Our Vintage Brides

Wedstock.

2012-01-22T08:33:00.004Z

This fifties lace dress with chiffon skirt, started with an illusion bodice. To make it perfect for Monique, we set about making it strapless then added a petticoat and a ribbon sash. We sourced a vintage wrap and created a unique headpiece from vintage feather, some silk and a brooch. Monique finished it all off with some fabulous and very high flower wedges for her fabulous festival-style wedding at Knaveswell Farm.

"Hi gals, I just wanted to say thank you again so much for being so amazing and making my dress absolutely perfect - all the little details that finished it off were perfect too. You really just got it all so right! And made the experience so much fun...

We had the most perfect day and everything fell into place with the help of great people like you. So thanks. Hope you are both well otherwise sure you are both busy little bees. Nice dress on X Factor by the way! Big love, Monique mx"

Photography by Sam Maber.

Brighton rock.

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000Z

Laura wanted a dress that she could wear to walk along Brighton's seafront. Although lots of our vintage dresses looked great, Laura didn't feel quite the beach belle until the very last one we tried. Which was this ruched, blue, fifties floral chiffon dress. We altered it to fit, changing the neckline slightly, and added a cut-edged petticoat. laura found her own shoes and headpiece.

"Hi Emma and Laura, I just wanted to write and say thank you for all your hard work on my wedding dress! Oli and I had the best day in Brighton and the dress fitted perfectly. It was everything I wanted and more - and I had so many compliments on it!

You guys were such a pleasure to work with, you made me feel really special throughout the whole process. I'm recommending you to anyone I know who needs a dress! Best wishes, Laura"

Islington Angel.

2012-01-08T11:08:00.006Z

Cecilia wanted a dress for her wedding in Islington. She came in to have a play and when she saw herself in this fifties dress with little embroidered flowers, illusion bodice and a scalloped hem finished with tiny bows, that was the one. We re-bound the neck and sleeves, in a matching silk to the bolero we also made. We added a petticoat and a velvet ribbon sash to match Cecilia's fabulous purple shoes. Cecilia's friend made her headband and she found a fifties necklace in our shop that went well with her own pearl earrings. And we were delighted to have Cecilia's mum come all the way from Italy to one of the fittings.

This wedding also featured on Rock 'n Roll Bride.

"Dear Emma & Laura, there are no words to describe how happy my fabulous dress from FCNK made me on our wedding day. As a bride who was dreading the idea of wedding dress shopping, it was an enormous relief to find you! Every fitting with you was great fun, and one of the memories I will cherish the most when thinking of our wedding preparations. You even managed to get my mum on a plane for the first time in her life! The day was absolutely perfect in every respect, I felt glamorous in my gorgeous dress, Rob loved it and everybody commented on how amazing it was and on how it was just "the" dress for me!

You’ve played a huge role in the wedding and in making me feel special, confident and ultimately just over the moon!! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me and I really wish you all the best for the future! You girls rock!!! xxx Cecilia"

Photographer Ed Osborn

Hot in the city.

2012-01-01T09:03:00.002Z

This cream fifties dress with lace bodice and tulle skirt with ruffles on the bust was the dress for Naomi. But we needed to replace the skirt with matching tulle as Naomi wanted it plain (it also originally had ruffles). We added a satin waist band and a cut-edged petticoat. Naomi found a headpiece and some stylish gold shoes for her city wedding.

Naomi's wedding also featured on Rock n' Roll Bride.

"My wedding was the best day of my life and you made it so special in creating such a fabulous dress - wearing it made me feel so gorgeous on the day . Seriously, I love my dress and will keep it forever! xxx Naomi"

Photos by Sarah Lauren.

Cracker.

2011-12-25T21:23:00.000Z

Lucy tried lots of dresses on. But this bright red lace fifties dress with satin trim was the bold statement she wanted for her very cool festival wedding. We helped with a full cream petticoat with a red edge, a cream flower birdcage veil and Lucy finished off with Vivienne Westwood shoes with red hearts on the front.

"Dear Laura and Emma, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for making me feel so gorgeous on my wedding day. From the moment I came in to FCNK you made me (and the entourage!) feel special. There were plenty of laughs, always an honest opinion, a few tears (when we found the dress!) and generous amounts of bubbles to keep mums, friends, bridesmaids and friends of mums/best friends entertained!

Your shop is a real diamond, the two of you are so passionate about what you do and genuinely care about each of your customers. The most important thing was that I felt like me and I felt gorgeous! Thanks so much for everything. Lucy xx"

Photos by Emma Case.

Think pink.

2011-12-18T00:04:00.004Z

Katie fell for this fifties dress with lace bodice and pleated tulle skirt. But she needed us to add lots of sparkle and lots of pink. We set about making the bodice strapless, then making some sheer straps out of the lace, and setting crystals into it. We added a very full petticoat, a long pink sash, a pink birdcage veil and we even attached tiny pink bows to a pair of Rachel Simpson's Evas. And just as a finishing touch... a bit more sparkle from a vintage necklace Katie found in our shop.

"Hello lovely ladies, I really wanted to say thank you so much for all you did for me with my dress. It was so much fun coming along to the fittings and adding extra petti's and sparkles every time :) You were both so kind and supportive and really made me enjoy the whole experience as it was something I wasn't feeling very confident about. I don't think I could have had a dress which was more "me". Rich loved it and I really felt like a princess all day. Its been a bit of a bump coming down to earth after the wedding and I have missed it more than I thought I would. I think that I am missing not spending time with lovely people like you the most. Lots of love Katie xxx"

Photos by John Mottershaw.

Ciao bella!

2011-12-11T09:12:00.009Z

Elena wanted a dress for her wedding in a picturesque village in Italy. And this tiered cream lace dress fitted the bill beautifully. We shortened it by two ruffles, giving us enough lace to make a lined halter neck. We also made a petticoat and a cream silk sash and Elena teamed it with some beautiful turquoise shoes. Lots of fun fittings and bubbly later, the dress was ready for its exciting journey to Italy.

"Hello lovely Emma and lovely Laura, It was an absolutely amazing day and the dress was definitely centre stage! I just wanted to thank you both for making dress shopping and fitting such an easy and enjoyable experience. I read somewhere early on in my wedding planning process to go for suppliers whose business you want to support and I definitely am so happy I was able to be a customer in your amazing shop. You were both so kind, had awesome suggestions and I just really, really loved my dress. Plus you made the whole travelling-abroad-with-dress process absolutely hassle free. I really can't recommend you both highly enough and will be singing your praises to anyone who will listen. Thanks so much for all your patience, creativity and fun-ness (new word just for you two). All the best, Elena"

Photographers were Stu and Anna Cooper

City slicker.

2011-12-04T09:25:00.005Z

Katie needed something chic for her uptown city wedding. She looked fabulous in a lot of the dresses we tried, but this sixties cream tulip dress, with a sequined bodice, coloured embroidery and silk organza skirt was the winner. We altered it to fit, added a green velvet ribbon sash, a pink-edged petticoated and mounted a brooch on matching silk for a hairpiece. Katie also chose a pair of Rachel Simpson's Evas.

"Hi girls! Here are a few photos from our wedding! We had such an amazing day and I absolutely loved wearing my dress - I had so many compliments about it on the day. The whole FCNK experience was wonderful and I knew I had found the right place as soon as I walked in. Most people seem to take ages to find the right dress - I actually found the opposite to be true and tried on five beautiful vintage dresses that made it almost impossible to decide! However, the little sequined one won hands down in the end and I'm so pleased I chose it as it fitted perfectly with our London city wedding. Thank you so much for all you did to make me feel so fabulous. Katie xx"

Photography by Lyndsey Goddard.

Greece lightning.

2011-11-27T09:13:00.005Z

Christina came to see us and try dresses on all the way from Greece. She was only here for a few days, but fell in love with this tiered fifties dress with delicate embroidery. Christina managed to bring a friend back to see the dress and try it for a second time, but her decision had to be fast as she was flying home again. We did all our fitting and chatted about the alterations, petticoat and birdcage veil before she went.

We adjusted the fit and shortened the dress by a couple of ruffles, giving us fabric to make the veil. Christina also used the lace to link the bride and groom's crowns for the ceremony. We emailed photos of the birdcage veil, then adjusted it for Christina. We carefully packed up the finished dress and sent to Greece, using our very reliable courier.

"Hi ladies, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for my dress and birdcage veil! I was so happy to wear something that I felt was really me. It was also really comfortable and great for dancing, as you can see from the photos! I really could not have wished for a better dress and I’m so happy being a FCNK bride! Although I had just one fitting, I received the dress right on time and absolutely perfectly fitted. I also used the extra lace from the dress to make the crowns. I wish the best of luck to both of you and thanks for everything! Lots of love, Christina"

Fresh as a daisy.

2011-11-20T09:24:00.003Z

Fran decided on this stunning champagne tulle dress, covered in cream and bronze daisies. That was it - 'Fran Daisy' to us from then on.

Originally a strapless dress with a jacket, Fran felt more comfortable when we suggested making straps which finished in a lovely v shape at the back. We added a petticoat and found some lovely chanmpagne flowers for Fran's hair, to which we added a bit of the dress fabric and some vintage earrings in the center. Fran's finishing touches were a cream satin ribbon sash, a pearl and marcasite daisy necklace from our shop and Rachel Simpson's Flo shoes.

"I just wanted to say a massive thank you again. You're both so incredibly talented and lovely; I'd dreaded the dress bit but every fitting was really fun and it ended up being one of my very favourite things. Lots of love, Fran Daisy"

Crystal clear.

2011-11-13T09:56:00.004Z

Maxine bought this late forties tulle and lace dress the second she tried it on. But possibly because she had decided so quickly, Maxine then had a little wobble about it. We knew she looked amazing, so to help, we hurried along with all the tiny adjustments. We fully fitted and refined the dress to help Maxine see the finished look much earlier than usual in the process.

Maxine wanted us to add some beautiful crystals into the lace. We also worked on the tulle halter, shortened the dress a touch to show off Maxine's high shoes, made a petticoat and lowered the front lace into more of a sweetheart shape. We finished the outfit off with a cream flower birdcage veil.

Maxine's wedding also featured on Love My Dress.

"Hello ladies! Hope you’re both well? Well I am finally married! We had the most amazing day EVER, really beautiful and on the day, when Joe saw me, I felt amazing in the dress! I cannot believe I ever doubted it – it was the perfect dress for me... phew! Hope you’re both well, will be in touch xx"

Photos by Jay Rowden

Champagne taste.

