Some dresses deserve their own seat on the plane – and Zoya’s certainly did. She flew home to Bulgaria with her gown beside her, ready for a wedding steeped in tradition and elegance.

From the very start, Zoya knew she wanted a gown with classical poise and a cathedral-length veil to match the grandeur of her marriage setting. The veil was perfectly suited to the occasion and to the traditional Bulgarian wedding crowns she and her husband wore during the ceremony.

Her gown was inspired by my Sabrina design – a classic 1950s silhouette in ivory duchesse satin. This fabric is one of my favourites: it has a subtle sheen that catches the light softly, but without the glare of high-shine satin. Zoya fell in love with the shape, but wanted the neckline to sit just on the shoulder. We worked together to adjust the pattern until it was exactly as she imagined – elegant, graceful, and uniquely hers.

Making this gown was such a joy. Zoya herself was radiant, with an elegance that made the dress truly come alive, but the process was made even more special by her sister Kristina. She was there every step of the way with warmth, humour and encouragement – honestly, everyone should be lucky enough to have a sister like Kristina during their bridal journey.

On the day, in duchesse satin and with that veil flowing behind her, Zoya embodied timeless bridal beauty. A dress worth travelling for, and one that will always remind me of how a classic design can be transformed into something deeply personal.