Thirty Years of Velma Simon: The Bexley Bridal Designer Heading for an Award
Bexley-born designer Velma Simon, who began her bridal and eveningwear career from her family's Bexleyheath living room, now runs her own boutique on Welling High Street and is set to collect an industry award this August.
BEXLEY NEWS
From a Bexleyheath living room to Welling High Street: my mother's career in bridal design
By Gabrielle Simon
When I think about my mother's career, I think first about our living room. For years, it served as her studio and fitting space, and I watched clients leave our house with the gowns she had made for them. That was where Velma Simon, the bridal designer, began.
She has spent more than thirty years in the fashion industry. After studying at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, she went on to dress hundreds of brides across the UK and to design her own collections, working in hand beading, appliqué and embroidery. She sources fabrics from specialist merchants around the world.
The work moved out of the living room and into a dedicated design studio, and from there into the boutique she now runs at 111 Bellegrove Road on Welling High Street. She formally launched the Velma Simon label in 2010. The boutique today offers three services: custom-made gowns, alterations, and remodelling of existing dresses.
The business has now won an award, which Velma will collect in August.
For anyone in Bexley with a wedding, a special occasion, or a dress that needs altering or remodelling, Velma Simon is on Bellegrove Road in Welling. She takes appointments by phone on 020 8013 1288 or through velmasimon.com.