2011-11-06T10:14:00.005Z

Carla knew the moment she slipped on this stunning late fifties lace illusion dress with silk organza skirt that it was a winner. She asked how we would describe the colour, and we started saying things like latte or caramel... but Carla wasn't having any of it. She decided it was most definitely champagne and became known forever in our hearts as Champagne Carla.

After load of laughs, bubbly and a few early morning fittings, the look was completed with a beautiful cream satin sash and bow, matching satin triple bow veil and a bound petticoat. Carla made a stunning bouquet and found some amazingly high shoes which were the perfect match to the champagne dress. Carla had the lovely Elbie for hair and make up, and we loved the Lego figure button holes.

You can see more photos of Carla's day here.

"Ladies! I can’t believe that it’s over. No more coming to the shop totally hung over, no more bubbles, no more trying on that beautiful dress. (Ok well I can try it on at home, just without you two, which is clearly not as much fun).

I had to write to tell you just how amazing you both are. I was convinced that as an average sized woman (UK 12-14) with a more than ample bust I wouldn’t be able to find an original vintage wedding dress as ‘the waists were all tiny back then’ but after just one visit I found my dress. 1950’s American to match my engagement ring and in a colour I would never gave thought of but it was, as they say, ‘the one’. I think the line was “We have a winner Ladies”. You told me how you could change the neckline, nip in my waist (what, I have a waist?) and add a beautiful petticoat and in the end, it was more perfect that I imagined.

The whole FCNK experience is amazing, and not just for vintage lovers but for anyone that wants something unique and completely tailored to their personality. You gals are so clever and I think you might find that I will be coming back from time to time, hanging around like a weird wedding dress stalker. In all seriousness, thank you so much. You are WONDERFUL and I will be back, looking for a Sari very soon. Much love, Champagne Carla xx"

Photography by Emma at Blink Photography

In a spin.

2011-10-30T08:46:00.000Z

Catherine loved this fifties flocked chiffon dress with cream pink and blue flocked flowers all over. We worked on the neckline, as it was originally very asymmetric, and added a cream dutchess satin halter neck and a lovely wide matching sash to pick out the cream flowers. We also added a petticoat, perfect for a spot of hula hooping in the countryside.

"Dear Emma and Laura As you can see I wasn't joking about how bright Steven's shirt was! We had a wonderful day and had so many compliments about my dress. Thank you for all your help and your wonderful contribution to our big day! Catherine, x"

Members only.

2011-10-23T09:36:00.004+01:00

Sally chose this very delicate fifties lace bodice with fine tulle skirt for her wedding in a private members' club in Soho. The dress was a champagne colour with details in champagne satin on the bodice. Sally wanted to team it with black details, so we made a petticoat and edged it in black. We scaled down the bow which was originally on the front and moved it to the back. For the headpiece, we edged small black flowers in gold foil and set them on some silk from the dress with black veiling. Sally created the decoration for her shoes.

Some of the lovely talented people we have met were also involved with Sally's wedding, including hair and make up by Elbie and Restoration Cakes.

Sally and Clifton's wedding was also featured on Rock 'n Roll Bride.

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you to both of you for my beautiful dress and accessories and all the help you gave me. You two are the best! I had loads of fab compliments about how lovely the dress is and we had just a fantastic fun night ...again a huge thanks for helping make my wedding day so special - it was exactly what I had hoped for and you were all absolutely brilliant! Huge thanks to you all. Love Sally x x x"

With thanks to We Heart Pictures

Pearly queen.

2011-10-17T07:45:00.000+01:00

Adele came to try dresses on and the very last one we tried was a beautiful warm cream cotton lace illusion dress. It had lots of sequin trim which was just not Adele, so we carefully took it off, opened the back of the dress, made a cream satin sash with a big bow, a big petticoat and Adele found the strands of pearls in our shop. Adele choose Rachel Simpson's shoes and we found two flowers to which we added vintage pearls and lace from the dress into the petals.

"Hi Emma & Laura. Just wanted to say thank you for all your help with my dress. It was an amazing day and I think the dress was a big part of that, everyone loved it. It's a shame I can't wear it every day! I have attached a few photos of me and Tristan. Thanks Adele Russell xx"

Seaside special.

2011-10-09T09:38:00.002+01:00

Maddie came to see us and originally put a different dress on hold. Then we got a call. She couldn't stop thinking about this fifties tulle dress with tulle shoulder straps. So Maddie came back for a second look and decided it was her dress. We re-shaped the bodice played around a bit with the tulle straps, adding some sparkle and a ribbon under the bust. A net petticoat, a bound-edged two tier veil and a cream satin ribbon for the waist finished the romantic look for Maddie's glorious beachside wedding.

Also featured on Love My Dress.

"Hello ladies, how are you? Hope all's well and busy. We had a fab day (the sun even came out - whoopee!) and I got tons of compliments on my beautiful dress. I absolutely loved wearing it and was very sad to have to take it off at the end of the night! Thank you so much again for all your patience, help and loveliness.Thanks again for everything, Maddie xx"

Photgraphy by Nick White

Something bold.

2011-10-01T20:01:00.006+01:00

Marie Claire went for this delicate printed chiffon dress with velvet trim in a very bold colour for her countryside wedding. She found her dress very early on in the search so we had lots of time to create a red-edged petticoat and a red satin bolero. Then we created a unique veil that Marie Claire described to us and she wore Eva shoes by Rachel Simpson.

This wedding also featured on Rock 'n Roll Bride.

"Hi Laura and Emma, thank you for my beautiful dress and veil, they really are perfect and I’m so excited. I’m so glad I bought my wedding dress from you, it’s been such a lovely experience and you’ve both done such amazing things with the dress and veil. Although I don’t want to get married again (!) I wish I could come and buy another wedding dress from you!! I wish you both all the luck and success with the fab FCNK!! With bestest wishes, Marie-Claire xx"

Photography by Annamarie Stepney.

Wedding bella.

2011-09-25T08:16:00.006+01:00

Vikki needed a dress for her intimate family wedding in Italy, then a big party back home. She decided the moment she saw this stylish lace bubble dress with bow detail. We made a few adjustments to make it fit, then created a petticoat and Vicki added the sunglasses. Perfect for a chic city wedding.

"Hi Laura and Emma. The day was amazing, and the dress!! - so thank you for making it look so perfect! It looked great in Italy and for our party when we got home - just the look I was after and Nige loved it too! I just want it all to start over again so I can wear it a third time! Vikki"

See more photos of this wedding by Andrea Corsi and Daniele Vertelli.

The perfect mix.

2011-09-18T11:04:00.005+01:00

This stunning cream lace, dropped waist dress with scalloped hem and tulle ruffle layer was the one for "DJ" Sophie (never just Sophie to us...). We had brilliant fun during her fittings getting to know her and her family over bubbly. We took the sleeves off, opened up the back and replaced the sad tulle layer around the hem. We made a petticoat and DJ Sophie decided on a a cut-edged veil to get married in, but a vintage pearl brooch on a band that we created for the evening. DJ Sophie also went for Rachel Simpson's Marilyn shoes.

"Ladies, ladies, ladies... I found FCNK through a friend's recommendation after three other shop trips. I'd had a horrible experience before I found you, falling in love with a dress, struggling to hunt it down and then trying it on with 3 other brides fighting for space in a tiny corridor changing room in St Albans. The experience was nothing like I'd imagined and nor was the dress - I was devastated.

FCNK was my last appointment and BOY was it different - the welcome, the bubbly, the privacy and the dresses, oh the dresses. How I shall miss playing adult dress up with you both. From that very first visit I knew I had stumbled across something very special.

My dress initially had sleeves but even with those and the high back, from the moment I put it on I fell head over heels in love with it. I couldn't get over how slim it made me look, I actually felt dainty in it and loved that someone else had walked up an aisle in it before me.

On the day it was so comfy and just wowed everyone, I didn't stop talking about it (or swooshing round in it like a demon). The shoes may have come off around 1am but the dress stayed on til 3.30am and I'm already eyeing up a charity wedding dress ball in the autumn where I can wear it again.

As Hamish is sitting beside me on the sofa now, here's a word from him on La Dress: "It took me completely by surprise, although I did suspect it wouldn't be a traditional floor length gown. It was really pretty and made her look like a beautiful little doll." That'll do for me!

Thanks so much for everything, from the welcome, to the dress ideas and transformation to the beautiful, unique headpiece you made to match my vintage flea market earrings and my Nan's pearls. You are geniuses with the power to make every girl feel the most beautiful in the room. I'm only sad there are no more fittings and giggles to look forward to.

I haven't stopped boring friends silly about you since I first came in (and I don't think mother has either...) I've already persuaded one bride to come your way and be sure Fur Coat No Knickers has been getting some serious coverage across the Oxfordshire airwaves! Thanks a million for your help, much love DJ Sophie"

Pics by Anastacia Fox

Something old, something new.

2011-09-11T09:59:00.004+01:00

When we first met Vicky, she tried a beautiful, soft tulle fifties dress with embroidery and diamante. The dress looked amazing, but something was not quite right - the length. It was very early days in Vicky's search, but we had a feeling Vicky would still be one of our lovely brides

Long after that dress was sold, Vicky came back to chat about having something similar made. As luck would have it, we found a very simple vintage tulle dress that we could use as a great starting point. Along with Vicky, we got creative and designed a new version of the original dress, adding a few new layers of soft tulle, bits of metallic lace, vintage diamante stones and a silk waist ribbon. We also used a vintage brooch on the front and Vicky's Grandma's brooch on the back (who the dress ended up being nicknamed after).

It was a complete transformation. After playing around with birdcage veils, Vicky chose a classic fifties short veil for her stunning hand-crafted wedding. Vicky also found the beautiful necklace and lucite clutch purse in our shop.

"Dear Emma and Laura... a little note from us to say thank you so much for creating such a beautiful dress for our recent wedding. Ladies, you were an absolute dream throughout the whole process from start to finish. I too always knew that you would be my wedding girls and I am so grateful for how accommodating, calm and super talented you both are. 'Amelia' was absolutely perfect and received many compliments from our guests on our big day... and I didn't take my little veil off all day... not once! With love and thanks Vicky (and John) Gooden xxx"

Brighton belle.

2011-09-04T09:50:00.007+01:00

Holly was over the moon to find this beautiful fifties flocked dress. Lots of fittings, laughter and bubbly later, Holly was ready for her wedding by the sea in Brighton. We opened up the neckline, added a petticoat and a green velvet sash. We made a lovely birdcage veil and Holly chose Eva shoes. She also found a little modern fur stole just in case the sun didnt shine, but it did. Hurrah!

