Meet one of the regions leading designers of bridal couture.
Kelly’s flair for fashion started at a very early age, when she would make small patterns and clothes for her dolls. Kelly’s mother Jennifer, founded the bridal business 33 years ago and brought her into the world of wedding couture. Together they changed the business name to Atelier Rose, moved to their well known Junction Boutique and have been busily creating beautiful bespoke gowns ever since.
BRAND NEW SPACE
Atelier Rose has just opened a new space, conveniently located in the heart of Newcastle. Kelly stresses the space isn’t a retail shop. “We will always have a few key pieces and do have a small ready-to-wear line, but it’s really about creating pieces I would like to showcase and also a relaxed space where clients can come in and talk about creating something unique.”
“Finding your dress shouldn’t be daunting. We are here to help and like to give our brides all the information we can. We have been doing this for many years but appreciate this may be the first or only time a client will ever have a gown created especially for them. I don’t think brides ask enough questions, no question is silly, we always appreciate you asking. It’s all part of the process. Our inspiration is often the client themselves, learning about their personality and what style would suit them best.”
INDIVIDUALITY IN WEDDING FASHION
Kelly’s approach is simple “There’s only one rule, your day so it’s your way! I’d love to see more individuality in wedding fashion. If you want to wear pants, wear pants or whatever YOU want! I’d really like to see brides focusing on themselves and about reflecting them as an individual, rather than what they think they should wear because it’s on Instagram at the moment.”
Kelly recommends making an appointment so her team can dedicate their time to you. “We deliberately only have one fitting room in our space so we can focus on one client. We want clients to come in with an open mind – things surprise you, try a little bit of everything and together we can work out what works best – it’s a process of elimination. There is a good chance your dream dress is not on a rack, it may not even be something you’ve seen or thought possible. As a couture designer I am flexible and love when a client brings me their ideas and inspiration, but I will always give my opinion. I want our brides to look their absolute best. It’s imperative we are very honest as each of our brides is a walking advertisement for our brand.”
QUICK QUIZ WITH KELLY
What was your first job?
Making veils for a large bridal company at age 15!
If you weren’t making beautiful gowns what would you do instead?
I’d love to do costume design for Cirque du Soleil or botanical illustration.
Favourite Colour?
Green then Orange
Favourite fabric to work with:
A traditional highly slubbed Dupion Silk
Favourite designer item you own?
I have a gorgeous canary yellow dress from Thierry Mugler that I found in a charity shop and had to have.
Favourite designer or style muse?
Haider Ackermann and Tilda Swinton
How do you describe your own fashion style?
If I love it I’ll wear it!
Favourite thing about the Hunter region?
I grew up here and stayed to be close to my family. I feel lucky to live in Newcastle and that we have a little bit of everything at our doorstop.
PHOTO Wolf & Wildflower Photography
See more here Atelier Rose SS19 Collecion Launch
For Edition 22 we selected 4 of Kelly’s beautiful real brides to show you the exceptional skill, creativity and diversity in the Atelier Rose portfolio.
“Kelly from ATELIER ROSE made our couture one of a kind outfits, and we couldn’t be happier with them! We both wanted to be different but still be true to traditions in some ways. Kim had our intitals and wedding date embroidered inside her velvet jacket as did I along with Superman sewn under my dress that was my older brothers (for something old).” – Kristy
PHOTOS Gez Xavier Mansfield Photography GOWN Atelier Rose
“Atelier Rose is located here in Newcastle, which is what made me go in for a consultation initially. After five minutes talking to Kelly I just knew she was the one who could help bring my dream dress to life. I’m OBSESSED with the material! When I first walked into the fabric store and explained what I wanted, they pulled out the most fabulous material I’d ever seen. As soon as it was held up against me I knew it was the one. Kind of like the feeling people get trying on “the one” dress, but for me it was the fabric.” – Eloise
PHOTOS Alex Jack Photography GOWN Atelier Rose
“My beautiful dress was exactly what I had envisioned. Kelly from Atelier Rose went above and beyond to make sure that the finished product matched my brief. Her attention to detail is impeccable and this showed in the quality of my dress”. – Samantha
