SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT: HOUSE OF OLLICHON

YOUR BUSINESS NAME

House of Ollichon

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Hello I’m Hannah Ollichon, Founder and Designer at House of Ollichon. We are the only bridal collection in the world without a dress and proudly encourage fashion forward women to ‘wear the trousers’ on their special day. We specialise in luxury bridal jumpsuits and two pieces all handmade here in London.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

I was hugely frustrated with the options out there for my own registry office then pub wedding. I didn’t want to wear a big dress but I still wanted to feel special and have something that empowered me. So I created a line that bridged the gap between the traditional meringue and the high street by creating the first and only bridal collection in the world to ditch the dress.

HOW DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

Well pre-C19 !!!! I would drop my toddler off at nursery and head to the studio. I always start by clearing my emails and then working around the client appointments of the day. In between fittings I would be ordering new lace, managing the client production lists, ensuring the team are all on track with bespoke patterns, trying on toiles and samples (I am the official HoO mannequin!), working on any social media or PR bits and bobs, talking to my bookkeeper or accountant and making sure there’s enough prosecco in the fridge!! The list is endless.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

Seeing clients in their final pieces, happy, full of excitement and off to wear their outfit for their big day.

AND WHAT IS THE WORST PART?

It’s not the worst part but it’s sometimes the most difficult; trying to navigate clients when they may be struggling with personal issues. It could be anything from anxiety or eating disorders to the fact that a special person won’t be there on the day. The run up to a wedding can trigger and enhance these emotions. You sometimes end up being a councillor more than a designer! All I want to ensure is that my clients are happy and confident when they walk down that aisle and sometimes a little extra TLC is needed, it’s just hard to ensure you’re delivering that in the best way possible.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

Always say yes, workout how to achieve it later.

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT COUPLES TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I would love them to know that the customer service and experience they’d receive at HoO is second to none. We deal with every client on a personal, private basis and they would only ever see the same two team members from the first appointment right through to the day they take their outfit home. We have received so much positivity on the special, personal experience we provide and that is at the core of all we do.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

Chill! You can plan all you want but sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way, just go with what fate decides.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU DIDN’T WORK IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

I would love to be a weather girl. I adore the science behind the weather and love triangulating different forecasts!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR TIME OFF?

I love to eat out, walk forever in the countryside and I’m currently learning French. However, all this takes second place to a very busy two year old so more often than not I’m making ballet shoes out of socks, plaiting hair with flowers or making snowmen out of toilet paper…