CATHERINE BLADES
Designer, Creator, Maker,
Visionary & Artist
For over 20 years I have had the privilege of creating gowns for thousands of individuals, celebrating all body shapes and sizes and refining my skills to become the couture dressmaker and designer I am today.
I opened the doors of Blades Couture over 10 years ago and spend cherished time designing and hand-crafting exquisite gowns for women and men from all over the world.
Using a mixture of traditional and modern techniques, luxurious fabrics and stunning embellishments, I design intuitively and with complete devotion. Each gown is unique and deeply intentional and my work is inspired by my love of nature, movement, dance, spirituality, history and many forms of art.
I welcome you into my beautiful studio, based in the tranquil countryside of the Hampshire/Berkshire border, which is a space of creativity, calm and celebration. The studio is an informal, welcoming space, where I will explore your desires and wishes for your special gown, and create a garment that truly honours who you are.
I believe that we are more than just our body, and my work moves beyond the fabric, allowing the creative process to thread together moments of beautiful connection, honour, care and personal attention to every detail.
The studio is a space of complete discretion. Your unique reasons and 'whys' will be held with the greatest respect.
I look forward to welcoming you to Catherine Blades Couture very soon.
"My deepest intention is to create a piece of art to adorn your skin, moulding the dress to honour your body.
Creating a gown to celebrate the power of the unique individual stood before me.
Each piece is more than draped fabric, it is cloth woven
for the heart and soul."
"I know that when I am cutting, stitching and threading I am honouring a body, a moment in time, a story to be told
and remembered."
"Remembering why we love is not only important on your wedding day, but every day, and in every moment. Marriage is the beginning of a journey of deep love and evolution together, and your wedding day is a visible commitment for everyone to see the depth of both your hearts. So make it a day of true connecton with every decision made, because love is in everything we do, in everything we touch, and in every word we speak. It is in the subtitles of the energy we resonate and the expression of your combined hearts. Be true to your own personal expression of love and let it be felt by all those who witness your day."
"THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP IN MY LIFE...
...is the one I have with myself. This may sound egotistical, but I have come to realise, in the last few years, that when my connection to myself is in balance, when my mind is focused, and when I’m creating from the heart, this is reflected through each and every relationship around me.
This has not always been the case. When I have been in a state of war with myself, when my self talk was aggressive, this was reflected in the lesser amount of love and connection I was able to give to my clients and to others around me.
My home life is one of laughter and love with my husband, daughter and dogs.
Although different to my home life, the relationship I have with my clients is one of great depth and honour to be part of such an impactful time in their life. I am lucky enough to class the majority of my clients as friends. This individual connection to me is like gold.
The one relationship that I value above all others is the one with my daughter Sophie. She is 18 years old, and is part of a generation that is under such pressure, more than any other generation has had before. As I connect with her, the work I create is my legacy to her."
"SELF CARE TO ME IS ABOUT CREATING A REALITY THAT FEELS LIKE A DREAM, ALLOWING STILLNESS AND CLARITY EVERYDAY....
The social world we live in has us pushing constantly, breaking down boundaries, and presenting the best version of ourselves.
I keep it very simple, and these simple daily habits mould my day and mental state and energy. I awake early and take a long walk with my dogs in the woods every afternoon, no matter how busy I am. This always clears my head and helps me to work more efficiently.
I have a Himalayan salt bath every evening and go to bed at a decent time. These simple habits help me to live a wholehearted life, where clarity and balance are essential.
In fact these are the topics of my art. Clarity is discovering your authentic self, not the one you have been told or programmed to be, not the one that society would lead you to become, but a version of yourself that comes from the heart, from a deep understanding of who you are and your connection to everything around you.
A life that leads to being calm, centred, transparent, joyful, fulfilled, balanced, inspired to live as a fearless, free and a joyful master of incredible clarity and integrity.
I am forever tweaking and learning how to be the best version of myself and it is not always pretty and perfect, sometimes we have to unravel a little in order to learn how to live the right way ."
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"TO KEEP GROUNDED AND INSPIRED...
... I spend a lot of time in nature, walking with my dogs, moving and breathing deeply amongst the trees and soaking up valuable time with my family.
My friends and loved ones would tell you that I spend a lot of time laughing and seeking out the simple joys of life.
Every moment is an opportunity to witness and learn."
When I am not working on a personal garment for a client I spent my time exploring and creating pieces which tell stories from nature, spirituality and cultural ancestry. You can see more of this work in the Art section of my website.