A FASHION designer who has worked with some of television’s biggest stars is starting a new bridal range back home in Penistone.
Kay Heeley has created costumes for Strictly Come Dancing, designed countless outfits for singer and TV presenter Jane McDonald and recently made the wedding dress for Dancing on Ice winner Alex Murphy, which was featured in Hello magazine last December.
Now though, the professional fashion designer - who runs the business Angel Couture - is launching her first bridal range which will be available across the UK.
She told the Chronicle: “This range is still in its infancy, but I’ve been in business for 20 years.
“After college my first job was sewing in a bridal shop.
“I started my own business back then in between my part-time work.
“Afterwards I went to London where I worked on Strictly Come Dancing - I never intended for the business to stop but it was put in stasis while I was busy.
“I came back to Yorkshire in 2015 and got everything started properly again.
“Dancing design is so different to bridal work so it’s nice to get back into that again now - I focus on bespoke designs, so this is going to be a new wing to the business.
“It’s really exciting, we’re pushing into a quite saturated market but trying to do our own thing.
“The dresses are designed and hand-finished in the UK.
“Lots of people are trying to get away from over sea manufacturing, but you just can’t. It’s far too expensive.
“So we design them here, and then the hand-crafted finishes will be done by myself and my team at the end.”
Despite these pressures, the self-proclaimed Barnsley girl has worked hard to ensure her business remains local - with old college friends still working alongside her.
“My old teacher works at Halo Millinery,” Kay added.
“She taught me about 30 years ago when I was studying fashion at Barnsley College and we’re now working together.
“My machine girl is also someone I went to college with - I really want to keep that team together
“It’s nice to show that Barnsley has its own fashion world.”
To launch this new range, an event was held at Stocksbridge’s The Bridal Box Boutique last month - the store is one of the first to stock Kay’s new collection.
Radio DJ Stephanie Hirst - who Kay describes as a ‘good friend’ - provided the soundtrack for the night and Alex Murphy attended - Jane McDonald has also been pictured showcasing some of the range.
Kay said: “I am just thrilled to be launching this collection locally in Stocksbridge and working alongside Claire Parish and her brides at the Bridal Box - it’s such an exciting collaboration to bring Couture to the local area.
“Being showcased in ‘Hello’ magazine in December was incredible so now to launch the actual dress worn by Alex Murphy so other brides can get her bridal look is so exciting.
“It’s always been a dream to be not only a designer but a brand in a very competitive industry, and of course keeping the success and talent in Barnsley.”
