Coming out from the wings and into the spotlight, Cristina Ruggeri and Becky Gunstone swapped their backstage roots in costume design for a leading role with their very own bridal brand; Paper to Lace.
Based in London, Paper to Lace offers something a little bit different for the modern bride. Threaded with cool girl energy, its made-to-order collection includes everything from dresses to jumpsuits, separates, capes and cover-ups.
“Our made-to-order collection has been designed to layer well together, allowing you to build an individual look.”
Paper to Lace
So instead of build-a-bear, think build-a-bride and layer up lavishly! The minimalist contours of a slinky slip can be lifted with the vintage inspired neckline of the Serafina blouse, or maybe why not add a boho touch to the Faye jumpsuit with the Devore kimono? For more on the brand, read our chat with the dynamic design duo below…
Why did you set up Paper to Lace?
CR “When we started making bespoke dresses we realised a lot of brides couldn’t find what they were looking for in high street boutiques. Either they didn’t capture their personal style, or their shape. We were able to understand what they wanted and translate that into their own unique design.”
BG “After a few years of creating bespoke, we realised that starting from a blank canvas can be daunting for some people which was when we decided to create our first made-to-order collection. We wanted to capture the essence of bespoke, of feeling like you have control of the process and design.”
CR “Most of our pieces are customisable, so a bride can tweak and fine tune the designs to suit them, whether it’s changing the fabrics, new sleeves or adding a train.”
Who is a Paper to Lace bride?
CR “One thing that unifies our brides would be that they always have a clear personal style and want to look like themselves, not like a ‘bride’. Which for us, has always meant that they are varied and exciting to work with. Very often they are getting married in cool and unusual places; up mountains, on a lake or in a swimming pool, they are not having a “traditional” wedding day.”
BG “Also, they all have excellent taste in shoes.”
CR “So true!”
What happens when a bride first approaches you? How does the process unfold?
BG “Made-to-order customers come to our studio to try on our collection pieces and get an idea of what styles suit them, and then discuss any potential customisation they might want. We then take their measurements to work out what size to make the chosen outfit to before we see them again further down the line for a fitting.”
CR “The bespoke process is much longer. We start with a meeting to look at their mood board and get an understanding of their style, what their wedding will be like and what they want from their outfit. We then go away to sketch some designs, usually 4 or 5, before meeting again to discuss which elements of each sketch they are most drawn to and look at some fabrics to nail the final design.”
“We then move forward with making a toile (this is a mock-up of the dress but made in cheaper fabrics) and see them for a fitting to check the fit and make sure we are all happy with how the design is working before moving on to the real fabrics. There are usually a couple more fittings from this point before its ready to collect. This whole process can take at least 6 months, but 12 months or more is ideal.”
What is your approach to sustainability?
CR “We put a lot of time into finding fabrics that are either natural or recycled. Most of our collection is 100% silk, but we have been using more and more tencel, bamboo and some recycled poly fabrics too.”
BG “Everything is made-to-order, which minimises waste as we’re only making what we need rather than stock that might not be used. It’s also all made here in London so we are in full control of every piece and how it is made.”
CR “A huge factor in us designing more separates was to make it easier for brides to wear them beyond their wedding day. We’ve recently filmed some insta reels which showcase how to style our pieces with your everyday wardrobe.”
What advice do you have for brides who are looking for separates?
BG “Think about how the day will evolve. One of the joys of separates is that you can have more looks over the course of the day. So if you want to walk in to the ceremony with drama and then change for the dance floor later you could wear the Portofino with the Chiffon Cape which you could take off when you are ready to party.”
CR “I’d go for the Farfalla Top with Verona Skirt, and then change to the Faye Trousers for the evening.”
What styles are going to be big this year?
BG “It’s exciting to see more brides wanting to wear shorter styles. It doesn’t have to be floor length to be bridal.”
CR “Satin is having a big moment right now which we are really here for. It’s luxurious and looks incredible in photos too.”
What’s been your favourite commission to work on?
BG “Really hard to pick a fave, at least there’s two of us so we can be cheeky and pick one each! Bespoke bride, Helen wanted to incorporate the fabric from her Grannie’s antique wedding dress. It was made from gold thread and miraculously survived a fire in her family home. Being extremely precious we were so nervous cutting into it! But getting to make something new and entirely suited to Helen and her day was a beautiful thing for us to be a part of.”
CR “Anna’s is one of my highlights. She brought us a moodboard filled with images of vintage, couture, and Met Gala references for us to work from. It was an incredible gold silk extravaganza. We got to learn new and complicated pattern cutting techniques to create it, as well as having the opportunity to work with a jewellery designer to make her a crown. Yes, a crown!”
Quick-fire round…
Your favourite dress from the collection?
CR Amalfi
BG Cirrus
A silhouette you love to wear?
CR Something sleek and tailored
BG Anything with a nipped in waist
Favourite brunch spot?
CR Salt the Radish is small but so worth queuing for!
BG Blackhorse Workshop Cafe
Your go-to tipple?
CR A classic negroni every time. I am half Italian after all
BG Isle of Harris gin and tonic
A shoe that never fails you?
CR I’m a classic white trainer gal (currently VEJA V-10s)
BG DM boots, I like a pretty dress paired with a chunky boot
Favourite lip-stick shade?
CR MAC Mangrove
BG Revlon Wild Orchid
A tip for sustainable living?
CR I have been trying to avoid high street and instead buying more from Depop and Vinted recently
BG We get a veg box which is made up of fruit and vegetables rejected by supermarkets
Sweet or savoury?
CR Both! Salted caramel is perfection
BG Savoury. Staffordshire Oatcakes with cheese are my all time favourite thing
The perfect Paper and Lace Bridal accompaniment?
CR Champagne. Followed by more champagne…
BG Wolf and Moon jewellery. Have you seen those headpieces?!
Campaign imagery photographed by: Claire Juliet Paton
Portraits photographed by: Sophie Lake
For more from Paper to Lace click here
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