Hello,
I’m Valerie Moon, a dressmaker and fashion designer based in Highams Park, North East London.
I was born in France and moved to London to start my dream career studying at Central Saint Martins and since then I have been working as a dressmaker for 20 years.
I feel blessed to have been able to learn from the wonderful Alexander McQueen. Working alongside him I learnt so much about ‘Haute Couture’ and how to make beautiful and creative dresses. My early years as a designer really fed my passion for what I do now.
I now design and make dresses for wonderful customers, creating and bringing to life something they didn’t realise existed. Through collaboration and understanding their body shape, I create their perfect dress.
I hope you’ve enjoyed browsing through my work. I’m more than happy to talk about what you are looking for - whether it be a wedding dress, alterations, pre-loved clothes that need a new lease of life, or even a gift for a family member or friend.
Valerie x
Services
Wedding Dress Bridesmaids Dresses Wedding Guest Dress Tailoring
In the Studio
I love to work in a calm environment and use beautiful tools to create my work. My sciscors are the shape of a bird. My sewing needles are gold and the head of the pins I use are made of glass.
All my cutting tools are beautiful and elegant. It is very important for me to associate the beauty of natural materials with the plenitude of creation that happens within my studio.to
Inspiration
The source of my inspiration comes from nature. The shapes of flowers and branches for me represent the way fabrics move and the way a garment could envelop a woman’s body like a calice.
I adore the colour palettes of nature - especially fresh or dry flowers. Each detail is important to me - the transparency, lights and shadows.
I’m lucky to live near Epping Forest where an abundance of nature awaits to be discovered and where I take my camera to become inspired.
Fabric & Textures
I always choose natural materials such as cotton, linen, wool, and vegetable silk. I try not to use synthetic fabrics as they are bad for the environment. I also avoid silk from animal farming because the silkworm must be killed to use the thread from which the silk fabric can be made.
Animal cruelty goes against my ethics. Vegetable silk is beautiful, does not involve animal cruelty, and is just as strong as animal silk. I also use organic cotton and wool produced in small local farms where animals are well cared for and looked after.
Style & Cut
l would describe my style as modern but elegant. I have a good sense for proportions to meet my customers’ body shape and help them feel confident.
I love to create minimalist garments with a neat quality, comfortable and easy-to-wear cut, and works well with accessories.
Moodboard
Often, nature is invited into my moodboards.
The shape of a plant leaf highlights a particular line in my design. The colour of a flower, the texture of its petals, influence my choice for the fabric.
Approach
After drawing, I design directly onto the dummy - making the toile (testing garment). This helps me make a unique piece which is timeless in both style and comfort.
To me, making a garment from scratch is the most interesting way of creating. I love this particular challenge and searching for the right materials, colours, and style for my customers.