Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress and bridal separates collection: simple, timeless, feminine designs

Charlie

Introduction to the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection

Sister Organics design and make wedding dresses and bridal separates from beautiful organic and sustainable fabrics, including organic hemp silk mixes and exquisite cotton laces. We’re sharing some of our favourites from their sustainable wedding dress collection, which features their simple, timeless, feminine designs. This collection focuses on laid-back style and comfort, idea for outdoor, down-to-earth, and elopement weddings. 

Natalie, the designer/maker behind Sister Organics tell us: “When I got married, there was no question that I would make my own dress. But I realised there was nothing for me in bridal shops – I hated the synthetic fabrics and strapless style with skirts full of stiff tulle that was popular at the time. I thought there has to be a better way.“

Inspiration from fabrics and the differing shapes and sizes of women’s bodies

“I usually start the design process with a new fabric that I’m excited to use. I have an obsession with fabrics and when I start a new collection, I find it very difficult to stop! I am always on the look out for new fabrics. Customers usually buy from the collection, sometimes with a small adaption to the design, which I am very happy to do. I usually also make a couple of bespoke dresses each season.”

Natalie has a passion for creating bridalwear that is flattering, comfortable, and have beautiful movement in them. She also likes to create pieces that are special enough for a wedding but can be worn again.

“I try to make my designs transient to age and accommodating to different sizes. I am very conscious that women come in all shapes and sizes and brides come in all ages and I try to design garments that are simple, flattering to the female body and have a relaxed feel to them. It’s also really important to me that the clothes are comfortable, move beautifully and feel special.

I try to create pieces which are special enough to wear for a wedding, but can be worn again after the event. I think the separates are especially good for this and most of the dresses are easily adapted by being shortened or altered slightly. Most of my dresses and skirts have pockets and are lined with organic cotton, so they are comfortable and feel fabulous to wear.”

Sister Organics is a Recommended Supplier of The Natural Wedding Company directory. Find out more about them here.

Eco credentials

Natalie tells us: “I have a love for natural fabrics – organic cottons, organic silks, linen and regularly use hemp/silk a lovely, blended fabric.  Hemp is thought to be one of the most eco-friendly fabrics there is, it grows really fast without pesticides and puts nitrates back into the soil. Blended with silk it is a great weight for bridalwear, it hangs really nicely and has a beautiful shine and lustre.”

Luckily for contemporary brides it’s no longer tricky to find sustainable fabrics, and what’s more there’s lots of choice: “It’s great to find organic and sustainable fabrics much easier to source these days. There really has been a big change in the availability of  these fabrics in the last 10 years or so. It’s a delight to work with some of the beautiful organic laces I use. Most of my lace dresses are lined with certified organic cotton or the hemp/silk. I am also introducing some garments made from vintage lace fabrics this year.”

As you take a look through Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection you’ll notice a lot of exquisite laces: “Some of the laces are organic cotton, made in France. I also use a lot of cotton lace which is made in England by a small family business, using traditional lace manufacturing methods. There’s very little fabric manufacturing left in the UK now (and people with the skills to do it), so I feel it’s important to try to support what there is (the laces are also completely gorgeous!). Lots of the laces are made with a tiny bit of synthetic, which is generally thought to be necessary to give the lace strength and stability when it’s made.”

Made to order

One of the main ways that the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection maintains its eco-ethical ethos is by making all items to order: “We make everything to order, which minimises waste and over production. Customers can order by set size or by providing their own measurements. We then order the fabrics and cut and make the order, which takes 3-10 weeks, depending on the style. Like most small businesses we are naturally frugal – we re-use or re-purpose off-cuts and remnants.”

Natalie sews all of the dresses and bridal separates herself alongside another talented local dressmaker: “I work with a very talented local dressmaker who is wonderful and helps me a lot. I cut the patterns and garments and sew some of the samples and orders. My mum taught me to sew when I was a child and I later honed my skills at the London College of Fashion. I love creating and making things and have always found sewing completely immersive and almost therapeutic. Alongside the bridalwear we also make nightwear and pyjamas in pretty organic cotton prints, which works really well and helps keep us busy in the quieter season.”

Introducing the wedding dresses and bridal separates

Below you’ll find details and photos of our top 10 dresses / bridal separates from the Sister Organics sustainable wedding dress collection. If you have any questions about the collection, please contact Sister Organics directly via their contact page.

The Elodie Dress

What Sister Organics says about the Elodie wedding dress: “This long V-neck dress is handmade to order in a beautiful cotton lace fabric and lined in a tea rose coloured organic cotton jersey. [The neckline is] finished with trimming lace, fitted to a high waist band, with loose sleeves. It has an open back which buttons at the back of the neck and waistband with rouleaux loops and little covered buttons. It is lined in a soft organic cotton jersey, which makes this dress feel incredibly comfortable to wear. 

Made from 95% cotton lace made by a small family business in Derbyshire, UK, and lined in organic cotton jersey.