"Hello Laura and Emma, Me and Pete had the most amazing wedding day! We had the whole thing down near the beach in Brighton with all our friends and family. The dress made me feel totally amazing and was all people could talk about! Pete was so surprised when I walked in in white, he had the widest smile I've ever seen. It fitted perfectly and was great to dance in too - and I wore the heels all day and night as they were so gorgeous and proper comfy too (lucky us got great sunshine all day, the SUPER MOON and... fireworks from some other party just down the road!) Just can't thank you enough for making the process so fun and creating a dress that I'm going to really treasure.

I hope you are both well and that I'll get to come back to your amazing shop soon (although I'm guessing next time I'll be the one getting teary with a glass of champers in the corner while one of my friends tries on the dresses!) Thanks again, Holly x"

Photos by Simon at Picshore Photography

Jumping for joy.

2011-08-28T08:13:00.004+01:00

Kath saw amazing potential in this fifties cotton lace and linen dress, even though it was about three sizes too big when she first tried it on. She thought it would fit perfectly with the wedding they were planning. So we set about altering the dress and re-binding the neck and sleeves to match a new silk sash which was tied in a simple knot. Finally, we added a bound cream petticoat, perfect for bouncing around in and two simple matching flowers for her hair.

"Hi ladies! Emma Case posted her amazing pics of our wedding on her site, and I was reminded of the fabulous job you did on my dress and just wanted to contact you again to say how grateful I am for all your hard work.

After an interesting experience with a militant bridal shop assistant, who wouldn’t let me try on any of my ‘plain’ choices, forcing me into frills and sparkles under the insistence that I ‘had to look like a bride’ (in case anyone would get confused who the person was taking the vows…), I was a little apprehensive about the whole wedding dress shopping experience. Fur Coat No Knickers thankfully changed my mind about the whole thing and I was enamoured with your little shop from the outset – it felt like I’d stepped into my dream dressing up box! On my first trip I tried on a whole range of styles, but really fell for the beautiful 50’s lace & linen number. Despite it requiring some serious re-shaping, I just felt it was the perfect fit for my wedding venue (and proved to be ideal for bouncing in!). You were incredibly patient and put no pressure on me to make a decision, instead letting us take lots of pics to take home to show my mum. Every subsequent trip was such a treat - I really looked forward to each of my fittings (& the accompanying fizz!), and you did the most amazing job of completely transforming my dress. I was blown away by your skill and perfectionism, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I received on the day.

I wish the best of luck to both of you in the future – you deserve every success and I count myself very lucky to have had the privilege of being a FCNK bride! Kath x"

Photography by Emma Case.

In bloom.

2011-08-21T09:38:00.000+01:00

The dress Rosie chose was a long, fifties asymmetrical tulle dress with sequin leaf and flower detail. We shaped the neckline and Rosie came up with the idea of adding flowers to it, so we set about finding ones that went with the dress and arranged them in a swish down the skirt. Rosie decided to make her own veil, so we helped by giving her petals from the flowers to finish off with.

"Hi Laura and Emma! I just wanted to drop you a line and say a massive huge thank you for my dress and all your hard work on it. I felt absolutely amazing and beautiful. We had the most perfect day! Thank you again... See you soon, Rosie xx"

Weddingy belle.

2011-08-14T08:58:00.004+01:00

When Zoe first came to see us, she wanted a dress that was "not too weddingy." She went away loving one dress, but when she came back, we'd just found this stunning fifties chiffon wedding dress. Zoe decided to try it on (even though it was very weddingy) and it seemed made for her. She looked and felt amazing in it. We altered the neckline, added an edged petticoat and made a birdcage veil with a brooch in the centre. And Zoe found some very high shoes, for her wedding at The George in Rye.

"Dear Emma & Laura, thank you for finding me my perfect wedding dress and for making the whole experience so lovely and personal. I'm sure that everyone who comes to FCNK compliments you on how special you make brides feel but it is really true and I'm glad that I found myself in Kingly Court. I'm sure I'm also not the first girl to insist that I wanted a dress that wasn't white/50s/full-skirted and walked out with exactly that but it is testimony to your expertise that you knew exactly what was right for me. With love Zoe xx"

Photographer was Bruno Conrad

Straight and narrow.

2011-08-07T09:46:00.003+01:00

Louise came to try dresses on and although she looked great in the fifties full-skirted dresses, she just knew they didn't feel like her. So we tried a couple of wiggle dresses. Louise fell in love with this stunning lace wiggle dress with illusion bodice and pearl detail. We replaced the pearls, shortened the dress and made a little sleeve out of the skirt fabric. We also helped with a chic cut veil using some dress lace as a detail and a large silk sash with a big bow. This wedding was also featured on Rock 'N Roll Bride.

"Girls, I just wanted to say thank you so much.... Everyone told me that it was the best wedding dress EVER (maybe everyone says this at weddings!) and several people asked me where it was from and even that they wanted to copy it when they got married.

I felt really empowered and strong in my dress and walking into the room and. seeing my lovely hubby to be was the best feeling. I even felt brave enough to make a speech later. I don't think I'd have been able to do that in a frou frou number!

It was also amazingly comfy and I was able to sit down and eat all my meal. Thank you so so much. Xxx
Ps: I kept the veil in all night and it was amazing for dancing later!"

Photography by Sassy at Asassynation

Making a splash.

2011-07-30T08:34:00.002+01:00

Rosie had just enough time for us to help her with a dress for her wedding at a lido. This beautiful vintage fifties dress with white lace bodice and skirt panel plus a chiffon over layer just needed a few adjustments. We reshaped the neckline, added a bound petticoat and created a flower birdcage veil, using a vintage earring that Rosie had.

"Ladies! Our wedding was amazing - such a magical day and gloriously sunny. There was something really special in the air. The dress, veil and gloves were all perfect. Thank you so much.Hope you're both well and not too run off your feet with the wedding season! Rosie xxx"

Photography by Nigel Crane.

Best by a country mile.

2011-07-24T09:10:00.003+01:00

This long, fifties cream lace dress with a white tulle ruffled front was perfect for Simone's outdoor glade country wedding. We made it strapless and gave the dress a lot of love and care, adding a handmade long, silk bound veil. Simone added her own fabulous silver snakeskin shoes.

Also featured on Rock N' Roll Bride and having met Joanna Brown, we're excited to feature some of her beautiful photos.

"I always knew I was going to get a vintage dress and my wedding dress was actually the first wedding dress that I had ever tried on: I instantly fell in love with it. It originally had straps but the ladies at FCNK told me that they could amend it to make a strapless dress and fit boning into the bodice to give it a little more structure. They encouraged me to go and try on a few more dresses so that I could be sure that I wasn’t making a snap decision. I tried on a handful of dresses at a high end designer sample sale but everything felt very generic and nothing came close to being as unique as my vintage dress.”

Photography by Joanna Brown.

Spot light.

2011-07-17T09:07:00.003+01:00

Alice decided the moment she tried this fifties polka dot chiffon dress, with tiny pleats around the waist, that it was her wedding dress. We helped by making the bodice illusion, so it had a more glamorous feel. We also added a black velvet belt with double ribbon bow at the back and a petticoat edged in bright orange for Alice's black and orange theme. We also made a birdcage veil and Alice wore Rachel Simpson's Eva shoes.

"Hello Laura and Emma, I've been dying to send you some photos of our wedding and my super amazing dress. Only a few of my friends knew what my dress would be like, so it was great to be able to surprise everyone, especially with my orange rimmed petticoats! I felt fantastic, the dress was an absolute pleasure to wear and I couldn't have wished for a more perfect outfit that was a really big part of our special day.

I loved coming in to see you both, it really was a treat to come into the shop for fittings so thanks to you both from me, mum and Mandy for making us feel so welcome and making the process so much fun. Thanks again for all your help, advice, fizz and hard work, love Alice xxx"

Double whammy.

2011-07-05T11:29:00.008+01:00

Lauren came to see us after our return from the National Wedding Show. She still had lots of time until her wedding but the second she tried on this embroidered tulle dress with lots and lots of tulle ruffles, it was hers. We had already added the big duchess satin sash and the dress had been on the catwalk at the show. We helped Lauren with a headpiece made from duchess satin and vintage feathers, not forgetting a cut-edged petticoat. Lauren brought in some amazing Louboutins to finish off the look.

Then, during one of her last fittings, Lauren was explaining about having a legal ceremony the day before her wedding and decided to try on a straight sixties lace dress with blue ribbon trim. Because it looked so cool, she couldn't walk away, so we made a sixties halo hat with bow and veiling. Which meant Lauren had two completely different vintage looks for her two day celebration.

"Emma and Laura, I can't thank you enough for the past year (and a bit). I LOVED both of my dresses so much, they were beyond what I imagined I would ever have. From the day I first met you at the Wedding Fair (which by the way I was dreading and NEVER imagined I'd find something that was 'me') I knew I'd found the look for me that wasn't your typical dress! From the moment I walked into FCNK I saw my dream dress, that was it for me! Thanks girls, I'll miss popping in to the wedding wonderland that is FCNK so much... but I'll be advising all of my friends about you, so as to have another excuse to nip in!! lots of love, Lauren xxx"

Ruffle dress photography by Emma Case.

Short and sweet.

2011-07-03T09:11:00.008+01:00

Sana had the first part of her wedding in India and needed a dress that was completely different for the ceremony in this country. She felt this amazing late sixties cream illusion wedding dress, covered in appliqued flowers, was very her. We soon decided it looked even more amazing shorter. From the flowers we took off the bottom, we created a little headpiece to which we added a tiny bit of veiling and crystals. Sana wore Rachel Simpson Eva's and her dress also featured in the Vintage Wedding book.

"Hello Ladies! I had so much fun wearing the dress! Thank you so much for all your hard work. My sis and I will miss coming to fittings. I feel really lucky to have found you! So much fun - I want to do it all over again! Sana xxx"

Photos by Greg Funnell.

Just what the doctor ordered.

2011-06-26T09:18:00.007+01:00

Isolde tried a few dresses on but the moment she put on this two-tier fifties lace illusion dress, that was it. The perfect dress for her vintage afternoon tea in the stately grounds of the Waterhouse Medical Centre. There were only tiny alterations required for the dress, so we gave it lots of love and care, replacing the tiny pearl detail around the neck, adding a cut-edged petticoat and an off-white birdcage veil with a pile of pearls on the center of a silk flower. Isolde chose Rachel Simpson's Eva shoes.

