You have been at the forefront of luxury bridal design and evening-wear for over 35 years. Can you tell us a little about how you started out?
“I had been making clothes all my life, but after spending five years in the USA designing active sportswear under my brand Survival Kit, I was ready for a new direction. When I returned to London in 1991, a good friend suggested I look at bridal-wear, which was a market I hadn’t previously considered. Almost immediately, I noticed a gap there. There were very few designers creating beautifully-cut silk gowns with a strong emphasis on style and craftsmanship. That realisation led me to open my first store and launch Caroline Castigliano.”

What is it that particularly draws you to bridal and evening-wear?
“I have always been fascinated by structure, the female form, and how clothing can make a woman look – and, more importantly, feel. I love how fabric, cut, and construction can transform not just how a woman looks, but how she carries herself. What began as a deep respect for craftsmanship quickly became a lifelong pursuit of creating gowns that empower rather than overwhelm. Thirty five years later, that philosophy continues to guide everything I do. Bridal and eveningwear sit at the most emotional moments in a woman’s life. I’ve always been drawn to designing for occasions that carry meaning, pieces that become part of someone’s memory, not just their wardrobe.”

With your signature corsetry and undergarments, your approach to design is almost architectural. Why are the foundations of a dress so important?
“Because beauty begins beneath the surface. Corsetry is the invisible language of couture. It sculpts, supports, and allows a woman to move with confidence. When the foundation is perfect, everything else flows effortlessly.”

As you’re also famed for your clean lines and for timeless style, do you agree that less always more?“Absolutely. Restraint is powerful. When design is distilled to its purest form, every line matters. Clean silhouettes allow craftsmanship, fit, and fabric to speak, and that’s where true luxury lives.”

Do you have a favourite gown from your collections?
“My favourite gown is always the next one. Each design reflects where I am creatively at that moment: my evolution, my curiosity, my response to modern women. Couture should never stand still.”

You have dressed plenty of famous faces. Is there anyone you would love to dress in the future?
“I’ve been very fortunate to dress extraordinary women from many worlds. What excites me most isn’t fame, but individuality, women with a strong sense of self. Those are always the most compelling muses.”

Are there any emerging bridal trends you are particularly excited about?
“I’m drawn to a return to purity: refined silhouettes, thoughtful construction, and subtle drama. Brides today want authenticity. They’re choosing pieces that feel personal, intelligent, and enduring rather than overtly decorative.”

 Do you have any tips for brides searching for their dream dress?
“The most important things is to always trust how a dress makes you feel, not how it photographs. The right gown should give you quiet confidence, and feel like an extension of you, not a costume.”

Your couture gowns continue to be in high demand, season after season. Can you talk us through the design process?
“Couture begins with conversation. We listen, sketch, drape, and refine. Every gown is built by hand, layer by layer, fitting by fitting. It’s an intimate collaboration where precision meets emotion.”

Your embellishment is always stunning and intricate. What is the longest a dress has ever taken you to make?
“Some gowns take over a thousand hours. True craftsmanship cannot be rushed, especially when every stitch, embellishment, and seam is executed by hand with intention.”

And finally, what can we expect to see from you in 2026?
“This year, you will see a continued evolution of modern couture for my gowns.  Refined, confident, and purposeful. Expect sculptural silhouettes, innovative foundations, and a quiet strength that reflects the modern woman. My aim is to always be timeless, never predictable.”

For more information or to book an appointment with Caroline, visit www.carolinecastigliano.com

The post Interview with Leading Bridal Designer Caroline Castigliano  appeared first on Best of Living.

1 BOOTS

“A great boot is such a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe. Elevating your daytime look, a knee-high boot can be worn both under a skirt or with your favourite jeans – then transform into evening chic with the right accessories. As an added bonus, it keeps your feet nice and warm in the colder months. The decision is what colour – if you want to go for something more trend-led now’s the time to opt for burgundy.”

2 TURTLENECK

“Consider your basics: a quality turtleneck is the real secret to looking stylish, as well as braving the cold throughout the winter months. Throw it under a blazer, under a shirt, or with your favourite jeans, and you are pretty much ready to go. It’s instant sophistication and style.”

