When it comes to success stories, there’s nothing quite like Nicole Elise Cook’s.

A lifelong fashionista with a passion for bridal, she has grown from using a piece of plasterboard on her bed as a cutting table to driving the design cogs behind her own burgeoning wedding dress-making business, Elise Designs – the region’s go-to for beautifully handmade, bespoke wedding gowns.

If you could describe your bridal style signature look, what would it be?

Light and delicate dresses with intricate detailing.

What’s the best response you’ve had from a bride while trying on a gown?

Bursting into tears. This bride just couldn’t find her dream dress, and after chatting to her about the things she liked and, more importantly, didn’t like, I sketched a design which made her cry with happiness. She told me that it was exactly what she wanted, and she could never describe it properly to anyone.

What fabrics do you love to work with most?

Tulle and lace. Combined, they create such delicate dresses which are easy to wear and effortlessly beautiful.

Something you would like to see more of in the bridal industry?

More inclusivity for different skin tones. There is more than one shade of nude!

Who is your favourite fashion designer and why?

Dior Haute Couture. The attention to detail and skills they have is phenomenal.

Describe your dream wedding gown.

Light and easy-to-wear, with hidden design features like pockets and removable skirts.

Where is your happy place?

My studio. When I first started I was working at my parent’s house with a domestic sewing machine and a piece of plasterboard on my bed as a cutting table, so to be able to have a whole studio with all of my machinery and equipment, makes me feel so proud.

How have you grown in 2020 and more importantly, what has it taught you?

How to ‘pivot in a pandemic!’ Midway through lockdown I wasn’t sure where Elise Designs would end up – I felt very lost and the future was very unclear.
But I took a break from bridal and started making scrubs for the NHS with the York Scrubs team and face masks to sell locally, which gave me the chance to expand my team and fund a new collection for next year.

To discover more about Elise and Elise Designs, head to their dedicated portfolio on our online Supplier Guest List – the luxe list of wedding wonder workers.
Elise Designs, Tudor House Westfield Court, Copmanthorpe, York YO23 3TA
info@elisedesigns.co.uk | 07462 443309 | www.elisedesigns.co.uk