Tusting Talks… to Lisa Redman

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..

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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…

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!