Toni Pickles: Interview
You shall go to the ball!
The Hussy profiles Toni Pickles
Toni Pickles, the design force behind Brighton-based bespoke dress and corset designer Get Waisted, takes pride in initiating all of her ideas from scratch and working closely with her client transforming them into a modern day Cinderella.
Busy Toni is in the middle of producing her first catwalk show for Brighton Frocks fashion weekend kicking off on the 22nd of May with the Theatrical catwalk show at The Hilton Hotel on Brighton seafront.
This year, I’ll be wearing some of Toni’s beautiful dresses in the show which I have to say happened entirely by accident. My friend was auditioning for Brighton Frocks for fun so I went along for a glass of wine and somehow I managed to get embroiled in the entire event. Trust me I’m not complaining, after all it’s a rare occasion that I get to wear a gorgeous full length gown anywhere = hell, maybe I should start?
So far this month, I’ve been to a fair amount of rehearsals and dress fittings for the show and although I’m very excited to be taking part, there is also the constant thought in the back of my head that I may well fall over, nose dive into the crowd or walk the length of the catwalk with my skirt tucked into my knickers.
Toni however, is a picture of calm for someone who has so much to do and sew in the next two weeks. So, after my last fitting I asked Toni a few questions to find out what motivates her to work so hard, what keeps her calm under pressure and randomly, what she likes to snack on when she gets a minute or two to relax…..
So Toni tell me……
When did you found ‘Get Waisted’ and what inspired you to do so?
2005 – I have always loved fashion and my first dream job was working on Saville Row. After a long period raising a family and working to pay bills when I moved to Brighton I had the opportunity to rekindle my passion – I think it was being surrounded by the creative passion that typifies Brighton that got me going again.
Tell us about your design background…
I have a fashion and tailoring training rather than a design one. This technical background has stood me in good stead as I have gained experience creating garments for all sorts of people and gaining a practical understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
What is the one thing women want when they come to you for a new frock?
Most people that come to me have a fairly specific idea of what they want. What they all want is something made just for them – which they know will fit, is the right colour and made in the fabric they want. In short there is no need to compromise and they can exercise their right to be an individual. For me, there is no substitute for the look on a new clients face when they try on a new garment for the first time and everything is perfect.
What’s the best thing about taking part in Brighton Frocks this year?
Brighton Frocks goes from strength to strength each year. Now in its’ fifth year it is a perfect vehicle for showcasing the talents of local designers to a wider audience with a professionalism and scale that is hard to match putting on my own shows. With the press, PR and celebrities as well as everyone who is anyone in fashion locally it is just perfect for ‘getting the word out’.
What’s your five-year dream?
I would love to have the opportunity to extend the scope of what I do making my designs and dresses available to a wider audience still. Initially this would be through my own boutique and perhaps eventually extend to a ‘diffusion range’ as well as the one-off items I am currently known for.
What’s your favourite treat? Thai anything – Thom Youm soup in particular
What’s your biggest food sin? M&M’s
Any health vices you’d admit to? – No, my vices are all unhealthy, there’s no point otherwise really is there?
What do you love about your body? Everything (did I mention modesty is a virtue) = actually I do seem to be blessed with good skin
If you could look like someone other than yourself, who would it be? No-one – be comfortable in your own skin
What’s your idea of happiness? Being creative and relaxing in the sun – in Brighton if you are lucky you get to do both at the same time
When are you at your best? Definitely when being creative – designing, sketching and ‘making stuff’
What can’t you live without? Other than said red wine and husband (not saying what order) – it is definitely talking to my family
What are your three desert island essentials? Comb, ‘T – shirt’ and Vaseline (honestly… it is just so useful!)
Describe yourself in three words? Happy, creative, vibrant
To see more from Toni, visit her site www.getwaisted.co.uk or come along to Brighton Frocks to see her latest collection www.brightonfrocks.com
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