Cynthia Grafton-Holt Couture

04/06/2025

Close your eyes and imagine a place where luxury meets nature, where the golden sunlight dances through the valley and every detail feels like a love letter to your heart. Our latest blog post takes you deep into Glencoe for a dreamy wedding escape, celebrating bridal couture with nature-inspired details. 🌿💍

Join us on this journey of romance, creativity, and unforgettable beauty—where every gown tells a story.

Read the full story here:

Photographer | Natalie Pluck | Photographer
Creative Direction | Maria Elizabeth
Shoes | Bella Belle Shoes
Veils | Sash + Veil
Florist | Feather Grass Florals
Accessories | Emilia Rae Bridal
Tableware & Linen | alba.tableware
Models | Eve Madeley Olivia Dundar

It started with a spark—a vision that dared me to push the boundaries of creativity and bring a bride’s dream to life. A vision that asked: What if we could create an experience that felt like an exclusive escape, a secret place only love knows about? That’s exactly what we set out to do in th...

19/05/2025

📖 S is for Storytelling
NO TRENDS... Just timeless personal style — designed exclusively for you.

Authentic, Handcrafted, Hand-Written stories - Made in London.

Slide 3: Fitted, flowing, or sculpted - we create what suits your unique body, not the other way around.

Slide 4: 📖 S is for Storytelling
We don’t just make dresses — we tell your story in every layer of fabric.

Slide 5: S is for Sophistication
Luxury lives in quiet confidence.
Clean lines. Impeccable finishes.
Nothing loud. Just breathtaking.

Slide 6:
💫 S is for Serendipity
The perfect dress isn’t found — it’s created, just for you, at just the right time!

Slide 7: ✨ Say yes to a dress that begins with S.
Start your bespoke wedding dress story today!

🔗 Book your private couture consultation today.

CONTACT US
+44 (0) 203 026 0689
E: [email protected]
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Images Credits


























Have a question? Please join me in the comments
Xx

15/05/2025

DID YOU REALLY MAKE THIS?”

It’s the question we’ve heard time and again—and even after 40 years, it still makes me smile, and you want to know why? Because it proves we have something genuine and true today.

There’s something magical about watching a bride walk into the studio and see the craftsmanship up close. The intricate details, the fabric, and the structure—it’s often something they’ve only seen on a runway or in editorials. And suddenly, they realise that this level of artistry is within reach—just for them.

HOW TO FIND US
We have moved our entire operation to Park Royal NW10 (just 6 minutes from North Acton station). It isn't glossy and cool like Mayfair, but it's where the magic happens without the price tag - because we believe in keeping things 💯

We are open Tues - Saturday 11am–4pm and we invite you to drop by, see the gowns, browse the fabrics, and watch the team at work behind the scenes.

✨ Ready to be inspired? For further info send us a DM or call ahead—we’d love to welcome you in.

TEL: 020 3026 0689
Book a Consultation: [email protected]

CREATIVE TEAM
Concept and Styling
Wedding dress designer /
Planner & Scheduling – Anne Cecile
Photographer -
Model – /
Make-up-artist – Maeva
Shoot Assistant – Nyasha .maxwell/
Male model – Arthur .czb/
Bridal Accessories -
Bridal Shoes & Jewellery




























What excites you more when shopping for your wedding dress? A). The brand name. B). The quality. C). SERVICE D). Details.

14/05/2025

Draping on the Stand

Creating Mila was a year-long journey—and the stand was where her story truly began.

My first attempts at draping this seemingly simple design was exciting and exhausting [all at the same time]. Having begun the process in the morning light of my dining room, I had all the time in the world to explore shapes, drape and fall. But, once I moved outside of that still space, everything I had achieved that morning dissipated once I moved away from stillness. Months later, (when I had more time) i attempted to continue, but the original idea had evolved in my head and heart, and now it was frumpy, outdated, and uninspiring. So I evolved with it by exploring a new fabric, curious to see its effect.