3 BLAZER

“Every outfit in winter needs an extra layer, but not always a chunky coat. What I love about a good blazer is that you can be in leggings and a messy bun – but add this piece and suddenly you’re ‘casually powerful.’ It’s a great transitional staple that you can wear all year round, and something that I don’t see leaving our wardrobes anytime soon.”

4 DENIM

“We all need at least one good pair of jeans that are our true heroes. We can wear them in the day with boots or trainers, but we can also throw on a little heel and go for dinner. Jeans are so important to fit right and feel great in, as they are almost your foundation of every outfit – and you can wear them in so many ways. They’re timeless, versatile and survive all trends.”

5 SCARF

“A winter must for me is an oversized scarf. I don’t like to wear too many layers, as I want my outfit to be chic and polished, so a scarf is the perfect touch that can be removed when you arrive and you can avoid getting too hot. It’s an easy way to inject colour and fun into any outfit, and if you want to dip your toes in the colour of the season this is the perfect place to start.”

The post Winter Fashion Advice From Renowned Celebrity Stylist Ellis Ranson appeared first on Best of Living.

Pure Cashmere Zip Neck Jumper

“Crafted from 100% cashmere, this superior sweater is made from the finest wool, sourced from Inner Mongolia — where goats withstand the coldest conditions. Coming in a zip-neck style for a gently sporty feel, this jumper combines the most luxe fabric with a relaxed edge, so you can dress it down with jeans and a puffer jacket, or up with a shirt and suit trousers for work.” £179: buy here

Cashmere Check Scarf

“A guaranteed winning winter gift — or a treat for yourself — this scarf is crafted from 100% cashmere wool, meaning it’s not only super warm, but also lightweight and comfortable on the skin. Pick from smart checks, herringbone patterns or solid colours like seasonal maroon or every man’s favourite navy — it’ll go with whatever coat or jacket you team it with.” £89.95; buy here.

Italian Velvet Jacket

“Steal the show — whatever the event — in this jacket woven in Italy’s Pontoglio Mill. The definition of artisanal craftsmanship and fine tailoring, it’s crafted from 100% cotton, is deceptively comfortable to wear and super-soft to the touch. Pick from single and double-breasted styes, and shades like rich chocolate, versatile navy, striking indigo and timeless black.” £279; buy here.

Non-Iron Stretch Floral Print Shirt

“Made from 100% cotton with a natural stretch, this floral print shirt features non-iron tech for a smooth finish all night. High impact as well as being low maintenance, choose from a classic, slim or extra slim fit. Not a fan of florals? There’s a host of solid colours, geometric prints and subtle paisley patterns to pick from, too.” £74.95; buy here.

3-in-1 Rain Mac

“Coming with a detachable gilet for extra warmth, wear this rain mac all together, remove the gilet when the temperature gets a little milder, or wear the gilet solo as an easy, lightweight layer. The simple, elegant design can be worn over suits and jeans alike — and, no matter what you’re wearing underneath, you’ll stay dry and presentable.” £249; buy here.

The post Winter Fashion To Choose From For the Stylish Gentleman appeared first on Best of Living.

For a Job Interview, Night Out or Public Speaking

Choose red: it’s universally associated with power, passion and leadership.

Avoid beige/light grey: this can sometimes washing you out, especially in winter.

For a Work Meeting, First Date or Networking

Choose royal blue: this signals trust and credibility and is calming but authoritative.

Avoid yellow: it has a risk of making you look tired, and can be overpowering on pale skin.

For Everyday Office Wear

Choose emerald green: ideal when you want to be fresh, balanced and linked with growth.

Avoid white: it can feel exposing and impractical, not ideal for a high-stress or messy environments.

Other Advice

Use accents: If bright red feels too bold, introduce it with accessories such as a bag, lipstick or scarf.

Skin tone matters: Fairer tones may prefer jewel shades such as emerald or sapphire, while deeper skin can carry off brighter, bolder colours.

Layer neutrals with confidence colours: green or blue against black/grey can transform an outfit.

The post Dress for Success with These Fashion Colours for Confidence appeared first on Best of Living.