't wait to hear all about your special day and to create your unique design.
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Gemma x