Isolde's wedding was also featured on The Boho Wedding Blog and her dress in the Vintage Weddings book.

"Dear Emma and Laura, I wanted to write to say thank you again for my beautiful wedding dress. Matthew and I had an absolutely wonderful day, and so many people commented on the dress and how lovely and unusual it was. The veil was also perfect, and I could've danced all night in the gorgeous shoes! Buying my dress from FCNK was a fantastic experience, and I will recommend you to anyone who is getting married. Thank you, and all the very best to you both. Love, Isolde xxx"

Photographers Nouvel Amour

Back to black.

2011-06-19T08:39:00.002+01:00

Sarah gave us a call to talk about having a black wedding dress made. But we came across a stunning floor length black organza dress, with spaghetti straps beautiful black flocking and a train. When Sarah came in to chat, we showed her the dress and she loved it. Over time, we made it shorter and shorter, gave it more of a sweetheart neckline and removed the straps. We made a pale pink petticoat to match Sarah's pale pink roses and our first short, fifties all black veil with a bow on top. Sarah had some fab Irregular Choice shoes for the day and Converse for dancing the night away. This wedding was also featured on Rock N' Roll Bride.

"Hi ladies, I just wanted to say another HUGE thank you for my dress. The wedding was last Sunday and everything went without a hitch. The dress fitted better than ever and I had so many compliments on it. Thanks again for everything. Love, Sarah xxx"

Photography by Jill Phypers

Bead it.

2011-06-12T09:39:00.009+01:00

Katie tried on lots of dresses, but this fifties wiggle dress with gorgeous beaded flowers suited her perfectly. We opened the neckline slightly, gave the beads some love and made a hair band with vintage feathers and a vintage brooch. Katie found a lovely cream feather shrug to go perfectly with the look. This dress also featured in the inspirational new "Vintage Weddings" book and on Rock N' Roll Bride.

We met Katie's photographer, Annamarie, a while ago and are delighted to have some of her photos on our blog.

"I just wanted to say a huge thanks for helping me to find the most perfect wedding dress. The wedding was incredible - far more brilliant than I could have ever imagined. Everyone LOVED the dress - I have never had so many people tell me I look beautiful in one day! And the headband looked great - good advice Emma! I had so many people asking where I got it from. Our photographer Annamarie went crazy in the morning when she saw I had one of your black and white stripy boxes! Thanks so much for all your advice and patience, and for fitting the dress so beautifully.

I think you offer such a great service - every bit of the experience was totally enjoyable and stress-free, and it's nice to talk to people who listen rather than tell you want you want. And I am very envious - there can't be many jobs in the world where you get to make people feel amazing every day! Thanks again for all your help - I will most definitely send all my friends your way! Katie"

Photography by Annamarie Stepney

"I Dior."

2011-06-05T08:33:00.002+01:00

Sarah-louise came to us just after we returned from the National Wedding Show with all the dresses we had displayed. Sarah-louise had the pick of the bunch and fell in love with this stunning fifties original that we'd nicknamed 'The Dior', because of its stunning shape and cut. We added a ribbon sash, a cut edged petticoat and a matching fifties style veil, for Sarah-lousie's city chic wedding.

"Dearest Emma and Laura, If only could find the words to express my thanks to you gorgeous girls. I look back to the first time i struck eyes on my Dior-inspired gown in your beautiful shop, through to my champagne infused fittings that were full of happiness and memories I will never forget. Your expertise and enthusiasm made every visit a joy and was such a major part of my wedding.

Every Bride should experience pampering such as this! As expected my gown was the star of the show - it made me feel like the princess I always wanted to be as a child. If only i could do it all again just to wear the dress- it was one of the best days of my life..a dream. Now the confetti has been swept away i wanted to thank you both so very much for the past year and a half,I will miss our meetings very much All my single friends are now gagging to get married... I'll send them all your way! Hearfelt thanks Sarah-louise xx"

Photography by Rebecca Thomas

Down on the farm.

2011-05-27T14:38:00.006+01:00

Caroline wanted a dress for her wedding on a farm in Bristol. She loved this chiffon fifties dress, so we altered it to fit and opened the neckline and back. Caroline wanted a cheeky bit of red somewhere, which she knew her fiance would love.So though her petticoat was edged in cream, we bound the centre ruffles in bright red. We loved the shoe change for the dancing to bright red.

"Hey Emma and Laura, hope you're both well! I'm still very much on cloud 9 following our wedding. We had an amazing day on the farm in Bristol and everything went fantastically well - from the amazing sunshine, to the best rock and roll band imaginable, right down to the 108 jars of home-made jam I made as favours for our guests! I wanted to say another HUGE thank you for all of your work on my dress - it looked so beautiful on the day and I just couldn't have been happier with it. Oh, and the petticoat went down a storm. See you again soon, Caroline x"

Photography by Russell How.

Shades of grey.

2011-05-22T13:45:00.005+01:00

Christina came to see us and tried some fifties vintage shapes. She loved the styles but had her heart set on a grey dress for her wedding. So we went about making a dress especially for her, from beautiful blue-grey fabrics. Christina choose this stunning grey silk with a fine, tiny spot over-layer. We took ideas from the vintage dresses and ideas that Christina had tried on and created this beautiful fifties-style dress with silk waist panel, bodice detail and sleeves. The petticoat and birdcage veil were all kept ivory and Christina finished off her look with family pearls and Rachel Simpson's Evas.

"Dear Laura and Emma, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for making me the most beautiful wedding dress! Everyone commented on my outfit and I was so happy to wear something that I felt was really me and not just another white dress. It was also really comfortable and great for dancing. I kept the birdcage veil on and my red lipstick intact until well past midnight! We had a great day, it was exactly as I wanted relaxed and informal. I shall very much miss my visits to FCNK to visit you both and the dress, all other shopping experiences now pale in comparison. Once again many thanks and lots of love, Chrissy xxx"

Photography by Mark Murfitt.

Laced up.

2011-05-15T11:02:00.003+01:00

This white lace fifties dress was the one for Rebecca. Lots of visits with her family later, she completed her outfit with a big ivory sash, full petticoat and a long tulle veil with two big flowers, worn very stylishly on the side. We also helped with flowers for her sister's hair. Rebecca also added her own Vivienne Westwood shoes and family jewellery.

"Emma and Laura, Best day ever!!! We danced all night - my only wish is that I could do it all over again in slow motion. The day was so chilled out and relaxed, everyone said it was typical of us. Felt like I rocked the dress! Am so glad we found you, stepping into your shop reminded me of the girls from House of Elliot (that old BBC drama about seamstresses). It was always a pleasure coming back to you. My great aunties said that I looked like I had stepped from the pages of Vogue magazine. Best moments include dancing, feels good with all those swirly petti-skirts! You both gave me such a warm feeling and I'm so glad I got my wedding dress from you. It's been a real pleasure to meet you both. Take care, Rebecca x"

Photographer Glyn Davies

Silver lining.

2011-05-08T11:07:00.004+01:00

Madeleine went for this metallic silver lace dress with white tulle ruffle front and bodice detail. Just as well, as she had a very dapper groom to compete with. We added some removable silver lace shoulder straps for the ceremony, a cut-edged white petticoat and made a double bow birdcage veil with a vintage brooch in the centre.

"Hi you two, as you can see we were lucky in that Aidan and I matched on the day (phew) as he was wearing a green velvet suit and silver shoes, with a black ribbon tied around his neck and he wore his corsage on his top hat. I had so many compliments on the dress. I’ve had several enquiries from people since about where I got my dress and I have recommended you so highly, you were fantastic! Anyway hope you are both well and busy (but not too busy!) Madeleine x"

Take a long look.

2011-05-01T08:54:00.004+01:00

Elizabeth nearly went for a short dress but the moment she put on this stunning, long, fifties embroidered tulle dress with illusion bodice, that was it. Decision made. We helped with a petticoat, veil and made a little bolero for the service out of the original sleeves.

"Dear Laura and Emma, I wanted to thank you both for helping to make my wedding so wonderful. You both made the whole dress experience so much fun and relaxing, and I cannot thank you enough for making me feel special. The dress was amazing; I have never had so many compliments. I felt so beautiful. I had already been recommending you before the wedding and telling everyone about my fabulous original 50s dress, and am recommending you even more now. Thank you again for the most wonderful of experiences. All the best, Liz"

Wedding photographers were Barrie Gordon and Nina Sologubenko.

Heart and sole.

2011-04-23T21:17:00.008+01:00

This chiffon fifties dress with an underlayer of lace on the bodice and satin pleated waist sash was the one for Katie. We helped with finding a fluffy shrug to keep out the winter cold, made a beautiful flower veil, a cream edged petticoat, and put a new binding around the neckline. We also opened up the back and added a small pleated bow. Katie choose Rachel Simpson's Evas and had I DO written on the bottom of them in blue sparkles. Katie also found a lovely gold and pearl bracelet in our shop.

"Hi Laura and Emma, we want to say a big thank you to you both for being truly amazing in the run up to the wedding and making me the most fabulous dress! I just love it and felt so comfortable on the day. I still have it hanging in my spare room as I can’t bear to put it away. I want to get married all over again (still to Eddie luckily) so I go through the whole process and wear the dress once more. Many thanks!! Katie x"

Photography by Johnny Greig

Do the bump.

2011-04-17T09:29:00.001+01:00

When Angela came to us, she was pregnant and needed some advice about a dress. This flocked fifties dress made her feel very glamorous, but we decided to leave the alterations until much nearer the wedding. We also needed to create our first pregnancy petticoat. Then we added a cream birdcage veil with a few dark grey petals and a wide black velvet sash and bow, to make our mum-to-be look gorgeous.

"Dear Girls, the dress went down a storm I've never worn anything that attracted so many comments, people really loved it. Even those male friends (who normally wouldn't notice if i wore a bin bag) were impressed. Simon though I was gorgeous which of course was the main thing and I had such fun all evening rockin' the frock as you can see from the pics.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for looking after me so fantastically well and helping to make my day the best it could possibly have been. I plan to be back when I am of course back to my normal size 10 (ahem..haha) for you to take the dress in so i can have more occasions to wear it and get lovely comments. Love Angela (and bump - which is getting huge now)"

Champagne party.

2011-04-10T09:59:00.005+01:00

Sarah wanted a long dress when she came to see us. She soon decided on this stunning champagne lace and silk organza original wedding dress, with a pleated waist detail and a silk organza bow at the back. The neckline was a bit too high, so after lots of playing around and ideas, Sarah went for a slight sweetheart. We added a petticoat for fullness, found a cream fluffy shrug and put two dark red brooches at the centre of small flowers for her hair.

