about
ELLA MAY
I love to work closely with brides, fusing my style with theirs and bringing a vision to life. That creative process, built together, is, for me, the most fulfilling experience - and I can assure anyone that they will love it too.
My sense of style is a result of my upbringing in the English countryside. In all my designs, I channel a powerful femininity and thread hints of nature’s ethereal elegance.
After school, I completed a Diploma at the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design. Located in the heart of Soho, surrounded by renowned textile shops and haberdasheries, this fuelled my desire to become a British designer.
It was at CHANEL, where I worked for six years surrounded by the clothes of the late Karl Lagerfeld and now Virginie Virard, that I developed the confidence and motivation to grow as a designer. Being surrounded by the history and craftsmanship of CHANEL’s ateliers left a lasting impact on me.
When my cousin asked me to design her wedding dress, I was still at CHANEL and I hadn’t ever considered designing for brides-to-be (other than obsessively sketching wedding dresses at the back of maths class aged 11!). But through that journey, and with a personal history of designing my own dresses, I truly discovered my passion. The process of creating a wedding dress is so unique with each bride - so inspiring, and so meaningful - that I decided to start Ella May London.
I don’t believe a wedding dress should be worn once and then left to gather dust in a cupboard. A timeless piece should be worn many times. So, after your wedding, if you want, we can adjust your design, shorten, refit, or even dye it, so you can wear it again and again.
From sketch to aisle
The Process
01
The
CONSULTATION
Once you have scheduled a consultation with Ella May, a relaxed complimentary discussion will follow. This first meeting comes with no obligation to work with Ella May London. The purpose is simply to get to know each other, share dress ideas, and delve into the design process. At this stage, the aim is to gain deeper insights into your vision, wedding day, and timelines. If you are interested in proceeding with EML, we will provide you with a bespoke proposal outlining your design schedule and pricing.
02
The
DESIGN
The next step is the design stage. Following the initial consultation, Ella May London will send an invoice for a 'design fee'; this goes towards the final price of your dress and must be settled before we put pencil to paper.
The design process is a collaborative exchange between the bride-to-be and Ella May. When it comes to styles, we are highly adaptable. We will work through sketches, design concepts, and fabrics to create the vision of your ideal dress.
Once we have finalised the draft of your bespoke design and selected fabrics, we will take your measurements and our dressmakers will commence in creating your toile.
03
The
FITTINGS
In the proposal, we will outline a fitting timeline for you. This will be based on your specific dates and the complexity of your design. To proceed to the fitting stage, a 50% deposit is required.
This is when the enjoyment really starts. Bring a family member, or friend; the fittings are when we will gradually adapt and develop the dress until you feel completely comfortable and confident.
The first step will be an initial fitting, where you try on a toile version of your dress so that the design can be tested and perfected before cutting into your chosen fabrics.
04
The
AISLE
By your wedding day, we will have meticulously hand-crafted a bespoke dress with you that perfectly fits.
Detailed instructions will be provided on how to travel with the dress and care for it. The final cost of your dress must be settled before collection.
The Ella May London team will be on call before and during your wedding day should you need their guidance.
05
The
EVERLASTING DRESS
We don't believe a wedding dress should be worn once and then left to gather dust in a cupboard.
A timeless piece should be worn many times. So, after your wedding, if you wish, please get in touch, and we can discuss adjusting your design...Whether it is shortening, refitting, or even dyeing it, allowing you to wear your bespoke dress again and again.
BEGIN YOUR BESPOKE JOURNEY