Today’s bride will often go for a simpler dress, with less embellishment and focus on strong accessorising to complete her look. With the rise in popularity of vintage items and a heavy presence in the Spring/Summer 2010 catwalks, vintage accessorising has become the stylish way to accessorise your dream dress on your wedding day.

Flo & Percy – Vintage Tiaras, Vintage Jewellery, Vintage Bags

Flo & Percy was launched in 2005 and was the first company to create vintage hair accessories in the UK from original vintage materials. The company was set up by Kirstie Taylor, who studied at Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London.  Kirstie left art college in 1987 and has been designing accessories, with a particular interest in vintage fashion. Since refreshing her skills at Central St Martins College she has designed for many discerning brides and celebrities. Her work is regularly featured in numerous wedding magazines and local and national press.

“I read an article about a lady who made tiaras and thought what a wonderful job.  I tracked her down and trained with her but wanted to find a totally unique style of my own. I wanted to make the wedding headpiece just as important and special as the dress.”

Inspiration

The naming of the company comes from a lovely story about a couple called Florence and Percy, who were married for 80 years and held the record for the longest marriage in the world. The story is printed on the boxes that the accessories are delivered in and says “May the Flo & Percy piece you purchase bring you the same luck, health and happiness that they shared.”

Inspiration comes from Kirstie’s personal collection of vintage jewellery and her love of crafts. She continually keeps a close eye on current wedding trends and modern vintage chic.

“I am heavily influenced by mainstream fashion and want to bring designs from the past, into an up to date, wearable piece.”

The team at Flo & Percy have to predict trends a year in advance, Kirstie explains that “Weddings are becoming less formal and dresses less embellished, so they are easily accessorised with a statement pieces”.  The team stay on top of trends by reading every Fashion magazine on the shelf and watching bridal dress designers very closely.

The Collections – All ‘one of a kind, one at a time’

Flo & Percy tiaras and hair accessories are created and inspired from vintage jewellery and components. Materials are sourced from around the world and come from many different time periods to create beautiful pieces for brides to treasure. Buyers can choose from ‘The Collections’ or have a bespoke piece especially made.

The Looking Glass Collection

Flo & Percy takes you through the eras with their vintage collection covering many different time periods. Classical and elegant hair accessories and jewellery all inspired by the past.

The Moulin Headband, by Flo & Percy

The Moulin Headband.  Inspired by Moulin Rouge, a peacock feather headband with diamante, aurora borealis and ivory glass beads.

1950's Birdcage Veil, by Flo & Percy

1950′s Birdcage Veil.  Sophisticated and elegant.

The Gatsby Collection

Be inspired by the Art Deco beaded and sequinned collection of vintage headbands, combs, tiaras and matching embellished cuffs and earrings. Delicate but eye catching they are perfect for a vintage gown.

The Chrysler Tiara, by Flo & Percy

The Chrysler Tiara.  A sublime sequin and beaded tiara.

The Chaplin Headband, by Flo & Percy

The Chaplin Headband.  A trio of sequin and silver beads on metallic wrapped headband.

There has been a noticeable movement away from the traditional wedding tiaras in favour for headbands and a strong focus on vintage, that Flo & Percy like to think they have helped to pave the way.

The Wonderland Collection

The unusual impacting vintage designs will be the statement piece of an outfit and the talk of the day. Choose from vintage headbands and matching jewellery and stand apart from the crowd.

The Mad Hatter Headband, by Flo & Percy

The Mad Hatter headband. Amazing diamante on pearl and diamante headband. It is Kirstie’s favourite piece of the collection.

“At the moment I love the Mad Hatter in our Wonderland Collection, I like strong simple designs that give impact and this ticks all the boxes. There are one or two coming up in the 2011 collection that are becoming my favourites too.”

The White Queen Cuff, by Flo & Percy

The White Queen Cuff.  A beautiful diamante centre piece on German filigree lace and metallic ribbon lined Cuff, made to measure.

Flo & Percy – creative and forward thinking

When asked what the most rewarding party of the business is Kirstie explained;

“By far is seeing a bride wear on of our designs on the most important day of her life, for me there is nothing better or more thrilling. We have had a few accomplishments, one of the best this year so far is having a piece on Strictly come Dancing on BBC1 and also a front cover with You and Your Wedding”.

Flo & Percy will be launching the 2011 collection at the end of the summer. Their goals for 2012 are to double the size of the business and help more beautiful brides have a fabulously stylish wedding day. Flo & Percy accessories are now available through a range of specially selected bridal boutiques.

It’s important to note that they only take on a small amount of bespoke work on each year and get booked up very quickly so it is essential to book early to avoid disappointment.

Flo & Percy – exquisite vintage jewellery, not only for radiant brides but also fabulous accessorising elegant evening wear.