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you both did to hep me feel so brilliant on my wedding day! I loved my dress so much and you were both wonderful in giving your advice, sourcing accessories and just generally being fabulous. The wedding was awesome and the party was pretty messy! The dress had A LOT of fun and is now recovering upstairs. Unfortunately I don't think she will ever be quite the same again but I always knew she was a party dress and I wore her to the best party of my life! I feel so lucky to have found you guys and it makes me so happy to know that you have made and will make so many people feel as amazing as I did! Take lots of care, lots of love Sarah xoxox"

Photography by Emma Case

Dutch treat.

2011-04-03T10:15:00.005+01:00

Rosa's iridescent fifties lace dress was just waiting for her in our shop. We shortened and altered it to fit, added a bold red sash, a red-edged petticoat and a birdcage veil. Finally, we found a fluffy bolero to keep the chill off and Rosa chose Rachel Simpson's Eva shoes for her Amsterdam wedding.

"Adrian and I had a fantastic wedding day. It really was a great day, and I was so incredibly happy with my dress. Lots of people commented on it, perhaps you should consider opening a shop in Amsterdam, I think you'll do a great business! Thanks once again for your fabulous work, I really could not have wished for a better dress, that suited the occasion so perfectly. x Rosa"

It takes two.

2011-03-26T08:55:00.005Z

Juliette is having two parts to her wedding celebration. The first was a very relaxed ceremony outside Paris just after Christmas. For that, she chose this beautiful forties lace dress and although it was long on Juliette, it wasn't quite long enough. So we decided to raise the front to show off her beautiful shoes and graduate the hem, making use of the full length at the back. We added some lace net straps using the lace from the hem, a beautiful velvet ribbon sash and made a pretty double flower headband. Watch this space for the transformation of the dress for the formal part of the wedding...

"Hello Emma and Laura, how are you? I wanted to thank you both for such a great job on the dress! I loved it even more on the day when I was twirling around with it.

The day was prefect and everything went perfectly with everyone being super relaxed and happy. I got a LOT of compliments on the dress and did not hesitate to mention these 'talented girls in London who created a cool business around vintage dresses'. So maybe you'll be getting some more business when my friends get married... :) Thanks so much again for such a beautiful dress Juliette"

Viva Las Vegas.

2011-03-20T08:56:00.004Z

Wendy was getting married in Las Vegas and was slightly panicked when we met her. But she soon realised this beautiful floral print fifties dress with ruched bodice woudn't leave her Crying In The Chapel. We added a green ribbon and a bound fifties style veil, then with a pair of Eva shoes, she was ready to walk down the aisle with none other than Elvis himself. And when we opened her card, he had a message for us too:

"Dear Laura and Emma
I came to you with very little time before the 'big day' and in a bit of a panic. You welcomed me with such kindness and found me the most perfect dress imaginable. I have never before felt as pretty as I did on my wedding day. The love and care that you gave to both me and my beautiful dress made me feel so very special.

Getting married in Vegas was so much fun. We ended up with two Elvises! One walked me down the aisle whilst the other drove us to the Vegas sign in his pink Cadillac. Walking through the casinos, I got so many lovely comments. Thank you both so much for making me feel like a prom princess. Lots of love, Wendy Vegas."

New Year's honour.

2011-03-13T08:42:00.003Z

When we met Danyelle, she was slightly dreading trying on wedding dresses. But it wasnt long before she saw the same potential we did in this dress, which was floor length with spaghetti straps and a one shoulder back drape. We made it shorter with a navy edged petticoat and velvet ribbon waist sash. We also turned the back drape into two shoulder drapes, which ended up in a pretty V at the back. Danyelle had some amazing velvet shoes dyed navy and found her own accesories for her fun-filled New Year's Eve wedding.

And it's true the last fitting with Danyella was the loudest we have ever had... lots of very excited friends and a bride with jet lag.

"Hello to both of you lovely ladies, a big, big thank you for helping me through what was probably the most dreaded part of the whole wedding bonanza – and for making me feel fabulous on the day. I loved my dress, my swishy petticoat in particular – and I know Daniel loved it too. As you can see it was hard to wipe the smiles off our faces! Hopefully 2011 sees you kitting out a whole host of FCNK brides! And sorry again about the level of noise at the last fitting, the girls and I were excited!! Lots of love, your NYE bride, Danyelle xx"

Photographer was Sam Seager.

Winter wonder.

2011-03-06T09:29:00.009Z

This sixties draped cream crepe dress with beautiful sequined bodice and original green velvet ribbon sash was the one for Jenny's snowy December wedding. We altered the dress to fit, added some gold crystals to the bodice and made a long sleeveless silk crepe shrug, to help keep out the cold a little.

"Dearest Laura and Emma, you made me feel so comfortable and confident about the way I would look on my wedding day and as a consequence I enjoyed every moment of the process... and I genuinely can't imagine that I will ever look that good again! Thank you so much. With love, Jenny"

And we were also delighted to receive this little note from Jenny's new husband:

"Well done, she looked awesome! Jacques."

Photgraphy by Matt Humphreys.

Before and happily ever after.

2011-02-27T08:38:00.004Z

Esther fell for this beautiful dress which we'd shown on the National Wedding Show catwalk. But although she loved it, it just wasn't right for her French garden wedding. So we set about completely reconstructing it, making it less pleated and a little more flattering around the waist. This showed the beautiful lace off to even better effect. Then we shortened the dress and dipped the skirt at the back, but used the original pleated tulle layers as new back panels. We also made a flower birdcage veil and added a nice velvet ribbon sash.

Esther's wedding was also featured this week on Erin Ever After.

"To the extraordinarily talented Emma and Laura, as soon as we entered your shop I knew that I had stumbled upon a treasure trove of amazing vintage dresses but what really stood out was your warmth and your expert advice on adapting dresses to make a personalised wedding dress that not only made me feel a million dollars but also really brought together the theme for our wedding.

Your guidance and advice on making drastic changes to the dress was much appreciated and the final dress was absolutely stunning. Your help on accessorising the whole outfit was brilliant and you seem to whip up the perfect accessories (with limited guidance from me!) in no time at all. It's a cliche but I literally felt the happiest bride in it and everyone commented that it was the most beautiful dress that they've seen! My only disappointment is that I can't come in and hang out with you guys to make ANOTHER AMAZING wedding dress. You ladies ROCK! I cannot recommend Fur Coat No Knickers enough to future brides and party goers! Lots of love, Esther xxx"

Photographers were Mark Thomas and Christie Dietz.

Layers of beauty.

2011-02-20T09:16:00.001Z

Emma looked beautiful in several of our dresses, but the moment she put on this long fifties dress with cream lace bodice and skirt panel and layers and layers of tulle ruffles, we all knew it had been waiting just for her. We added a petticoat for fullness, gave the dress lots of love (trimming and levelling each individual layer of tulle) and created a cream birdcage veil to match.

"Dear Emma and Laura, I just wanted to say THANK YOU! The dress was perfect. Everyone agreed and I really felt like a princess for the day. The service I received from you two fabulous ladies was like nothing I'd experienced in other bridal shops. You were friendly, attentive, understanding and above all, unique in your approach. Thank you really doesn't say enough. Lots of love Emma."

Dazzling white.

2011-02-13T08:33:00.003Z

We found this fifties white chiffon dress with rouched bodice and shoulder drapes for Hayley on her second visit. After a few adjustments, we added a little sparkle to the front, made a red-edged petticoat and found some red flowers. Then on the day of her wedding, Hayley had her hair styled next door to us at It's Something Hell's by Miss Betty. And she bought a pair of killer Louboutins, no less, to finish the look.

"Hi Emma and Laura, just a quick note before we jet off to New York (la di daaa!). Thank you so much for the most wonderful dress in the whole wide world, ever ever ever. The whole experience was just wonderful, I felt slightly sad at my last fitting that I wouldn't get to come back any more! I felt amazing in my dress on my wedding day and it was much commented upon.

You guys are the best, seriously. Fabulous, friendly, knowledgeable, skilful, stylish and talented. I will be recommending you to anyone who will listen! Lots of love, Hayley xxxx"

Photos by Emma Case

Showstopper.

2011-02-06T08:36:00.003Z

Ellen chose this amazing ruffled tulle fifties dress with pleated bodice for part of her double wedding celebrations. We added a halter neck, shortened the skirt slightly and found beautiful flowers for her hair. This amazing dress had already made a massive impression on the catwalk at the National Wedding Show in Olympia.

"Dear Emma and Laura, thank you so much for all your help, support, advice and good spirits during the preparations. It was such a fantastic experience. I absolutely loved the dress and so did everyone else. Have a fantastic 2011, with love, Ellen."

Best swishes.

2011-01-30T13:35:00.003Z

Torie fell for this stunning turquoise and green print dress with double taffeta waist band, the second she put in on and swished about. It already had the fabulous original bow on the back, but we added a halter, a petticoat with two colour binding and a flower birdcage veil to pick out all the flowers in the dress. A few fittings later with lots of bubbly, laughs and the addition of some fantastic deep turquoise shoes, Tori was ready to walk down the aisle.

"Hello my lovely ladies, see how hot you made me look!! I seriously cannot thank you enough, there is nothing better than marrying your best friend when you feel exactly right in what you're wearing. The whole experience of coming to the shop and you guys working your magic was amazing and I have been and will continue to recommend you to absolutely everyone I know - regardless of whether they are getting married or not, everyone should have a FCNK experience at least once in their lives. I hope you guys continue to go from strength to strength and take over the world of wedding dresses, you really are rather fabulous! Lots of love Torie"

All photos by Candee Photography

What a beauty.

2011-01-23T13:51:00.008Z

Charlotte fell in love with this stunning fifties soft tulle dress, with beautiful panels of silver embroidery studded with diamonte. It was the centrepiece for our stand at the National Wedding Show and we had nicknamed it 'The Beauty'. Even though Charlotte and Owen's wedding was quite a way off she had to have it. So with lots of time on our hands we took things slowly and lots of visits later, with glasses of bubbly and updates on the progress of the wedding, the dress was altered to fit. We also made a petticoat, found a beautiful brooch for Charlotte's hair and re-lined a vintage fur stole to complete the look. Charlotte's wedding was also featured on Love My Dress.

