Bridal Fabrics: An Edwardian Extravaganza

The hit TV series 'Downton Abbey', and particularly the sublime Edwardian costumes worn by the cast, continue to inspire designers. One of the most inspiring costumes was the gown worn by the character Lady Mary at her wedding to the dashing Matthew Crawley.

The costume designer for Downton Abbey revealed that Lady Mary's wedding gown cost more than £4,000 to make. "It's a silver lace tabard fabric that goes into a train at the back and underneath is a silk dress with silk sleeves," she said. "The lace goes into a 'V' at the back with tiny buttons and it's completely edged with tiny rice pearls and Swarovski crystal."

If you want to recreate Lady Mary's divine gown, check out these wedding dress materials available now from right here at Bridal Fabrics...

Evolution Silk Organza

Perfect for creating all kinds of bridalwear, Evolution Silk Organza is a delight for the senses. Fine, lightweight and superbly sheer, the material can be used in an array of different ways, such as an outer layer with a super-soft outline and for full skirts with a graceful fall. It's also great for overlaying wraps, producing a sophisticated look that will guarantee all eyes are on the wearer. More than 20 colour options are available.

Superba Silk Chiffon

Exclusively available in White, Ivory, Champagne or Black, Superba Silk Chiffon is semi-transparent, making it a perfect overlaying fabric. The light weight of this wedding dress material makes it appear to almost float, ensuring an elegant look no matter how it is used. Due to its light, slippery texture, the fabric is best suited to experienced dressmakers.

Lauren Ivory Beaded Lace

One of the most visually appealing aspects of Lady Mary's wedding gown was the silver filigree thread, which was used to stunning effect. Lauren Ivory Beaded Lace uses this subtly-sparkling thread to edge the embroidered flower motifs that repeat across the lace fabric: beads and sequins add further sparkle to the material. An unique feature of this lace fabric is its asymmetric borders, one of which is doubly-scalloped and the other of which features floral scrolls designed to give a pyramidal effect. More silver filigree thread is used in these exciting embroidered borders.

Check out these fabric styles on the Bridal Fabrics website and look forward to your very own Edwardian extravaganza!