10 Questions with Caroline Castigliano

Designer Caroline Castigliano

1) How did you get into designing luxury wedding dresses and how many years in business are you celebrating?

I started designing luxury wedding dresses 30 years ago so this year is a big celebration for us at Caroline Castigliano. 

I returned to the United Kingdom having lived for five years in Miami where I was designing active sportswear for women. I was one of the first people to design G string leotards with matching sweatshirts and bags. My company was called Survival Kit. The kits were stocked at Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Bloomingdales as well as many private gyms across the country. 

 I have made clothes all my life. My mother taught me to sew when I was very young. My best friend and I am used to go to Liberty of London during our school holidays and buy fabric then drape dresses on each other. Through these processes I really learnt about the structure of gowns.

 When I returned to the United Kingdom, I started to think what I really wanted to do going forward and were did my talents lie. I had learnt a huge amount living in America about creating and running a business, selling and marketing and I decided that I wanted to go into wedding dresses. I found a shop in a lovely area in Surrey, and I started three months later. 

2) Describe the vision of the brand?

The vision of the brand is understated-effortless-glamour… these words really describe how I design and the vision of the brand. I believe in great fit and beautiful fabrics. I source most of my fabrics from Italy and France although I am always on the lookout for something unusual.

3) What is unique about your designs that makes a woman feel so good wearing it?

There are many things that are unique about my designs. I believe in corsetry the foundations and architecture of a gown are so important. You have to have fantastic foundations to get a dress to move beautifully and flow wonderfully. 

I have several different corsets that I create. It is possible to have a structured corset hidden under a soft flowing crepe gown. I believe the corset not only flatters the figure, but it makes women stand differently, sit differently and walk differently. It is so important when you are going to be photographed at a wedding from so many angles that you look and feel fabulous. 

Even if a bride has a beautiful figure and maybe feels she doesn’t need any ‘help’, she will still move, stand and sit better with the structure of a corset. 

Within my corset designs, I have a stretch corset that is comfortable while still giving full support. I also create a bustier style corset where the bust cup is the correct size for the bride! 

All Caroline Castigliano all gowns are individually created for each bride from our studio in Lincolnshire England. We offer made to measure and also half sizes. It is possible to make changes to a gown so the gown becomes totally unique for the bride. 

4) What are the different lines and product you design?

I create bridal gowns, Couture eveningwear as well as made-to measure event wear for special occasions so three separate collections. Only the Bridal is sold outside the United Kingdom. 

5) Tell us about the Knightsbridge store experience.

At the initial consultation in our prestigious Knightsbridge atelier, the bride will be hosted by one of our experienced bridal stylists. We pride ourselves on offering impeccable service in a serene, intimate environment.

The dedicated bridal expert will introduce the bride to our collection of exclusive gowns – they can choose from our collection or have a gown created bespoke or couture, unique for them. Each gown is handcrafted in the United Kingdom, offering unrivaled quality and beautiful finishing.

6) Have wedding venues changed since Covid?

Wedding venues have not changed since we reopened in July. Everything is getting pretty much back to normal and brides are being able to celebrate at their dream venue.

7) How does this effect what you design for the bride?

Covid has not changed the design of the wedding dress because the gown represents the bride’s personality and style and this does not change due to the pandemic.

8) How have your designs evolved for the bride over the years?

My signature look has always been about beautiful quality, exquisite fabrics and excellent structured fitted gowns. I love simplicity and this has just continued to develop over the last 30 years.

9) What is the charity that Caroline Castigliano is associated with?

My charity of choice is Future Dreams, the breast cancer awareness charity. I have been working with them for the past 2 years to help bring attention to girls checking their breasts regularly. I recently designed a rose quartz necklace in 9 ct gold with all profits going to Future Dreams, in addition I have also designed a 100% silk pyama collection that will launch soon with all profits going to Future Dreams.

Future Dreams donates money for research into cures for secondary breast cancer and has a Future Dreams house that supports women going through treatment.

10) From your years of experience, what are your 3 top tips of advice for brides today? 

1. My advice to brides is to relax and enjoy the day because it will go by very fast. 

2. Go to the wedding looking like the best version of themselves, not someone else with new make-up and a totally different hairstyle. 

3. Choose a gown that you will look back on in 10 years and still be in love with.