Thursday 19 March 2015

Spring is Sprung!

Wedding season is almost upon us just as Spring is beginning to arrive! Which means a surge of pastel invitations, a whirlwind of tulle and lace overskirts, romantic off the-shoulder necklines, flower tiaras and a lot of celebrating.

We spend this time carefully selecting gifts and we have the ultimate luxury gift idea in mind: the bride’s wedding gown perfectly recreated in miniature by our skilled team, from her gown and veil right down to her bouquet, jewellery and now even her hair!

To celebrate this bridal season we are displaying our spring inspired wedding maquette, which was made for Susan Ruddick.  A gorgeous lightweight ivory duchesse silk satin gown with net petticoats, featuring a beautiful hand painted rose design which reflects the original dress to perfection!


What could be more unique than having your wedding dress on display as a memento of such a special day? Rather than relegating it to a box in the attic, it can now be kept on display as a miniature work of art!

Our miniature wedding dress for Susan Ruddick.
Photograph by George Chinn.

Floral wedding cake - perfect for the spring bridal season!

Rose tiara.

Elie Saab couture - Spring / Summer 2014.

Side view of Susan's miniature wedding dress replica.
Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Back view of Susan's wedding dress replica.
Photograph by Richard Wilding.

Dior haute couture embroidery.

Dior Petit Theatre - touring exhibition of their miniature dresses.

Dior Petit Theatre - couture embroidery.

Our miniature wedding dress replica for Susan Ruddick.
Photograph by Richard Wilding

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Celebrating Dame Beryl Grey

In 1952, ballerina Beryl Grey thrilled audiences at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, by dancing Odette and Odile in the Royal Ballet’s production of Swan Lake. The Little Costume Shop is delighted to be able to share with you her original costume perfectly recreated in quarter scale. 

The almost sinister black velvet and tulle tutu worn in the role of Odile during Act III, was designed by Leslie Hurry and the headdress was made by Hugh Skillen. This classical ‘plate’ tutu, it is decorated with fine gold cord appliquéd entirely by hand onto the bodice and tutu. A smattering of 1920’s gold sequins glint against the deep black background. 

We are celebrating Dame Beryl Grey’s magnificent career in ballet by displaying our miniature recreation. 

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!


Ballerina Beryl Grey dancing the role of Odette in Swan Lake at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1952. 

Our quarter scale replica.
Photograph by Richard Wilding. 

Detail from the original costume. 

Detail from the original costume. 

Headdress from the original costume.

Ballerina Beryl Grey dancing the role of Odette in Swan Lake at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1952.

Our quarter scale replica.
Vin's studio shot. 

Our quarter scale replica.
Vin's studio shot. 

Our quarter scale replica.
Vin's studio shot. 

Ballerina Beryl Grey dancing the role of Odette in Swan Lake at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1952.

Our quarter scale replica.
Vin's studio shot.

Our quarter scale replica.
Vin's studio shot. 

Dame Beryl Grey and Vin Burnham at The English National Ballet's 85th birthday celebration for Dame Beryl.