"Hi guys! I hope you're both well and had a lovely Christmas and New Year. Now a HUGE thank you for everything you did for me over the year and a half(!) leading up to my wedding. You were both so fantastic, accommodating my impatience and ridiculous over-preparedness (if that's a word) with dress fittings months before the wedding, helping me when I got stuck with accessories by finding my beautiful brooch and fur, and being happy to hear me ramble when I popped into the shop - so many times Owen accused me of stalking you! You're both brilliant and I will definitely be recommending a visit to you to any newly engaged friends. It's an experience not to be missed! Last but not least thank you for 'The Beauty'. I absolutely loved wearing my dress and got so many compliments on the day. I felt absolutely amazing and did not want to take it off at the end of the day... Best wishes, Charlotte"

Photography by Emma Case

Black magic.

2011-01-19T21:13:00.001Z

Hilary knew she didn't want a white wedding dress and we all thought this flower print taffeta dress with black chiffon over layer looked amazing on her. So we added a bound petticoat and velvet ribbon sash, made a cream birdcage veil with velvet leaves and added a flower in the centre to complement the dress. Hilary went for the Mimi shoes with ankle strap, for dancing the night away.

"Dear Laura and Emma, I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you both for all your help with my wedding dress! What an amazing day we had! Everything went smoothly and everyone had a great time kicking up their heels at the ceilidh. I loved wearing my dress, I felt so glamorous! Everyone remarked on how beautiful and striking it was. The bird-cage veil worked really well, especially with my victory roll. It had such a dramatic impact; so much so I didn't take it off all day. I really enjoyed my fittings and you guys were so considerate and thoughtful which was really re-assuring. I am so happy that I dropped in to see you guys when I was weathering about what to do. All the best for 2011, Hilary"

Photography by friend Jeff Atwood

Weak at the knees.

2011-01-16T09:12:00.003Z

Emily fell for this knee length fifties dress with lace illusion bodice and chiffon skirt for her double ceremony day. We re-bound the neck and opened up the back, made a cream edged petticoat and a cream birdcage veil, then Emily completed the look with Rachel Simpson's Eva shoes.

"Hi Laura and Emma. We had such a happy day... As you can see the dress and veil looked amazing! Thank you so much for all the care, attention and skill you put into everything. I am really in awe of your talent. Buying my wedding dress from you was perfect for me. I really loved the idea of taking something beautiful and old and have you give it such new life. It was amazing having you make the beautiful veil and petticoat for me from scratch as well. Thank you very much for looking after me and my mum and an assorted array of my friends so well. Just setting foot in your shop made me feel more beautiful and sassy! Wishing you both the very best of luck with Fur Coat no Knickers... you rock! Love from Emily"

Photos courtesy of Lucinda at Marland Photography

Runaway success.

2011-01-09T09:48:00.005Z

We nick named Betty our 'runaway bride.' She only had six weeks until she eloped with her fiance and two friends to a stunning hotel in Galway. After a couple of try-on sessions and almost buying a different red lace dress, Betty knew this gold embroidered heavy satin dress was the one. We altered it and made a bound edged petticoat, Betty found her birdcage veil and shoes to finish the look for her very stylish and exciting wedding.

"Hello Ladies! We had a fantasic day, the best of our lives :) and EVERYONE loved the dress. My dress was the most beautiful thing I have ever owned, I really felt like a glamorous hollywod star for the day! My dress was so perfect I can't believe I was going for the red one! (even though it was lovely too), but I found my perfect dress. Thank you so much for everything you did. Big hug. Betty"

Photography by Siobhan Byrne

Star treatment.

2011-01-01T10:49:00.003Z

This stunning long cotton voile dress with delicate fern pattern was the one for Kerry. We made it fit perfectly, added a halter neck and petticoat, then created a leaf birdcage veil with a diamonte brooch in the center to match Kerry's blingy Miu Miu shoes.

"Hi ladies! The dress was a BIG hit. Everybody said I looked like a 1950’s movie star on the day and I certainly felt like one. And the fantastic handmade birdcage headpiece finished things off perfectly! I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you both once again for looking after us in the run up to my wedding. My bridesmaids and I all agree that your service is second to none – champagne, gossip and fantastic gowns – what more does a bride to be need!? Thanks from the bottom of my heart, Mrs Lister xxx"

Photos taken by friends Sharlene Dolan, Fabs Ecard and Matt Simmons

Flowering.

2010-12-26T09:31:00.004Z

Ray came to us with a flower theme for her wedding. It could only be one dress... a pretty ivory textured chiffon with pink embroidered flowers scattered all over and matching textured bolero. We made the ivory bound petticoat and pretty sash and Ray found her birdcage veil.

"Dear Emma and Laura, I just wanted to say a quick happy Christmas and a MASSIVE thank you for all the work you did in giving me the most beautiful dress !!! Hope you have a lovely Christmas love Ray x"

Photographer Emma Case

Lady in red.

2010-12-22T10:48:00.006Z

Suzie went for the wow factor of this bright red lace dress for her wedding in Cambridge. We added satin trim to the tiers and the bow and a red edged petticoat, and made a matching satin bolero. Suzie choose Eva shoes and found her pearl earrings in our shop to finish off the look.

"Dear Emma and Laura, I don't know quite where to begin in thanking you for all you did to make my wedding day so special.

I absolutely loved my dress, from that magic moment when I first tried it on. All that you did to add your inspired finesse, with such careful attention to detail, and with such engagement with who I was and what would work for me, really made it look and feel as though the dress had been made for me.

I so enjoyed wearing it. It gave me such pleasure, my groom was overcome (in a good way) when I arrived at the altar, and our gathered friends and family were all full of admiration for it - an out-and-out success! After our wedding and garden party in Cambridge we caught the train back to London for our wedding night. We arrived at King's Cross, where I tripped through the building work, bouquet in hand, to catch a taxi to our surprise destination. Imagine my delight when we arrived at Claridges! It was so cool to breeze into the hotel and along to dinner in the Reading Room in my wonderful get-up. I really felt like a million dollars.

So much for the amazing dress; now on to your wonderful service. I really felt as though you were genuinely sharing my excitement about my big day. FCNK is not just a shop - the service you give is just so personal, engaged, encouraging, friendly and warm. You two are obviously both doing what you love because you are so brilliant at it. You made the whole process so much fun, and the reassurance of being in such capable hands was wonderful. I whole-heartedly and evangelically recommend FCNK to anyone wanting a special dress for any occasion, and I wish you all the very best for your deservedly flourishing business. With love, Susie xx"

Photos by Rory Carson and Robin Farrow.

Just ruffled up.

2010-12-19T09:59:00.004Z

Alex got married in this beautiful fifties lace illusion dress with the whole back of the dress cut away to show off row after row of tulle ruffles. We added a very full cut edged petticoat and have a special place in our hearts for Alex's dad, who attended every fitting and kept us all entertained.

"Hello you lovely Fur Coat No Knickers ladies!!! How is everything going with you?? Just to let you know the dress was a MASSIVE success... everyone absolutely loved it!!! thank you so much... I'm so gutted I wont ever get a chance to wear it again... I hope everything is going well for you guys!! Take care, Alex xxx"

photos courtessy of Chloé at Caught The Light.

Cotton on.

2010-12-14T20:48:00.005Z

Lucy saw the exciting potential in what used to be long sleeved, floor length heavy cotton lace dress. After a fitting, the idea was to shorten the front and dip the back, shorten the sleeves open up the back and drape up the long full back. We created a red edged dipped petticoat, slim at the front but full at the back and found some beautiful red silk flowers. Lucy decided on Rachel Simpson's Mimi shoes and fell completely in love with a beautiful lucite clutch bag which we re-lined in silk, so Lucy and her mum could add real red rose petals between the lining and the lucite instead of a bouquet.

"Hi Ladies, Thanks for all the time and effort you put into making the dress, it really was perfect for me and I had a lot of wonderful comments about it on the day. The shoes were amazingly comfortable and I'll be popping in sometime soon to have them dyed a different colour. Until then enjoy the photo's and I'll pop by soon. Lucy. xx"

Blossomed.

2010-12-12T10:22:00.005Z

Emily was sure she didn't want a traditional wedding dress and whilst trying on ours, she fell in love with this stunning fifties champagne silk organza wiggle dress with cut out embroidered flowers. The problem was it needed scaling down quite a few sizes to fit. Emily saw the potential and that was it. We started the delicate work of removing flowers and piecing it back together, we opened the back to a pretty low V, using the edges of the flowers. Emily's friend spied the vintage earrings in our shop, and we created a little birdcage veil using some of the flowers we took from the dress and some vintage pearls. Then finally, we dyed a pair of Rachel Simpson's Evas to match.

Also featured on Love My Dress.

"Dear Laura and Emma, thank you so much for finding me the most amazing vintage dress and all your efforts with making it fit me perfectly. The day was so special and everything went just the way we wanted it too. Next time I'm up in Carnaby Street I'll pop in and say hi. All our love, Emily and Andy xxx"

Photos by Emma Case

Hot stuff.

2010-12-08T22:08:00.001Z

Hanna came to us after a recommendation from a friend who also got her dress from us. During her lovely first fitting, we narrowed it down to two dresses. And the shot lace one we all agreed looked 'hot', won. We added a navy velvet ribbon sash and cream edged petticoat, a beautiful vintage brooch and earrings and made a cream flower birdcage veil. Hanna finished off her outfit with a pair of Rachel Simpsons Eva shoes (and will forever be known as Hanna Hottie to us).

"Dear Emma and Laura, I had the most amazing day marrying my amazing husband in the most amazing (hottie) dress! :) I would like to thank you for all your ideas, advice and the excellent work you did with the dress. It is just so lovely and everyone has commented on it and asked me where I got it from. It is so flattering and elegant. One friend commented 'Dior' when she saw it :) I also loved all my accessories! Thank you again for everything and I am sure I will see you soon. Best regards, Hanna xx"

Beautiful butterfly.

2010-12-05T10:39:00.007Z

Rachel loved this original twenties bias cut cream silk wedding dress, with pleated waist belt and a beautiful lace butterfly applique on the back. We took the flower from the front and Rachel wore it in her hair. We also helped with jewellery and a vintage fur stole to add to the glamour (and keep her cosy).

"The dress looked absolutely amazing and everyone was so gushing about how stunning it looked. And my fox made me feel so glamorous too. I really enjoyed all my fittings and I can't believe how spot on all of your suggestions were. I just feel so lucky that I came in at exactly the right time when you had 'my' dress - it was definitely fate. Thank you so much, Rachel xxx"

Photography by Tania Dolvers

Green party.