The change was nothing short of transformative. The moment the silk chiffon caught the light, Mila was reborn—her lines softened, her presence deepened. I often talk to my clients about the character of cloth - and i swear they think i'm a little short of cuckoo - but it is amazing what even the smallest shift in the choice of what materials can do for a design.
MILA BECAME drama incarnate: lush and luxurious, imbued with a quiet understated mystery, yet she screamed red carpet, effortless sophistication, and glam

In that instant, MILA found her voice.

Photography |
stories


Slides, 1, 2, 3,4.
Mila in Chiffon
Mila in Champagne
Mila in Black Tulle

Which one is your favourite

09/05/2025

We've been featured in HELLO Magazine and I have only just got around to sharing it!!!! We have been non-stop busy making gowns so we havent showed up here in awhile. Feel free to head on over to the website and check out some of ou latest posts and pages if you have been missing us! We missed you too.

Happy Friday

The HELLO Magazine Wedding Dress Trends 2024 "according to designer Cynthia Grafton-Holt", will definitely be high up there on the goals list for 2024/2025. It still feels unreal to be featured and discussing fashionable bridal trends with a leading lifestyle magazine like HELLO. I mean, Hellooo, ho...

06/05/2025

FAQs

What is the thing you enjoy most when designing bespoke wedding dresses for brides as I can't imagine it's an easy job?

A: I enjoy most the smile and the joy that I bring to the lives of others, which I think is captured here beautifully.

Amy's mum sees for the first time the full design reimagined from her granny's wedding dress that was given to her when she was a student studying historical costumes. No-one had imagined that Amy would deconstruct and redesign the lace wedding dress into a fun, modern, 3-piece gown full of style, heritage, and personality.

Amy's full story is available to read at the link below:
https://www.cynthiagraftonholt.com/post/bespoke-bridal
-couture-amy-s-upcycled-wedding-dress

Bride @
Photography
Venue
Repurposed gown

Amy has documented the entire process on her blog - a helpful
resource for fashion and costume students
at the following page.
https://ooarh.wordpress.com/2018/11/28/my-wedding-dress/
her story at the following webpage

05/05/2025

"Beauty is everywhere but not everyone sees it"

Confucious

With way more years of experience than I can put into this post, here are a few snippets of the beautiful hand crafted ethereal details behind my work.

I really struggle (more than i can admit) to showcase my work and it bothers me that I cant do a better job. But honestly, it would take a team of photographers, videographers, and editors to follow me around daily and show you all that I can do..

Even creating the smallest snippets takes hours and is costly to me as a small business to produce content I am proud to share.

So for now, please enjoy by swiping right ➡️ and, if you like what you 👀,, go ahead and tell somebody, tag a bride or two who needs a fairygodmother. 🧚‍♀️🧚‍♀️

Happy Monday
XOXO

Get in Touch
+44 (0) 203 0689
Email Studio@Cynthiagraftonholt

02/05/2025

Repurposed WITH LOVE | AMY' S STORY

How the Things That We Love Become Who We Are

“Something old, something new,
Something borrowed, something blue.
Happy is the bride with a sixpence in her shoe”

Amy, a passionate creator and student of historical costumes, dreamt of reusing her grandmothers wedding dress for her big day from the day she was given it during studying textiles and art.

While the dream was perfectly doable, Amy wanted to make it herself, adding another incredible twist to her journey. Designing the dress and researching dress shapes and styles was fine up to a certain stage as Amy had tackled many smaller scale projects with success and had even sold some of her own work at craft fairs - but then, as things got progessively harder, Amy realised she needed help to complete the project and eventually reached out to me to resolve the areas that she needed expert help with.

Amy's full story is available to read at the link below: https://www.cynthiagraftonholt.com/post/bespoke-bridal-couture-amy-s-upcycled-wedding-dress

Bride @
Photography
Venue
Repurposed gown

Amy has documented the entire process on her blog - a helpful resource for fashion and costume students
at the following page.
https://ooarh.wordpress.com/2018/11/28/my-wedding-dress/ her story at the following webpage

22/04/2025

UK BRIDAL DESIGNERS | THE LIST

Incredibly proud and honoured to be counted within the 'Top visionaries and creatives bringing bridal dreams to life with exquisite craftsmanship'.

