The Sassi Story

Sassi Story
Sassi Holford Signature

Beautiful clothes are so uplifting - the balance of the lines, the sublime cut and the luxurious fabrics. My pieces are handcrafted in England to give stylish women exceptional quality and versatile options that can be treasured for a lifetime.

Sassi Holford Signature
Sassi Holford Chelsea Shirt Dress Ivory
Sassi Holford Runway

About the designer

Designer Sassi herself is an icon of British style and the Sassi Holford label has become synonymous with luxury fashion. As well as creating award-winning and highly acclaimed bridal gowns, Sassi has made an impact on the fashion world with her classic and versatile pieces – both bespoke and womenswear – that are aimed at the discerning, stylish woman.

Today Sassi’s designs attract clients from across the globe, it all began in 1981 with a wedding dress that she designed for a ‘friend in need’. Growing up with this love of design and a dedication to perfection, it was inevitable that the designer would soon establish her name. With a desire to produce luxury clothes for women, bridal was an obvious starting point and a decision which has led to her distinguished success.

Since the brand’s launch, Sassi has celebrated many milestones and has developed the label into an influential fashion business. Alongside multiple awards, including three times Best British Bridalwear Designer, Sassi has also hit the spotlight for dressing A-list and royalty alike.

Sassi Holford Cutting

Handmade in England

Sassi’s exquisite designs are sophisticated, elegant and contemporary – and her instinctive eye for detail results in the famous cut, incredible fit and effortless style that makes her label so unique.

None of this would be possible without her incredible and dedicated team – many have worked with Sassi for more than ten years, and her Head Seamstress, Tina, for over 30 years. Taunton in Somerset is a beautiful place to be and is a calm setting for a company in the demanding and occasionally mad world of fashion!

Whether bridal, occasion or evening wear, the bespoke couture service from Sassi Holford produces timeless clothes to be treasured – the versatile styling providing endless possibilities for our clients’ wardrobes.

Archive
Archive

Sassi Holford 1981 How it all began
Sassi’s adventurous spirit emerges when she tells a school friend with no wedding budget that she will design and make her dress! Requests for more wedding dresses follow and Sassi Holford Bridal Couture is born in North Devon.
Sassi Holford 1984 First editorial
Sassi moves the business to Taunton, Somerset and achieves her first editorial feature in a national magazine.
Sassi Holford 1987 Libertys and Harrods
Exclusive London bridal departments begin stocking the Sassi Holford Collection including this dramatic, ground-breaking puff ball design.
Sassi Holford 1989 Best short dress
This chic design wins the Brides magazine Bridal Award.
Sassi Holford 1992 Front cover
The first national front cover for Sassi Holford appears on Wedding magazine featuring the gown Amy - it is also the introduction of French corded lace to English bridal.
Sassi Holford 1994 Retail debut
The first Sassi Holford boutique opens for business in Taunton.
Sassi Holford 1998 Veronica
First campaign photoshoot with beautiful international model Veronica at Marston House – Sassi named this dress Veronica!
Sassi Holford 2000 The new millenium
Sassi celebrates the millennium by launching new branding, her first website and ground-breaking location photography by Simon Powell. Again, featuring Veronica in the stunning Gabrielle gown with a bodice cuff.
Sassi Holford 2003 London store
Sassi opens her flagship store in South Kensington in the same premises as previously occupied by Tatters, the design house of Missie Graves who was Sassi’s mentor and champion through the 1980s.
Sassi Holford 2005 Nadia
The dress that launched a look – ruching, layering, lace and flowers.
Sassi Holford 2008 Royal wedding
Sassi Holford is commissioned to design the gown for Autumn Kelly for her wedding to Peter Phillips, the first of the Queen’s grandchildren to marry.
Sassi Holford 2009 Samantha
This image of the top style in Sassi’s 2009 Collection stopped many brides-to-be in their tracks with model Blanca’s best sultry gaze.
Sassi Holford 2009 Catch them young
Sassi has her visit to a local primary school to encourage young designers.
Sassi Holford 2010 Snow queen
A stunning coat and dress styled by Brides magazine.
Sassi Holford 2010 The apprentice
The first of many apprentices joins the company, helping to continue the tradition of couture bridal manufacture in Britain.
Sassi Holford 2011 High drama
Gorgeous textures from the 2011 Collection with model Thea Owens wearing Sasha and Mischa.
Sassi Holford 2011 Celebration
The industry joins Sassi to celebrate her 30 years of design and couture making.
Sassi Holford 2012 Top student
The winning fashion student at Somerset College of Art and Technology collects the annual prize Sassi awards for technical excellence.
Sassi Holford 2013 Bluebell
3D appliqué flowers on silk tulle gave the Bluebell gown huge impact and a Brides front cover.
Sassi Holford 2013 Monochrome
The 2013 Couture Collection oozed style, style and more style – Danielle, Hermione and Lucille.
Sassi Holford 2013 Best British Designer
Sassi picks up both the wedding consumer and bridal industry awards for best designer of 2013 – pictured with husband and co-director Martin Jenkins.
Sassi Holford 2014 The Savoy
A special partnership with The Savoy produced stunning photography in the ballroom for The Savoy Collection by Sassi Holford – this is the Elspeth dress beautifully modelled by Katia Elizarova.
Sassi Holford 2016 More luxury
The London store moves from 74 to 82 Fulham Road where clients can relax in luxurious surroundings with space and daylight to enjoy and appreciate their gowns.
Brides magazine invites Sassi to select wedding gifts!
Sassi is honoured once again by the British bridal industry as she collects her third Designer of the Year award in six years.

Responsible

Responsible

Sassi Holford Textiles

Values and Beliefs

As a long-standing luxury label, it’s important for us to take our responsibilities seriously. With a love for the industry, we are mindful of how we work. We recognise that it’s about more than just style, and we are conscious of how we produce all our pieces, creating sustainable, lasting garments that go far beyond the controversy of fast fashion.

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