2010-12-01T11:57:00.004Z

Anna and her friend had already sketched out a dress when we first met them. From it, we produced a beautiful black and cream flocked dress which Anna loved and saw the potential in. We started by adding a velvet edge to the bodice and a velvet halter neck to match the original velvet waist panel. We gave the dress lots of love and added a green edged, very full petticoat and found some beautiful green flowers for Anna's hair. We made a fine black bolero and hanging in our shop, the perfect finishing touch was a green necklace.

"Dear Laura and Emma, I wanted to say a huge thank you and send over some photos of our incredible day. Ali and I really did have the day of our lives - grinning throughout and on cloud nine. Every time I look over the photos I can't help but go misty eyed over my dress, which was so special to me. Not having dreamed of a big white dress and being apprehensive about getting dolled up and being the centre of attention, dress shopping made me feel so nervous. But you made me feel so special in your beautiful shop (and plied me with pink bubbles!) so that every step of the process was a joy, and a real occasion for me and my mum to share. For you to be able to create the dress we'd sketched - and then add your touches to it so it was even more beautiful and even a little bit green - amazing! I loved loved loved it.

The end result was the talk of the wedding, of course, and took so many people's breath away. Most importantly, you made it possible for me to stand at the front of the hall and dance my heart out and be on show without feeling anything but amazing. The spins were particularly fun! All my love for the continued success of your incredible business Anna xx"

Love rain down.

2010-11-28T12:10:00.004Z

Kirsten fell in love with this fifties tulle dress with cream embroidery details, even though it was a couple of sizes too big. So firstly we made it fit then added a lovely warm duchess satin sash with long tails, a cream edged petticoat and found a vintage fur stole to keep her cosy for her slightly rainy Scottish wedding.

"Dear Laura and Emma, thank you so much for preparing my dress so wonderfully for the wedding. I had a brilliant day, and felt almost embarrassed with the number of times friends and family complimented me. I truly felt beautiful, and that was definitely down to your skill and eye for detail. Gregor was really impressed too. As you can see in the photos, it was a bit wet, but that didn't stop any of the fun. Thanks and best wishes, Kirstin"

Photos by Christoper Currie

Eye candy.

2010-11-25T20:50:00.001Z

This fifties lace dress started off very, very differently. Long sleeved and floor length, Natalie saw its potential and we transformed it for her, shortening it but dipping the back. We added a dipped petticoat, made a bolero out of the extra lace we removed from the hem and bound the petticoat with candy sweet colours to go with her theme. Natalie asked if we could make a striped sash to match and finally, we hand painted the edges of the flower birdcage veil.

"Hello Gals, how are you? I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you both for making such a fab dress... it was perfect. The day managed to go without a hitch and the rain held off until the evening and by that time we had eaten to much ice cream & sweets and drank too much Pimms to care. Thank you again, you're stars xxxxxxxxxxxxxx"

Love at first sight.

2010-11-21T14:06:00.009Z

Gina was over from Norway for the weekend and happen to walk past our shop. She glanced in and saw this stunning tiered lace fifties dress with pale pink ribbon trim. Right there and then, she knew it was her wedding dress. We helped make it fit perfectly, added a cut edged petticoat and found a selection of flowers to put on soft vintage veiling. Gina also chose Rachel Simpson's Evas.

"We had the most fantastic day - everything was perfect. And most perfect of all was my dress. I have never felt so beautiful before - and I probably never will again! It must have been faith - me finding your shop, and the dress of my dreams, by a coincidence - it is no doubt that we were meant to be! I was so proud to have a "different" wedding dress - but still so romantic and pretty. Thank you also for helping me to find the perfect shoes and making the beautiful flower hat. I’ll stop by your shop next time I’m in London – and definitely recommend it to other friends getting married! All the best, Gina"

Pictures by Linn Hege Aune - a friend of the bride.

Ooh la la!

2010-11-17T10:14:00.001Z

Emilie needed a dress for her very chic civil ceremory in Paris. We were delighted to be of service, with this stunning short tulip shape vintage fifties dress, with its very cool pink applied flowers. It suited Emilie perfectly, as did a pink edged petticoat and short fifties-shape bound veil.

"Hi girls, back from Paris and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart! The process of choosing a wedding dress is not always stress-free and coming to your shop for the fittings (or just for a chat) would always bring a smile to my face. You guys really made me feel special! I felt like a million dollars in the dress and got many compliments. Now I just need to find an excuse to wear another one of your dresses. Hope to see you soon. Love Emilie"

Rosebud.

2010-11-14T08:39:00.004Z

After trying this beautiful fifties chiffon dress with its tiny rosebud print and green velvet ribbon trim, Rebecca couldn't get it out of her mind. She came back and bought it and together we added a blush pink full petticoat and silk bolero. Rebecca found her hair decoration and shoes and will forever be known to us as Rebecca Rosebud.

We love these stunning and very vintage photos taken by Emma Case. Watch this space from more from Emma.

"Hello wonderful Laura & Emma! Everyone LOVED it, ribbons, roses, pink pettis, jacket and all. Sigh! Can’t wait to wear it again, I just need an excuse! My husband loved it to distraction and has been endlessly talking about how beautiful I was, bless him.

I loved coming to see you both and it was simply the most perfect experience, well you know that as you could barely get rid of me after my fittings. Thanks for the gossip and the bubbles and the wonderful advice. You turned this usually scruffy little bird into a perfect 50s princess for the day. I honestly felt so fantastic in my dress Ross has to wrestle it off of me at the end of our wedding day (ahem *blush*). Hugs to you both. Rebecca Rosebud xxxxxxx"

Emma Case Photography

In the pink.

2010-11-09T21:57:00.003Z

Jean loved this blush pink and gold embroidered fifties dress with ruffled underskirt so much, even though it needed to be altered quite a bit to fit perfectly. We also added a blush pink petticoat and found a beautiful pale pink necklace. Then Jean sourced her own matching birdcage veil, ready for her wedding in Ireland.

"Hi Laura and Emma, I just want to say thank you so much for everything. I had such a fantastic day and as you can see from some of the photos attached really enjoyed dancing the night away in my dress! I got so many great comments about it on the day...everybody said how unique it was and Colin absolutely loved it. Thanks again for helping me find such a special dress and for all the great work you did with it. I'm just looking for an opportunity to wear it again now! Thanks again. Best wishes, Jean xx"

Wiggle it.

2010-11-07T08:38:00.004Z

Amelia chose this delicate fifties illusion wiggle dress for her chic city wedding. We then found an original vintage bow birdcage veil that matched perfectly. Amelia chose her earrings in our shop and we helped with the bridesmaids jewellery too.

"We had an absolutely wonderful day. It was everything we hoped it would be - and more. And of course I want to say a huge thank you. I loved wearing my dress and felt so special in it. I went to a few traditional wedding dress shops and (to be brutally honest) found them fussy and over priced and lacking any kind of individual style. Fur Coat No Knickers is quite the opposite! There is something for everyone in your shop - you don't have to be a vintage junky to appreciate it. Anyone I know who is getting married will be sent straight to you from now on! Keep up the fabulous work. Lots of love and thanks again, Mrs Evans xxx"

Pictures by Matt Tyler

Flower power.

2010-10-31T08:05:00.007Z

After a very, very long day dress shopping with her Mum, we were Natasha's last stop. But the moment she tried on this beautiful seventies dress with beaded sequin flowers, she knew it was the one. We shortened the front and created a large birdcage veil with a big silk flower and sequins to match. Natasha found her beautiful enamelled flower fifties necklace in our shop and chose a pair of Rachel Simpson's Evas.

"Hey Ladies.... From the moment I stepped through the doors of FCNK it was like a home from home. The shop oozes charm, character and quirkiness and everything is thoughtfully presented with flair and style and you'll feel like a kid in a sweet shop the moment you step through the door. But what really makes FCNK, is not only the unique, gorgeous frocks on display, but the loveliness of Laura and Emma, they made the whole experience from start to finish, memorable, fun and enjoyable I really couldn't have done it without them. Nothing was ever too much trouble, the one to one attention you get is amazing and they really are two of the most talented people I have ever met, it really is like hanging out with two of your closest friends. Everyone on the day commented on how wonderful and unsual the dress was and how great it looked and I really couldn't praise the girls enough. I truly was really sad when my fittings all came to an end, but you wont get rid of me that quickly, I'll be popping in from time to time to say hello and ponce a cheeky glass of bubbly!! Love 2 u both..... Miss ya..... Natasha & Martin xxxx"

Photography courtesy of Natalia

Magic bus.

2010-10-24T09:03:00.005+01:00

Jill loved this delicately floral patterned dress with its original organza sash. We added an edged petticoat and found an original fifties blush pink birdcage veil for her very stylish vintage look, perfect for her ride on a very cool bus. Jill and Neil's wedding was also featured on Rock 'N Roll Bride.

"Dearest Laura and Emma, Hello! I wanted to say such a big big thank you for all your work and your caring in helping me look my vintage best and for all the time you took and how lovely you were in making this such a fab experience.

The day was a dream, a really dream. People are still talking to me about the dress. I just love it and it truly looked amazing, I felt wonderful and happy, and emotional, but so very very joyful too! Well I best leave it there... but honestly my wedding would not have been the same without you! Much love from Jill and also a big thank you from Neil too! x"

Photos courtesy of Emma Coleman at Blink photography

Stand under my umbrella.

2010-10-17T09:49:00.003+01:00

This original fifties wedding dress with tulle skirt, embroidered tulle bodice and pleated ruffle detail on the bust, was just waiting for Hannah in our shop. We added a petticoat and a pink velvet sash, then Hannah chose some beautiful earrings from our shop and a pair of Rachel Simpson's Mimi shoes.

"I'm dropping you a line to say thank you very much for my dress. You made the experience incredibly smooth and enjoyable, even though I came to you at quite a late stage. We had the most happy day that makes me smile whenever I think about it, and I felt very confident in the dress, it really did feel just right. Thank you also for making the petticoat (Gareth was impressed that it stood up by itself!)... you made the whole experience feel very special. Thanks again. Best wishes Hannah"

Photography by Steve Marshall

Star of the show.

2010-10-10T09:07:00.002+01:00

Caroline was the first to try on this beautiful fifties textured ribbon and tulle dress after it was much admired at the National Wedding Show. We changed the neckline into a lovely sweetheart shape, added a dark red velvet ribbon, a cut edged petticoat and a birdcage veil with cream flowers.

"The dress is absolutely perfect - it really made the day so special and I am still receiving compliments about it now, 6 weeks on. Thanks again for all your help - it really was a pleasure meeting you both. Love Caroline xxx"

Perfect spot on the beach.