Thank you to the team over at for choosing CGH to feature among wedding dress designers who are making their mark on the world of bridal fashion.

If you are new to my feed, I would love to wish you a hearty Tuesday welcome to the family.

Cynthia
X







The role of designers

Truly, curating outfits that align with a bridea vision takes a lot of strategy and ideation, not to mention the actual sourcing and designing. This is where our expertise and skill will help to execute the vision with excellent results.

There are two pain points that we address to empower our brides.
(A) Style, Selection, Sourcing
(B) The perfect fit

Some brides may have a solid aesthetic in mind but might not have the sartorial language or trend knowledge to translate their vision. We can help by proposing looks for the entire wardrobe.

On the other hand, some brides already have specific outfit ideas but aren’t sure how to make them happen. , we provide support by offering RTW or made-to-order designs for receptions, after parties, etc. This way, brides solve a huge shopping expedition in one shop as we provide an end-to-end process with advice selecting the right options.

One trend we’re seeing, for example, is modular bridal collections. These are versatile ensembles designed for the aisle and beyond. Think column gowns, pantsuits, lace dresses, and embroidered separates that are dramatic enough for the ceremony but just as relaxed for the reception.

To book a consultation or check availability, contact the studio by email 📧 [email protected]

21/04/2025

ROSA | meet one of my favourite designs for the cool modern bride. Unstructured simplicity, laid back and comfortable from begto end.

A delicately embroidered and appliqué 3D lace leaves unto astel shaded cappuccino tulle. Ruffle shoulders, Balloon sleeves detailing hand tied at the cuffs.

# -in-waiting

Hands up ✋️ if pastel shades are your number one wedding dress goal?

16/04/2025

Finding The Perfect Wedding Day Shoe
by bridal expert Cynthia Grafton-Holt

Choosing the perfect shoe for the big day should be easy and straight forward BUT, many brides end up buying a wedding shoes that turns the whole process into a mini meltdown?

Buying your shoes with your heart rather than waiting until you have received your dress, or your bespike wedding dress is near completion spells trouble ahead!

With so many different shades of ivory from porcelain to chalk and sand, it is easy to think that shoe and dress will match only to find you got it wrong.

So here’s what you need to know:

✔ Dress First, Shoes Second – Your gown sets the tone, so choose your dress before selecting shoes to ensure a flawless match.

✔ Break Them In – Wear your shoes around the house for a few hours each day before the big day—you and your shoes should feel like the perfect pair!

✔ Comfort is Key – Style is important, but so is being able to walk, dance, and enjoy every moment effortlessly. Choose a pair that feels as good as they look!

✔ Choose a heel that will cope with the location; choose a wedge heel, sandals, or bare foot for on the beach.
Block heels are great on gravel, lawn, and countryside landscapes.
Stilettoes are great for landmark venues, with mostly flat or carpeted surfaces.

Hope you find our suggestions helpful. Let us know what other tips you'd like to offer New brides in the comments below! 👇✨

Photographer
Shoes









# Bridaltips

13/04/2025

FEATURED |

It's More Than a Dress-It's a Story You Wear

Every bride who chooses a bespoke gown isn't just choosing a
look--she's creating a legacy. Whether you're inspired by your
culture, your love story, a favourite era, or a piece of art, my
passion is to help bring your ideas to life with intention and
artistry.

As an artist, that moment, when your eyes light up and the tears fall, is my proud moment - simply knowing in my heart - we accomplished this together!

And, like any great novel, the KIND WORDS of encouragement and support after the gown is done, and the story draws to an end, provide authenticity and realness for others to see words like ,
'"I felt seen. I felt beautiful. And I felt completely like myself. That's something no boutique dress could have given me."

From Sketch to Aisle - Your Vision, My Expertise

Get in touch 0203 026 0689

LEARN MORE?
https://www.cynthiagraftonholt.com/our-story










What story would your dream dress tell? (l'd love to know how
you'd would make it uniquely yours