Charlie Brear had been a stylist for 10 years when she was required to source a plethora of vintage wedding dresses for a shoot. On selling the dresses afterwards, she was surprised at how popular they were — and that light bulb moment inspired her to found The Vintage Wedding Dress Company in 2005. Spurred on by the growing interest in these original vintage pieces, Brear designed a capsule collection of made to order gowns. This collection used the details and accents of decades gone by to offer a contemporary take on vintage glamour. It’s success in house led to the first full collection selling to market in 2010. Drawing on her years of experience as a stylist, Brear next produced Additions, a collection of unique pieces to complement the made to order line. Including beaded lace sleeves, lace shrugs, head pieces and over skirts, the range allows brides greater customisation to create their own bespoke gown. The company was re-branded as Charlie Brear this year; in time for the launch of her first mainline fashion ready-to-wear collection. Among the highlights are full skirts in damask and brocade, a reversible kimono, a clever three-in-one look consisting of a leather waistcoat, cropped jacket and shearling vest, a white lace boiler suit and a navy coated-lace pleated skirt. Brear has been shortlisted for SS14 at London Fashion Week as “one to watch” by WWD: “The clothes have clear commercial appeal, but that doesn’t undermine the vision and confidence that comes through in a tightly balanced palette of denim blue, buttercup, mink, shell pink and inky navy”. – Julia Neel WWD. Although an affinity for vintage style resonates throughout her work, a strong contemporary aesthetic ensures that, as Kay Barron - Fashion features Director at Net-a-Porter - notes; 'Brear’s offerings are both directional and instinctively feminine, giving a couture spin on the everyday while never compromising on what that day could become.' Charlie Brear collections of Ready-to-wear, Bridal and Additions are designed and produced entirely in the UK, using a diverse range of hand selected fabrics and trims. Unique, one of a kind, pieces are still sourced internationally for her Original Vintage Collection, which is sold exclusively at the flagship store in London.
