Tusting Talks… to Lisa Redman
This week we speak to sustainable British luxury womenswear designer, Lisa Redman. Lisa’s eponymous brand was created in 2007 out of a desire to create glamorous, sustainable, bespoke clothing for modern women. It is her specialism in re-imagining heritage haute couture with a modern twist which makes her a favourite amongst VIP’s and a loyal following of clients, particularly to provide unique outfits for Royal Ascot. We chat Ascot styling, inspiration and more.
How did you start the business?
I started the business many years ago – 17! It was a natural progression after being the right hand to Elspeth Gibson for six years. She closed her business and organically, I started my business step by step. Firstly working in a studio home in west London before opening my studio a couple of years later..
What inspires your designs?
I am inspired by my surroundings on a daily basis, there is so much to inspire us. I live in Notting Hill and I love the buildings, the beautiful coloured houses, all the people, the market and more! It’s a visual feast for the eyes, pretty much every day.On another level, I am inspired by the Bloomsbury group and their Sussex home, Charleston, that I grew up close to. Their use of soft pastel colours and patterns has been a constant inspiration to me.
What has been your most memorable design to date?
I think one of our most memorable designs to date has to be a full length ball gown that we made for a guest of a royal wedding. It was beaded in a huge circle pattern of crystal and pearl. The base cloth was a double duchess satin in a mink colour.It took us so long to create, the bead work was incredible, and when we finished it very late at night. It was a very memorable moment of magic as it sparkled so much under the lights!
Your dresses are frequently seen at Royal Ascot. What makes the perfect event outfit?
For me the perfect Ascot outfit should be, above all, elegant and comfortable. I like the silhouette to flatter the wearer, nipped-in waists and full skirts, so you can swoosh across the enclosure. I love adding some very special detail, such as our signature embellishment, with hand-embroidered collars and cuffs. When we are creating bespoke, it’s most important that the client feels the very best version of themselves. It’s a cliché, but a great outfit really can make you feel fantastic.
Rosie Tapner wore one of your dresses reworked. What went into this design process?
For Rosies dress we worked closely with Rosie herself and made the decision to rework a classic shape that she wore last year. We do this type of work in-house at the studio, and it’s something we offer to all our clients. My opinion is if you have a special piece that works, why not.. this is totally in line with our company’s ethos and ensures the piece’s longevity and relevance as it has a new lease of life – true sustainability. I really enjoy how we can give a piece a very different look, by changing a collar, adding a different colour trim, belt etc.. and a switch of buttons, in this case to an oversized pearl.
It was a real pleasure to then work with the queen of milliners, Rachel Trevor Morgan, who created the perfect hat to match and yourselves at Tusting as you created a lovely bespoke Hettie bag in the same lilac tone for the quintessential accompanying bag! Seeing Rosie all dressed on the day is a such a joy.
Which is your Tusting bag of choice and what’s always in your bag?
This is difficult as I love so many of the bags – the craftsmanship and finish on them is so impressive and it makes me love them all. If I were going to an event, it would have to be the Hettie in the Blush as it goes so well with our collection.For my everyday life, I really use a Tote, and therefore I covet the Savannah, from the India Hicks x Tusting collaboration, which is the perfect size, the neutral tan tone is gorgeous, and it goes so well with everything!
How do you like to spend a day off?
On a day off, I love to be with my friends and family, spending time together; we all lead such busy lives that those times are precious. I love to all eat together, chatting around the table with great food and company. I enjoy living near Portobello, and there is nothing better than a Saturday morning potter around the market. I love to buy flowers, my fruit and veg, and then get a coffee for myself! Bliss…
What’s in store for the rest of 2023?
This year I am working away in the background on the idea of a pre-order collection, which is something I have wanted to do for a long time. This would be offered alongside my bespoke collection that I will continue with, as this is my real love. Working one on one with clients and creating their special pieces is a real joy. At the moment, we are selling our samples in order to create space for new designs, so watch this space… new creativity is on the horizon!
To explore Lisa Redman further, click here.
