Hannah Wilde, a skilled seamstress and owner of a bridal and evening wear shop in Lakenham, recently gained attention for creating a stunning ball gown out of six extra-large fluorescent orange vests. Hannah, who specializes in intricately altering bridal garments, showcased her talent in textiles by designing and making the hi-vis dress for Kelly Cartwright, the owner of a construction recruitment firm in Norwich. The unique outfit challenged stereotypes and received widespread praise, leading to numerous inquiries and bookings for Hannah’s services.
In addition to her bridal work, Hannah enjoys creating sentimental homeware and accessories. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she made headbands with buttons for NHS workers to relieve the discomfort caused by wearing masks. This project eventually led her to make around 12,000 headbands for others. Hannah’s creativity extends beyond practical items as she also makes keepsakes using loved ones’ clothing. She recently made boxing shorts for her son’s match as a tribute to a friend who passed away. The positive response to Kelly’s hi-vis dress and the meaning behind it has been overwhelming, with many people expressing interest in having similar garments made.
Hannah’s expertise in altering bridal garments has proven to be a particularly challenging skill due to the intricate beading and lacework involved. She notes that altering existing pieces is often more difficult than creating them from scratch, a fact that is not widely recognized. Despite the challenges, Hannah thoroughly enjoys her work and appreciates the opportunity to work with a diverse range of fabrics and designs. Her dedication to her craft and attention to detail have gained her recognition among influential figures in the construction industry.
With her recent success and increasing demand for her work, Hannah continues to push the boundaries of traditional dressmaking and explore new avenues for her creativity. She is motivated by the positive impact her designs have on her clients and the satisfaction she derives from using her skills to honor and remember loved ones. As Hannah’s reputation grows, she looks forward to the upcoming wedding season, where she will have the opportunity to create more unique and meaningful garments for her clients.
Overall, Hannah Wilde’s talent, passion, and willingness to take on challenging projects have made her a respected figure in the world of fashion. Her eye-catching hi-vis ball gown exemplifies her ability to combine creativity with technical expertise. In addition, her dedication to supporting essential workers during the pandemic and her commitment to creating sentimental keepsakes demonstrate her profound understanding of the power of clothing to tell stories and evoke emotions. With her growing clientele and increasing recognition, Hannah is poised for continued success in her career as a seamstress.
