THE NAME YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Kolin Weaver’s collection will create comment, and

Born and educated in Zimbabwe, Africa, Kolin Weaver had an idyllic childhood, growing up with a creative freedom inspired by the colours and textures of the nature and wildlife that formed his surroundings.

His mother, a fine concert pianist, made her own gowns for her stage appearances and, unsurprisingly, young Kolin was fascinated by her sense of style and origination, and intrigued by her manipulation of fabrics.

As a result, at an early age he developed a real passion for textiles and the creative possibilities of design. Selftaught and always taking an adventurous approach, his skills were honed over the years. He attained a degree in Art and Design and went on to work with Karlheinz Therhorst, a German-trained master pattern cutter and the owner of the company Boss Fashions.

“That is where my professional career in pattern cutting and design really took off,” he says. “I was lucky enough in that time to be mentored by an incredible man of vision who gave me the best understanding of a garment’s life and journey from start to finish. I am forever grateful to Karlheinz.”

When Kolin won the Designer of the Year title, he recognised the time as being absolutely right to set up his own brand. He went on to dress socialites, celebrities and First Ladies, and hosted runway shows across the globe, as well as collections for two of the Miss

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Zimbabwe winners who moved on to take part in Miss World pageants.

Bridal, at the time, was something that entranced him and weddingwear was something he included in his portfolio.

In 2000, Kolin moved to the UK and joined a couture house where beautifully-made gowns with unique personalities were in demand by its high-profile clients. Fast getting noticed and building his own high-profile reputation, he went on be part of the widely-respected team at Amanda Wakeley, where four womenswear and two bridal collections were created each year, alongside bespoke couture pieces in the most sumptuous fabrics for celebrities and royalty.

A glorious experience, yes. Creatively rewarding, yes. But bridal and the opportunities it holds for individuality remained a first love.

No wonder, then, that Kolin has now, under his own name, opened new doors to design and self-expression, and is paving a very special path in bridal. With a London Atelier, and a fast-growing audience, this is the man to take notice of. And his work is distinctly different.

“So much in bridal is about inspiration,” he says. “I find it in all forms of life, whether I am travelling to and from work, or walking my dogs on the beach where I live on the south coast. Life and nature hold so many wonderful and incredible experiences to take in, be it the light and colour around you that change every passing hour, or the sea with its constantly-changing tides. One of my other passions is to have themed tablescapes where I can get to be creative in another form.”

There are two collections in the Kolin Weaver bridal portfolio for the season ahead. English Romance is one. “I am inspired by the quintessential English garden, full of fragrant blooms on a gorgeous summer’s day with colours and textures that never fail to disappoint. The gowns I have designed form soft lines floating gently to the floor. There are silk chiffons, organzas and beautifully beaded laces that shimmer in the sunlight.”

In his Vintage Hollywood collection there is the show of a distinct love for the iconic styling of the 1920s and 30s, with bias-cut, gentle draping that cascades to form a lavish train. “The beading and feather panels I have created sits perfectly to enhance a bride’s curves,” he says. “The feather detailing is playful yet sophisticated. I will always have gowns reminiscent of this period in my collection – I find them to be exceptionally stylish.”