Bryn Martin interviews Julie in To the Aisle
“I want Brides to just enjoy the process of having their dress made, and feel confident that they will look their best on the day.”
Julie Goodwin Couture was born from a need to do something more meaningful for a living. Julie was working in advertising and said it was feeling less and less like ‘me’. “I had always made clothes, I knew I had an eye for detail and proportion, and I had become fascinated by the craft of bespoke tailoring. So I quit my job, hired a team and opened a business! That was 20 years ago.” Julie tells.
What can Julie Goodwin Couture offer a Bride to-be for their Wedding day?
I try to keep it relaxed – it is pretty stressful planning a Wedding, and it’s all over in a flash – so I want Brides to just enjoy the process of having their dress made, and feel confident that they will look their best on the day. I carefully design individual gowns after I spend a lot of time listening to what the Bride feels she needs. A Julie Goodwin Couture Bride can expect a custom made Wedding dress, designed to her unique style and specific measurements as one of the most treasured dresses she will ever wear.
My gowns are crafted from quality fabric and hand finished to the highest standard. They are heirlooms in the making.
Did you always know that you wanted to be design bespoke Bridal wear and tailored clothing?
I have just always made clothes, and feminine tailoring is something I am drawn to perfect. I have always been a ‘maker’, and studied fine art, then graphic design, somehow everything I have ever done – even non-fashion related – has led me to where I am now. In particular my latest white collection was driven by an increasing number of requests for ‘alternative’ special occasion wear, along with my core love of tailoring. I wanted to continue to evolve my tailoring techniques with some new construction challenges, and work with textural effects in a clean, neutral palette.
Do you have any stories that you would like to share from your experiences? So many stories!
But highlights would include designing and making Wedding dresses for both my sisters, and the experience of being my own Bridal client!
Read more here: https://www.juliegoodwincouture.com.au/be-your-own-bridal-couture-client/
What advice would you offer to a Bride that is just starting out on their search for the perfect Wedding dress?
The journey to creating your dream Wedding dress can be a stressful one with many decisions to make along the way. There will no doubt be several well-meaning people who will want their say in the style of Wedding dress you should be wearing. Remember, at the end of the day the Wedding is about you, so take advice but take some breathing space to try and filter what you truly feel your dress needs to be. And enjoy it.
Do you have a personal favourite style of dress?
I am always inspired by the classics – Dior, Givenchy, Balenciaga – and I love a structured silhouette. I guess I’m a classicist at heart. Having said that, one of the best parts of designing individually for clients is being able to experiment with different ways of dressing by putting myself in their shoes.
What is the best part about what you do?
I am in my own very special happy place when I’m working in my studio. The act of making is a mindful one, and helps to calm my busy mind. But the women I work for are hands down the best part of what I do. I love getting to know them and their stories, and seeing the difference a well made, perfectly fitted bespoke outfit makes to their confidence, whatever the occasion. It’s amazing.
This interview first appeared in To The Aisle Australia
