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The Story of

Nicki Macfarlane

BRAND BRIEF · November 2016

Now All Little Girls Can Feel Like British Royalty

Offering a range of ready-to-wear dresses as well as a bespoke service, Nicki Macfarlane signature style is fairytale dream dresses. Their dresses combine classic elegance and exquisite styling. They have also become known for their truly personal approach.

Nicki Macfarlane’s Heritage

An English Fairytale

All the elements of a fairytale are there – a prince, a princess, gorgeous gowns and an eponymous business that appeared seemingly by magic. Going in just ten years from one sewing machine to dressing bridesmaids for the wedding of the century sounds like a fantasy – a bit like spinning gold from straw. But for London-based designer Nicki Macfarlane, it is very much reality.

Macfarlane began designing and making special occasion childrenswear over 30 years ago. She was talented – exceptionally so, and her party dresses were sensational, although she had never ventured into the world of weddings. The magic began when one day, she was approached, unexpectedly, by a bride and asked to create 22 flower girl and page boy outfits.

Stepping into the wonderland of weddings, Macfarlane found she belonged there. She enjoyed the first wedding so much that she began going to wedding shows and from there, the business grew with incredible speed. Soon, they needed more than her one sewing machine and part-time seamstress to meet the requests of brides. Together with daughter Charlotte, they began dressing children for many society and even celebrity weddings. They developed a ready-to-wear element to compliment the bespoke offerings, and this was again, very successful.

Nicki Macfarlane Boutique in London
More from Nicki Macfarlane Go to Shop

In 2011 they received a very important phone call from the world’s most famous ‘Mother of the Bride’, Carole Middleton. They were delighted to be asked to design four flower girl dresses for the wedding of the century, the marriage of Catherine to His Royal Highness, Prince William.

The mother and daughter team continue to handcraft their enchanting creations in London, UK or at their homes in Wiltshire and Kent. Every piece is handmade in England. The dresses are crafted with precise and perfect attention to even the smallest details. The detailing is always perfect such as a matching or contrasting sash, buttoning or English lace peeking from an underskirt.

Nicki visiting our boutique in Germany

Signature Style

Nicki Macfarlane works with a special colour palette, creating dresses with matching or contrasting detailing. Dresses can be floating and ethereal, made from dreamlike fabrics such as wild silk or layered organza. Other gowns are created in more structured fabrics; firmer silk satin, for example, giving a beautiful sculptural look.

Most of Nicki Macfarlane dresses have a princess look through the use of generous petticoats. Many of their creations also include bows, English lace, pleats and other feminine touches, guaranteeing each gown is unique and special.

One thing all their creations have in common is the finest quality, in terms of fabrics and craftsmanship. Not only that, but to this day everything is still authentically made in London. It’s little wonder that an actual princess thought of Nicki Macfarlane to provide the gowns for her special day.

Daughter Charlotte Teaches how to tie the Signature Sash

Bespoke Dress Service

Wedding coming up?
Barbara Frères is delighted to have teamed up with Nicki Macfarlane to offer a very special bespoke service.
You can now customise every perfect detail of your own fairytale dress.

Design Your Dream Dress

Perfect For Girls Who…

…would like a handmade creation that is every bit as special as the occasion.

Nicki Macfarlane Today

Nicki Macfarlane is now a leading British designer who has earned an excellent reputation in England and increasingly, worldwide. The mother-daughter team continue to construct fine childrenswear in the UK.

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