2010-10-03T09:33:00.006+01:00

Emily's fifties black spot dress with black pleated waist band started off with straps and we began with a tiny petticoat. By the end however, Emily decided to go strapless for a more glamorous look and the petticoat got bigger and bigger and was bound in dusky pink. We then painted the edges of a big white flower in dusky pink to match the petticoat. It all made for a beautiful, summery look for Emily's beach wedding.

"Dear Laura and Emma, thank you for my fantastic dress. Everyone absolutely loved it and I loved wearing it! It span brilliantly for our first dance! Everyone commented on the gorgeous heels, necklace and your hand-painted flower, so a big success all round. Thanks for making it so much fun, love Emily x"

Photography by Peartree Pictures

Swish swoosh.

2010-09-26T08:30:00.006+01:00

Katy's delicate fifties cream lace and white chiffon dress started life with an illusion bodice. But for the look Katy wanted, we made it strapless, added a matching silk sash and bolero, then a bound petticoat for lots of swooshing. Katy added her own killer heels.

"Firstly a huge HUGE thank you for looking after me so well in the run up to my wedding. For being so welcoming, for getting excited with me, squeeing in extra fittings and generally for making me feel like the only bride in the world... it was all massively appreciated. Your service is so thoughtful and personal, you understood exactly what I wanted and the result was a dress more perfect than I could ever imagine. If I wasn't now married to James I would probably try to marry you both!!

Finally... THE DRESS!! It really was absolutely perfect. James cried, everybody loved it, and I've even worn the petticoat once since - its the dress that keeps on giving! When I walked in to FCNK last January I knew what I wanted but I never thought it would turn out to be quite so amazing and that was completely down to you both - your fabulous sense of style, your care and attention to detail and your absolute intent on making it just perfect. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Lots of love, Katy x x x"

Photos by Sam Sills

Just our cup of tea.

2010-09-19T08:59:00.009+01:00

Sarah's beautiful cream tiered lace dress was perfect for her vintage lakeside wedding. We found a pretty vintage veil and finished the petti in a matching rose pink to the velvet ribbon sash. We love so much about her wedding, the arrival by boat, the vintage teasets everywhere and one of the most stylish grooms we have ever seen.

"Hi Ladies, just wanted to say thank you so much for my beautiful dress. I had the best day, made even better by so many amazing compliments on the dress!!! I am still getting over not being able to come in and see you ladies anymore to try my dress on (I have stopped crying now!!). I wanted to thank you for making it the most amazing experience, I always felt special and like you really cared about making the experience and the dress absolutely perfect! I will absolutely be telling all my engaged friends that they have to come and see you! Thanks again Sarah x x"

Photography by David McNeil

Classy lassie.

2010-09-12T09:11:00.003+01:00

Nicola's fifties lace dress with its illusion bodice started off much longer. We altered it, added a petticoat and with Nicola and her Mum's guidance, found the right tartan for the sash. Nicola found her own red shoes and birdcage veil for her Scottish wedding on their family farm.

"Thanks so much for all your help picking the dress, helping me decide what to change and what to keep and for making me my perfect tartan sash. In the end it looked fantastic - I absolutely love it and wearing it on the wedding day was such fun... and of course everyone said it looked lovely! We also had a last minute alteration to our first dance to make sure I could twirl and show it off properly with a spot of jive dancing!! Thanks again, Love Nicola"

Photographer: Neil Dawson, from Kingdom Images

Field of dreams.

2010-09-05T09:27:00.008+01:00

Kate fell in love with this stunning cream lace dress with its beautiful embroidery around the neckline. We then had to completely remove all that lovely embroidery to lower the neck and put back exactly as it was. We also opened up the back to a pretty V, which also gave us just enough lace to add to the triple bow birdcage veil we made. One cut-edged petti and stunning purple velvet sash later, Kate had the perfect outfit for jumping over fences (see below).

We love all the personal touches Kate had for her wedding day, such as the Caravan, pork pie cake, and adorable Vivien Westwood shoes. Kate's wedding was also featured on Rock n' Roll Bride.

"What can I say about how amazing I think you ladies at FCNK are. You made the most perfect wedding for me that did not just start and end of the big day itself, but from the moment I set foot through the door of your shop. We were treated with such warmth and happiness (and bubbly) that it wouldn't have mattered if I hadn't found the dress of my dreams, I would have taken anything you had on offer just to spend time with you! Luckily for me you helped me to find the dress of my dreams, and what a dress it was - all lace and petticoats. I have never felt like such a lady!

What was so great was working with your style, knowledge and craftsmanship to create the perfect outfit from the veil to the perfect velvet ribbon, you knew what would match my style and my personality (and shoes), and from listening to me and our tales of fun and mischievousness; what would work for the day.

And it so did. I felt amazing from the minute I put it on. People were blown away by the dress and the detail that they just couldn't stop talking about it. It was just the best day ever, made even more special by you ladies.

I know that anyone who I ever meet and talk about weddings to will be sent directly to your shop so that they can share some of the happiness that I had with working with you ladies. I actually wish I could do it all again so that I could get to spend more time with you both in your shop of loveliness! xxx"

Photos by Julian Winslow

Animal magic.

2010-08-28T22:40:00.008+01:00

Kate only needed tiny alterations to make this fifties lace and tulle dress, with original satin sash and bow, a perfect fit. Though just for a little extra, wow factor, we added a black edged petticoat. Kate found a birdcage veil to finish off the look, ready for her exotic safari wedding.

"Thank you so much...for all your help and support with choosing and getting my dress ready for me. You did a fantastic job. The dress was great, I really enjoyed wearing it and the whole FCNK experience was fabulous. With best regards, and many thanks again for all your help, Kate xx"

Photos courtesy of Peter Prior

Friends in the right places.

2010-08-22T09:22:00.003+01:00

One of our brides took a picture of a dress and recommended that her friend Christina came to see us. Sure enough, this late forties, latte coloured evening dress with lots of tulle, delicate lace and bronze flowers was perfect for her. We gave a petticoat that Christina's mum wore for her own wedding an extra ruffle or two and made a long, cut edged veil to match.

"Hi Laura and Emma, I just wanted to say thank you so much for my absolutely beautiful dress... We had an incredible day and almost everyone asked me where I’d got such a gorgeous dress from. I loved everything about the Fur Coat No Knickers experience and you made me feel like the princess I’ve always felt I deserved to be! I am so thrilled that Zoe suggested I come to your shop and I will be recommending that every other bride that I meet does the same. Love Christina."

Photos courtesy of John at Taylor Bingham.

Spot on.

2010-08-15T09:27:00.005+01:00

Gemma fell for this vintage fifties polka dot dress. Together, we added a halter neck and changed the neckline to sweetheart, which Gemma thought would suit her shape. And it did perfectly (just look at the difference from the original dress, below). We made a black satin sash and created a triple bow veil, using a tiny bit of the polka dot fabric from her dress.

We also loved her Irregular Choice shoes that complemented the look fabulously, not to mention all the amazing ideas for her wedding day, including hip flasks, new husband Liam's sweetie table and super cool signs.

Gemma's wedding also featured on Rock n Roll Bride.

"We had the best day and I really can't thank you both enough for the dress and veil. Your shop is like a little treasure chest of loveliness and you made me and my friends and family so welcome every time we went to you. I love my dress and Liam was absolutely blown away by it too! Love Gemma xxx"

Photos by Sassy at Assassynation

Flight of fancy.

2010-08-08T16:29:00.003+01:00

Ruth flew her beautiful ivory flocked dress over to Poland for her wedding. We lowered the neckline but ensured it still retained the original shape. Then we added a ribbon sash, a petticoat and Ruth chose Rachel Simpsons Eva's and fresh flowers in her hair as the finishing touches.

"Everyone loved the dress and said how amazing I looked and mainly
how it really suited me! Lots of people asked about where I got it from... Thanks again for the brilliant dress and the excellent service from both of you which made getting a dress such a wonderful experience, which I really hadn't expected. All the best, Ruth"

Tickled ivory.

2010-08-01T13:18:00.003+01:00

Laura's beautiful ivory dress with a hint of peach had stunning coffee coloured embroidered flowers and from the second Laura tried it on, we all knew it was meant for her. We helped Laura with a latte coloured bound petticoat and found some silk flowers in matching colours, which we added to a vintage veil for Laura's stylish and relaxed wedding at her family home.

"Hello Ladies, I really cannot thank you enough. The dress, petticoat, and absolutely dreamy veil attracted so many compliments, and made me feel so special. They were the perfect accoutrements for a perfect day!

The whole FCNK experience was great: no stress, just an absolute blast from start to finish. The feeling of seeing my finished dress and veil will stay with me forever, and I really appreciate all the hard work you put in, not only making the dress perfect, but also making sure I felt happy and looked after. I'm reminded of one of the comments Mary, my bridesmaid made after we visited you for the first fitting: "They're not like normal bridal shop assistants - there's no snobbery and they actually care!". I couldn't have put it better myself. Thank you both. Love L xx"

Photos by Rosie Parsons

French Knickers.

2010-07-25T08:40:00.005+01:00

Linda chose one of our dresses to take across the channel for her wedding in Paris. She fell in love with this thirties bias cut lace dress, for which we created a new heavy silk lining. We also created a beautiful handmade silk tulle veil with a lace edge. And Linda finished it off with one of our special hairbands, created from a vintage necklace and brooch.

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you did on my dress - our wedding day was fantastic and the dress looked and felt amazing. I can't say thanks enough! It looked so gorgeous all day, a real pleasure to wear. Thanks once again girls, I absolutely adore my dress. Best, Linda xx"

Benoit Decencière Mariage & Photographie

Vintage champagne.

2010-07-18T20:27:00.004+01:00

Anna tried on a few dresses, but none seemed quite right. Then we tried her with a beautiful champagne-coloured silk organza frock with embroidered flowers and hand painted leaves. This particular dress had been a big hit when we took it to this year's National Wedding Show. We added a very full petti and a sensational five layer cut-edged veil. And sure enough, now it was Anna's turn to steal the show.

"Dear Emma and Laura, We had an absolutely wonderful wedding day which was everything we had hoped it would be, and more! The sun shone, my dress was gorgeous and the whole village turned out to see me walk down the aisle.

I loved every single minute in my dress and every one of our guests said how beautiful it was and asked all about where I got it. I can't thank you enough for all your kind help over the last six months. Working with you both has been wonderful, the service you provide is second to none and you always made me feel special and so at home in your beautiful shop. I feel sad I won't be back for more fittings and bubbles! Thanks again to you both, having my perfect dress really meant so much to me. Anna xxxx"

Photography by Mark Lewis