laura fray bespoke

LF Bespoke was created by British designer Laura Fray in 2015. An experienced ladies occasion-wear designer, LF Bespoke was born when a close friend struggled to find a wedding dress that she both loved, and that allowed her to dress her figure in a way that was both fabulous…and comfortable for her. Things began to develop when word of mouth spread and Laura found more bridal commissions finding her.

Laura graduated with a BA Hons Fashion Design from Manchester Metropolitan before completing a postgraduate in ‘Innovative Pattern Cutting’ from Central Saint Martins, London. Both highly esteemed courses ignited a passion for cutting-patterns and developing garments that not only informed commercial design decisions but that blazed strong enough to ensure that spare times and weekends were always spent making.

Stepping away from the commercial fashion industry to take a more creative, more sustainable, and ultimately more satisfying design route…Laura has, and continues to create bridal looks that are beautiful, exquisitely made and completely unique to their wearer. The beauty of a bespoke dress is that there are non of the restrictions or limitations of tradition, or of mass-production.

Experimenting with shape, fabric, embellishments and embroidery allows Laura to weave unique (often very personal) elements into the design of each of her dresses.

The process of bespoke is a journey. From initial studio consultation, to sketchbook designs, measurement-taking, fabric decisions and fit-sessions….Laura finds joy in the fact that her brides have such excitement, and then in retrospect, fondness for the process. It’s a huge part of the wedding preparation and it’s hugely important to Laura that it’s enjoyable and inclusive and ultimately fun for her clients.

Laura is experienced in dressing every body shape. Often the standardised sizing offered by some retailers can be disappointing…but the experience of finding your dream dress needn’t be defined by mass-produced pattern grades. We are all unique.

'My brides know and are proud of their own sense of style…and I design for them as such. Listening to my brides & really getting a sense of them as individuals allows me to create special & beautiful pieces that not only look amazing, but ‘feel’ perfect to them. If you’re looking for a dress or veil that you think might only exist in your dreams…..get in touch’ LF

Dee
5 Star
Choosing Laura to make my wedding dress was easily one of the best decisions of the whole wedding. She is so incredibly talented as a designer, and her dressmaking skills are just insane. Never in my life have I worn something that fit me so perfectly; that was so beautifully flattering yet ridiculously comfortable to wear. One of the things she told me from the very first design meeting was that she would never make me a dress that I couldn't dance in, and boy did she deliver! There were zero restrictions on movement; the statement sleeves were separate, and she made me a giant detachable bow for the back of the dress meaning I could switch up my look between the day and the evening do. Oh and did I mention the dress had pockets!? 🤩🤌 Laura's knowledge of fabric and fit is impeccable, the material she chose for my dress was absolutely perfect. It had the structure to hold the shape while still feeling really luxurious and soft. She also made dresses for my three flower girls, who loved being involved in the design process (and which have been obsessively worn for birthday parties and less practical occasions ever since!). The icing on the cake was a gorgeous custom bag in the same fabric as my dress, and the most beautiful veil, fully embellished with tiny pearls. Every time I went to the studio, from the first design meeting to the final fit, I had an absolute ball. Laura is so warm and funny; she has a real skill for putting people at ease. Nothing ever felt like it was too much trouble. If you're looking for a dress that is uniquely yours, I cannot recommend Laura enough.. But honestly it was so much more than just "the dress", it was a gorgeous experience from start to finish that made my wedding preparations and celebrations that much more magical xx
Friday 5th April 2024

Frances Rooke
5 Star
Laura was simply brilliant from start to finish. I contacted her with less than six months to go until my wedding day, as I had been struggling to work out what kind of outfit I wanted. All I knew is that I didn’t want a traditional wedding dress and I wanted something I could wear again. Not only was Laura able to accommodate me - she took the time to really work with me to get to my perfect outfit. From the first designs to the final garment, I was blown away by her creativity, her skill and attention to detail. She really listened to what I wanted and what was important to me - sustainability, comfort, being able to eat my wedding pie and dance the night away. AND she even got tiny disco balls in there!! I loved working with Laura; she is welcoming, understanding and so much fun! I looked forward to the visits to the studio every time, and my wedding outfit is just the best thing I have ever owned. Everything she did made this spotlight-adverse bride feel special and comfortable. I even had pockets!!!
Thursday 2nd May 2024

Karen Patterson
5 Star
When I got engaged, I immediately contacted Laura as I knew that she would bring my vision to life. ❤️ The dress was literally the very first thing I organised, as I had a very specific (none conventional) idea in my head, and I knew that I was in safe hands with Laura! She exceeded my expectations, and all anyone talked about on the wedding day, (and after) was the dress! 😍 The whole journey, from concept sketches to picking up the dress (with some pink fizz! 🤩) was comfortable, easy and just lovely overall! I immediately felt at ease that I was making the right decision, as Laura made it very easy to trust her, with her friendly, calm and easygoing approach. She was just as excited as I was about the design, and her enthusiasm added to the moment, and really made me excited to wear the dress, I couldn’t wait to put it on! I loved every minute of wearing it, and I’m already thinking about how I can style it differently in my every day wear, because it seems a shame to put it away and never wear it again! Highly recommend Laura and her services, it was a dream to work with her!! I’m already thinking about an anniversary dress for the future ❤️❤️
Tuesday 30th April 2024

Gemma Price
5 Star
Laura is an incredibly talented designer. I came to her with rather specific ideas and a vision and we made it a reality. I loved my dress and she listened to everything I said. Laura is also one of the warmest people you will ever meet. She puts you at ease and is a true professional. I am Thrilled with my timeless wedding dress ❤️
Saturday 27th April 2024

Anna Henshall
5 Star
I’d never really thought about having a bespoke wedding dress, but when a friend recommended Laura it made perfect sense as I wanted something unique! I came to Laura with (a lot of) images I’d saved on Pinterest, and we chatted through what I liked about each dress and preferred shapes/styles based on how I usually dress. Over the next few weeks, Laura then produced the most beautiful sketches for 16 different designs! Laura’s ideas were amazing and I honestly loved every single one, but we narrowed it down to a few of my absolute favourites, and Laura developed a new design incorporating all my favourite bits - a fitted, lined crepe dress (which didn't crease at all, it was the best fabric!) with organza "cloud" sleeves and the most dreamy, removable tulle overskirt adorned with dozens of flowers which she made by hand! It was honestly the most exciting process ever (I would recommend it over dress shopping any day), and Laura made me feel so special throughout. I can honestly say I love my dress more than any dress I've ever seen. It was perfect. Laura is so talented and just a gorgeous person too. Thank you so, so much for making me feel like a Queen on my special day, and in the run up to it too! I can’t recommend Laura enough🥰💕 We also treated ourselves to two LF stockings for Xmas, and once again I’m blown away. They’re just beautiful – such incredible attention to detail and gorgeous fabrics.
Monday 2nd January 2023