“I make quality pieces that are designed to last and be worn again – heirlooms of the future rather than fast fashion to be cast aside in a season or two.” Designer and founder, Debbie Carlisle
With designs glistening with everything from gloriously placed Swarovski crystals and shimmering pearls – all spun from the creative imagination of designer, Debbie Carlisle – as a bride you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a headpiece or pair of earrings that appeals to your inner magpie.
Celebrated throughout the industry for her extraordinary accessories and bridal headpieces, from glorious hair vines that promise to careen elegantly through tousled locks to show-stopping celestial crowns, Debbie Carlisle’s signature styling touch has stolen many a bride’s heart. Crafted with a refined delicacy, her pieces are designed to enhance a bridal look rather than overtake it, and do so with undeniable success.
We caught up with the designer herself to chat all things accessories, from the sustainable materials she sources, to the brand she’d love to collaborate with…
#1 Where did it all begin? How did Debbie Carlisle the brand emerge and where did you learn your craft?
“It was a very organic process – I made accessories for my own wedding when I couldn’t find any pieces that felt bridal but still felt like ‘me’. I just couldn’t stop creating after that and now I have brides and stockists all over the world. My brand has always been about creating pieces that look to current trends but still stand the test of time. Even in my most ornate jewelled pieces there’s a lightness of touch that ensures the accessory works with your look, rather than taking it over, so the focus remains on the bride and her personal style. Everything is made by hand and I’m completely self-taught, something I’m very proud of and which I think ensures my work doesn’t follow standard bridal design formulas.”
#2 If you had to describe your work in three words, what would they be?
“Ethereal. Modern. Timeless.”
#3 We’re particularly mesmerised by your latest collection, Moonlight, and its stunning celestial feel! Talk us through the design journey of this line, what inspired you to create the collection?
“I love to mix the traditional with the modern and I was really inspired by the idea of working with typical bridal materials like Swarovski crystals and pearls but using less obvious bridal shapes and styles – hence the star-shaped crystals and oversized round pearls that are a major feature of this collection. Moonlight is all about starry constellations with lots of luxe star cluster headpieces and earrings with a really modern boho feel and I was also inspired by the moon to create lots of pieces using large luxury round pearls which perfectly encapsulate the modern but timelessly elegant feel that underlies my entire brand.”
#4 What design elements would you say are signature to your brand?
“There’s usually a nod to the natural outdoors which is my constant inspiration. A lot of my designs have floral elements – from classic bridal combs and hairpins to more bohemian woodland hair vines – and I was really drawn to extend that natural outdoors inspiration to a more celestial style with my latest collection. There’s always sparkle – whether it’s the muted shimmer of pearl or mother of pearl in my more rustic bohemian hair vines and pins, or the full-scale sparkling crystals in my more statement vines, headbands and headdresses. Versatility, comfort and quality are so important too – a wedding headpiece doesn’t just have to look amazing it needs to feel comfortable throughout the day and night and I love the idea of a piece that can be worn in different ways on your wedding day and long afterwards.”
#5 Tell us more about your beautiful studio space in Sheffield, can brides visit for one-on-one consultations?
“It’s a working studio where I design and make my headpieces and it also has a large consultation space so brides can visit to browse all my collections and I’ll help them choose and try on pieces to find the perfect design for their look and personal style. I think choosing your bridal hair accessories or earrings is such a lovely part of the process of getting married and a personal consultation with a favourite designer is a great opportunity to do something really special for yourself in the lead up to your wedding. You can come alone or bring a bridesmaid or mum – and we always have a lot of fun! I also love that my visitors get to see where and how I work – I hope it helps them to feel how central they are to the process of designing and making for them. My studio is a real haven for me, it’s filled with plants and is an extension of me and my inspirations and I absolutely love working there. My space is one of many artist studios in a striking 1920s building, now called Exchange Place Studios, which was originally built for WHSmith and now houses a massive community of artists, makers and jewellers. The studio is in Sheffield city centre, close to the railway station and motorway so it’s really easy to get to. Brides come from all over the UK, and especially from London which is just a couple of hours away by train!”
#6 Talk us through the brand’s sustainable credentials…
“I choose sustainable materials for my designs wherever possible and continue to look for sustainable alternatives where this hasn’t been possible. For example I use satin ribbons made from recycled bottles and sustainably-produced crystals and pearls. My packaging is recyclable and made from recycled materials, I offer carbon-neutral shipping options, and I’m signed up to a programme which plants a tree for every item sold on my website. I make quality pieces that are designed to last and be worn again – heirlooms of the future rather than fast fashion to be cast aside in a season or two.”
#7 If you could collaborate with another brand, be it a dress designer or shoe label – anyone – who would it be and why?
“Loeffler Randall – I’m in love with their sandals and I think some of my star and pearl cluster designs in particular would look amazing on their stunning pleated bow-topped pieces!”
#8 What are the brand’s designs/plans for the future?
“I’m working on a new collection but I’m not putting any pressure on myself to finish it quickly! I’m taking my time and letting myself sit for longer with my new designs – I think from both a sustainable and self-care point of view I’ve learned over the last couple of years to design in a more considered, organic way and not rush to put more objects out into the world. So far that seems to be working well for Debbie Carlisle the brand, and Debbie Carlisle the person!”
Discover more from beautifully crafted bridal accessories from Debbie Carlisle’s curated website.
For more bridal inspiration, head back to Your Day.
