THE FINISHING TOUCH

Accessorise in style with this top advice

SARAH MARSHALL, JOHN BOYD HATS About… John Boyd Hats was established in 1947 by Mr John Boyd MBE. Our beautiful new boutique and studio is located on New Quebec Street in Marylebone. Finding the right hat can be a big decision and we pride ourselves on the personal service we offer, finding the perfect hat to make our clients feel confident and stylish, taking into consideration the outfit, occasion, personal style and character of each customer.

We make beautiful handmade hats from the finest quality materials, both bespoke and ready to wear. Our hats are designed, blocked, sewn and trimmed by hand in our studio by a small team of skilled milliners. Our designs draw inspiration from the glamour and elegance of past eras, often using rare and antique materials.

Most popular product… We have a pretty hat we call our ‘rose beret’ which is a small perching beret with a rose mounted to draw attention to the wearer’s eyes, and then a neat cage veil to finish. John Boyd first made this style in the 1940s and it’s still popular to this day. It’s a hat that suits everyone and is extremely flattering as well as comfortable to wear.

Key trends this year… For a few years headbands have been popular, but we’re now seeing a trend towards proper hats. Everything from cocktail hats to brims, it feels like people want to really go for it and dress up this year.

Top tip for accessorising your big-day look… Don’t worry about matching every accessory. A pop of different colour in your hat can lift an outfit. Think about your look as a whole; the hat should enhance your look but not draw attention away from it. For example, a tailored suit would look great with a chic pillbox, or a floaty dress would look amazing with a pretty veiled hat or classic wide brim.

Find out more: www.johnboydhats.co.uk

@superbirdcreative @superbirdcreative OLIVIER LAUDUS, OLIVIER LAUDUS DESIGN About… At the end of 2007, Olivier Laudus became the destination for jewellery and bridal accessories with over 1000 impeccably designed items to choose from. Our real strength lies in providing beautifully designed jewellery and hair accessories. Each product line is personally chosen by myself and I’m constantly searching the globe to find new and exciting products to add to the range.

My aim from the beginning has been to try to provide brides-to-be with an enjoyable and easy shopping experience while offering stylish and beautiful wedding accessories at affordable prices.

Most popular product… The Grace hair comb is a hit with our brides. It complements most dresses and pairs well with all hairstyles from a classic, twisted up-do to long flowing locks. Also, brides tend to choose freshwater pearls and considering the amount of freshwater pearls the Elizabeth comb is made of, it represents excellent value for money.

Key trends this year… Couples are more inclined to have smaller, low-key gatherings with brides opting for simpler dresses. This gives plenty of room for being creative with jewellery and hair accessories.

I also believe that bridal fashion doesn’t change that much which has allowed us to build up collections of accessories over the years which are still going strong today.

Top tip for accessorising your big-day look… Your hair accessories should complement the dress. The simpler the dress, the bolder the accessories should be. Keep the style of your accessories in line with the era of your dress. For example, a crown of flowers, hair vine or forehead headband will suit a boho dress perfectly and a mixture of pearl and small diamante is a perfect match to lace.

I’ve written an accessory guide for 2022, that covers all categories of accessories and how to wear them. Contact me to find out more.

@superbirdcreative @superbirdcreative

RACHEL SWEENY, COX & POWER About… Cox & Power are modern jewellers immersed in an ancient story. Our pieces tell a tale of fine craftsmanship and we celebrate the journey of each piece of jewellery.

One of the most rewarding things we do is working with clients to create something they’ll love and wear forever – and of course there’s nothing more personal than a wedding ring – a piece you’ll wear constantly that becomes a part of you.

From engagement and wedding rings to big-day jewellery and gifts, each piece is made with love. Wedding rings are always made to order, whether a design from our collection or a completely bespoke piece.

Most popular product… Unusually cut gemstones always attract attention and we love to seek out diamonds and sapphires that are less than obvious but still stunning. These stones create individual pieces that can be worn whenever the mood takes you – and that special sparkle is perfect for big-day style.

Key trends this year… Individuality! Weddings are an opportunity for couples to express themselves and many wish to capture that perfect balance between tradition and individuality. People are also now thinking about where jewellery comes from. Gold and gemstone sourcing can have a positive impact so it matters that people care about the story behind their jewels. We’re proud to work with Fairtrade and Fairmined gold and seek out precious stones with a good story to tell. Beyond fashion, this is one trend that can bring change for the better.

Top tip for accessorising your big-day look… Give yourself time to enjoy choosing pieces that truly reflect your personality. Remember that fashion trends are temporary and think about your own style – what pieces will make you feel confident and joyful? This will ensure a timeless look that’ll always remind you of the day you felt your absolute best. Find out more: www.olivierlaudus.com

SARA BALLINGER, LAVISH LOCKETS About… Lavish Lockets is a small family run business. We create the perfect keepsakes for your bridal party that are individual to you. We offer a personal touch from the beginning whilst discussing your options and creating each piece, right through to the packaging. We know how special your big day is, so each piece is engraved with lots of love and attention to detail.

We have a range of cufflinks, necklaces and bracelets that can all be engraved with your own message or even photographs along with other jewellery items to complete your look. We also have a selection of personalised gifts if you are looking for something different.

Most popular product… Our bestsellers include our name disc necklace which has been extremely popular with the ladies whilst personalised keyrings and our engraved leather bracelets are a hit with the men.

Key trends this year… This year the most popular accessories are those you can wear anywhere. Classic chains, earrings and rings to suit any occasion.

Top tip for accessorising your big-day look… Choose something important and meaningful to you! It’s your big day, so do what makes you happy.

Find out more: www.lavishlockets.co.uk AMANDA LI HOPE About… Amanda Li Hope is a designer and goldsmith, handcrafting bespoke fine jewellery in her Hatton Garden workshop. I combine my ethical values with my background as an architect, using responsibly sourced materials, meticulous detailing, and expert artisanship. I’m proud to be one of the first twenty jewellers to become a Fairtrade and Fairmined gold licensee, allowing me to sell and make my work in responsibly sourced and fully traceable gold.

I love my job because I get to make beautiful things! It’s a privilege working with clients to create jewellery that captures their story, using quality materials and craftsmanship, designing and making each piece from initial sketches to the final polish.

Most popular product… I make a great deal of handcrafted ethical wedding rings in bespoke designs and colours, by using my own gold alloys. This means I can not only make a one-off shape and design each time, but also create the colour and particular shade of gold. For example, I’ve created wedding rings in particular shades of light rose gold to match antique engagement rings or created a special colour, or combination of colours, because my clients wanted something personal to them.

Key trends this year… Now, more than ever, clients want to know the provenance of the materials used in their pieces. Whether it’s my client’s gold and gems from their own heirloom treasures, 100% recycled metals, or newly sourced (or even lab grown) gemstones or gold that have been mined in socially and environmentally responsible ways. People want to be assured their tokens of love are born out of love and not from the uncomfortable truths of exploitation associated with mining gems and minerals.

I’ve also observed an uptake in men’s engagement rings, especially those set with coloured gemstones. Why should women have all the fun?!

Find out more: www.amandalihope.com