Local Bridal Couture Runway Success

Jillian Franklin at work. Photo credit: Threefold Studio

The love of sewing as a school girl has led to an enduring career as an internationally renowned designer for Albury’s Jillian Franklin.

Jillian’s bridal creations have graced the covers of national magazines, and her latest designs will feature at a special runway event in Rutherglen on February 17.

Jillian Franklin Couture, White Meadow Bridal and Megghan Louise will all feature a collection of their gowns as part of a headline runway show to launch the Love + Light Wedding Festival.

Photo: TruPics

It’s an opportunity for the Albury based designer to showcase her creativity to potential brides.

“It’s a little bit of probably getting back to the elegance of a gown,” Jillian said.

“I’m going back to a bit more classic, feminine, romantic – I love the French style of things”.

“The lines are simple but the fabrics are just beautiful – a lot of lace, soft tulle. Romantic I guess, and a little bit different.”

Jillian has been “designing and fiddling with fabrics” all her life and now celebrates more than 35 years in the industry.

Jillian Franklin Couture’s Albury studio. Photo: TruPics

While most designers are based in the capital cities, brides from across the region, as well as Melbourne and beyond are happy to visit her Albury studio to seek Jillian’s skills for a custom designed gown.

“Brides want their own specially designed gown,” Jillian said.

“A bride will come to me and we’ll sit and we’ll chat about what they might have in mind, and while they’re talking I’ll sketch and when we’re finished they’ll look at what I’ve sketched and say ‘oh yes, that’s it!’

“I just love it, and playing with fabrics more than anything. I’ll start playing and draping it on a dress dummy and that’s how things come up.”

Photo credit: Threefold Studio

While Jillian has been designing for many years, demand for her work intensified a few years ago when she was invited to participate in a Sydney bridal expo.

“I reconnected with a wonderful lady who is a senior stylist for Brideminded to go to Sydney to showcase in their big Sydney bridal expo,” Jillian said.

“Things then came out of that, including the offer to feature in a magazine, which I ended up being front cover of – little old me, down here sewing and they rang and said ‘would you like to?’

“To end up being on the front cover, it was pretty amazing.”

Jillian’s design on the front cover of Complete Wedding magazine.

Jillian says she is only one of many talented local professionals in the wedding industry and can’t wait to showcase their collective offerings during the Love + Light Festival.

“There’s so many amazing people doing some amazing things,” Jillian said.

“I’ve done quite a few collaborations with local vendors who are in the festival and I just think it’s going to be amazing – huge really for everyone concerned and I think it will showcase what we can do around here.”

Regardless of the variety of considerations when planning a wedding, Jillian regards the design of ‘the dress’ the ultimate honour.

“I get goose bumps when brides come in,” Jillian said.

“To share the design and making of a dress with them is so special.

“It’s such an honour, because for brides, aside from the husband of course, it’s all about the dress!”

For more information about Jillian Franklin Couture visit: https://www.jillianfranklindesigns.com.au/

For more information about Love + Light Festival on 17 & 18 February, including the Runway Show visit: https://www.loveandlightweddingfairs.com.au/

Produced by Border Cafe in partnership with Love + Light Wedding Festival.