This year Oxfordshire-based Rosie Red Corsetry and Couture celebrate ten years in the industry. We couldn’t miss the chance to commemorate a decade of dreamlike designs, much loved by brides from the petite to the plus sized and including more than a few celebrity fans. From Helena Bonham Carter to Carrie Hope Fletcher, Rosie has more than delivered on her mission statement and brand ethos to make every body feel beautiful.
What has changed over the past 10 years?
Ohh, so many things! When I first set up Rosie Red I was in my early twenties, single, living at home, and crossing everything that I would be able to make this work. 10 years on I’ve found myself happily married to the best person, making Rosie Red a thriving full-time career, and living locally in our home with our gorgeous senior dog and hatchling tortoise.
Sometimes it feels mad how much has happened over the last decade. I feel my emphasis and ethos is now more important than ever. I love that I can put positive messages showing luxury clothing on a range of models out on social media, and I hope that’s an inspiration to young people, especially those that might not feel comfortable in their own bodies.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love being able to bring confidence and happiness out of someone that may have not otherwise felt like that. I love getting to know someone for who they are, and who they want to feel like on their wedding day. The language of clothes is so important. I love the mix of quiet days listening to podcasts with hours of hand-sewing, the chaotic days of on-your-feet photoshoots, the creative moments of throwing things together. I also love working alongside my freelancer and great friend, Immy. There’s a profound joy in creating something with your hands, that AI wouldn’t be able to simulate.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I really love clothing. I love the way gorgeous clothes can make you feel, the fantasy and the fairytale of it all. I’m often inspired by botanicals and textures, the beauty in nature. I’ve developed some signature styles, for example embroidering poetry or song lyrics into garments, and trailing flower petals. People inspire me, too. When you work so closely with brides, you really know which direction to take things in. Fabric can speak to you as well.
Where do you see your future heading?
I think when I was asked this at 23 I would have had far more confidence and been far more assured about everything, which decade-older me now finds quite funny (and endearing).
As a business I love what I do, I’ve never needed to take over the world, and my passion lies in the artistic side, rather than the business side (although you have to do both simultaneously). What I mean by that is, I never just want to be the head of a company: I thrive on the creating. I think there is a lot to be said in trying to be content in what you have and building something slowly with stable foundations.
Before the pandemic hit I was auditioned to be a presenter of a new bridal/sewing show. I would have adored that but sadly the show was never made. I always cross my fingers that something like that may come along again.
Personally, I am starting college this September (very, very part time, and alongside Rosie Red). Mainly because I love learning and now feels like the right time for a new challenge. I still would love to write a book, start and podcast, and mainly just keep going. These past few years have been really difficult for a lot of people, I hope that my work has sometimes been able to bring some joy.
To find out more about Rosie’s romantic designs visit rosieredcorsetry.com
Models: @liannahaynes_ / @Vintagesinger / @iammiaresa / @tornandpolished
Photographers: @ashleymariefoto / @helenbissellbland / @richardwakefield
Hair for all models and makeup for Yinsey: @chantellequincebridal
Makeup for Lianna and Mia:@mi_inmakeup
