Posted on 7:44pm Monday 13th Jun 2011
I can't believe it's three years almost to the day since I was eating cake in the park with my god-daughter, Tilly, on a career break from my job as a BBC radio producer & had the idea to start a little business hand-making dresses. 'Peak Princess' has been more successful that I could have ever imagined, growing from the initial collection of just four dresses in four Liberty prints named after my friends' little girls. There is now 'Peak Prince' for boys as well as ladies' blouses and men's shirts all available in more than 50 different prints. My bridesmaid dress collection's proved a real hit & has featured in Cosmo Brides, Conde Nast Brides and this month in Easy Living.
Up until now, it's been just me designing and making all my clothes myself. But I've now got so many orders that my waiting list was becoming a little too long. So I'm delighted to introduce you to Millie and Emily.
Millie and her machine & Kate with Emily and Alfie the dog
Millie Crawford’s an experienced dress-maker who used to manage wedding dress-designer Anneliese Sharp's Chelsea store. Millie loves making Liberty print dresses for her two little girls so I'm over the moon she's going to be able to give me a hand making dresses and blouses.
Many of you already know fabric designer Kate Yorke who makes my beautiful hair accessories, bags and jewellery. She lives in the neighbouring village. (My triple pleat denim dress is named after her little girl!)
So you could say Peak Princess has tripled in size in just three years!
Thanks and best wishes, Lissa
PS I’m experimenting with designing men’s ties. It’s a fiddly business as they are cut on the cross to ensure the knot ties beautifully and require a metre and a half of hand slip-stitching and a special sort of wool lining. I've put 3 half price preview samples on the website for £24.99 handmade in your choice of Liberty print with contrast lining. Click here to order or email me.
A reluctant Mr Cook modelling a Tatum print tie and matching hankerchief. Also shown, Joyride stripe tie with contrast lining & Mark paisley print tie.
