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Over a decade of
EXPERIENCE IN THE COSTUME & BRIDAL INDUSTRY
MARIE CHANDLER
Owner, Director, Creator
Hi I'm Marie, owner of Marie Chandler Bespoke Costume and Clothing.
I live in Reading, Berkshire with my husband Nigel, my daughter Penelope and Cat Mona. I'm a northerner at heart and grew up living by the sea in the North East.
I have read the Harry Potter series multiple times, I love superhero movies and American Teen Drama's on Netflix. I'm also a big fan of country music (Dolly Parton is my hero).
On a weekend I love to spend time with my family, a good glass of wine and a tasty meal!
I am passionate about costume and fashion and absolutely love that I get to do my dream job for a living! My heart and soul goes into every garments that I make.
I always had an interest in fashion and sewing from a young age, sewing and knitting with my grandparents every weekend from the age of 6, whilst watching The Sound of Music on VHS. At 11 I decided I wanted to be a Fashion Designer and that never changed as I grew up.
I first fell in love with costume after watching the extras feature on the 'Sleepy Hollow' DVD. I'd always loved Tim Burton movies, even as a child, but had never thought of a career in Costume until the second year of my Fashion Diploma when my teacher indentified my love of the elaborate and recommended I go on to study a degree in Costume.
From there I never looked back, I love creating dramatic pieces along with the structured garments such as corsets and crinolines. I put my all into every garment I create and am so thankful to be able to do what I love every single day.
Between 2007 and 2014 I had a full time career for 7 years with Merlin Entertainments.
I spent half that time working at Madame Tussauds London where you'd often find me fixing holes in the elbows of Brad Pitt's suit from over enthusiastic hugs, polishing Prince William's shoes or repairing beads on Mary Queen of Scots dress.
The other half working at Warwick Castle where as production manager I oversaw all the design, costume and theming of the fixed and seasonal attractions, gaining me a number of years experience managing teams, budgets and large projects. Halloween was always a favourite of mine!
In 2014, I set up Marie Chandler Bespoke Costume and Clothing and never looked back (though I do still love a visit to Madame Tussauds to see my waxy friends). Since then I have made costumes for productions in the UK and Internationally.
I have most recently designed and created costumes for Virgin Voyages on board Drag Queen. I have designed and made costumes for pantomimes and theatre. I have maintained and made costumes for high profile clients, Angel's Costumiers, Sinatra the Man and His Music at the London Palladium and The Royal Opera House, as well as working on set altering costumes for performers like Paloma Faith,
I also love to create Bridal Gowns for clients looking for something a little different to the traditional bridal look and bespoke garments for cool clients. My sister brand Marie Chandler Bridal was also launched in 2016, creating, cool, stylish and sustainable bridal wear for modern brides.
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