Bridalwear designer Kasia Austin is the owner of Kasia Austin Bridal Couture, designing and making bespoke wedding dresses and accessories.
She grew up on a village farm in Poland and started sewing at a very early age. It was thanks to the harsh jobs market in Poland that she decided to come to the UK in 2005. Here she shares why she became a bridal wear designer and what her job is like day-to-day.
Tell us a bit about your business and what you do.
After a couple of years working for Cathryn Avison label, I made the decision to branch out on my own, making camisoles, intricately embroidered gossamer dresses. As a lover of fairytale style and handmade embroidery after one year, I expanded into bridal gowns and accessories with a vintage twist.
What is your job like day-to-day?
I have my own routine which I need to be very strict with, as I have a 12-year-old daughter and I’m still doing the school run. The plus side is that my little studio is based in my home so I can flick between home life to work life very easily.
Every day can be different, as the wedding dresses are bespoke and take many hours from discussions regarding style, design and level of embroidery, beadwork and of course fittings.
Read more: How I became a seamstress specialising in bridalwear
How did you become a bridalwear designer?
I studied in Poland for five years at a Textiles and Design College and many years of experience in the women’s clothing industry in the UK.
As a lover of silk, tulle, chiffon and handmade embroidery, I made my first statement dress called “Fairy dress” and from that day I knew what I wanted to do, by accident really – bridal wear.
What’s the thing you love the most about your job?
To use my hands to create memories of wonderful moments and beautiful thing.
What setbacks have you faced and how did you overcome them?
Coming to England and not speaking the language was a massive hurdle but my determination, and with help from lots of kind people, I managed to build my confidence and follow my dreams.
Do you have any advice for budding bridalwear designers?
I’ve never been one who gives up easily but just keep focused, follow your heart and remember hard work and determination always pays off.
What’s next for you, what are your plans for the future?
This is a very difficult question to answer, as we are still gripped with COVID-19 at this moment but I still hope to take part in bridal shows across the country and build up my client list.
If you could go back and give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Have confidence in your own self-belief…