The Big Interview with Sharon McPherson of Opus Couture
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She may be a classically trained musician, but since switching to fashion there’s been no holding Sharon back.
Here she shares all about being at the helm of her beautiful West Kilbride boutique Opus Couture for 20 years.
Your Scottish Wedding: : How did you first get into design?
Sharon McPherson: I studied both Higher Art and Music at school and trained as a classical musician.
I had been accepted by Queens University to study Music.
However, after an illness which made practising difficult, I chose to do Art/Fashion instead.
I went to university in Northern Ireland for my first degree, a BA in textiles fashion and embroidery.
Then I went to Birmingham to do my Masters, specialising in embroidery.
YSW: Did you always know you wanted to work in bridalwear?
SM: No, not at all, but when you think about it, I trained in womenswear and embroidery.
My first job after moving back to NI and getting married was as chief designer for couture bridal designer Isobel Love.
And just like that, I knew I had found my passion.
After all, my areas of expertise are fashion and embroidery, and I don’t think there’s a better fit.
YSW: Opus Couture celebrated its twentieth anniversary last year. How do you account for its ongoing popularity and success?
SM: We have just won an award for the 2024 best bridal retailer and over the years our brides have recommended us and our service, so word of mouth recommendation has always been a huge factor.
I’m very proud of our team. I believe they give the best service and they have our brides’ backs.
They have a terrific knowledge of all things bridal.
We also have great designers on our rail so our product is on point as well.
We have the best technical support right here on the premises, all under the one roof – all of which has taken years of hard work, training and planning to achieve.
I have 40 years’ experience in this industry and my team have that and more between them.
Perfection takes time.
YSW: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in what brides want from their dress?
SM: Things have changed a lot between 1984 and 2024.
The world has changed, so fashion has changed, and quite dramatically too.
I’m not sure which has driven which though.
Brides now have so much more to deal with, large bridal parties, social media, so much more choice in every area.
There are so many decisions and demands on brides and grooms now.
Essentially though brides still want to have confidence and feel secure in what they are wearing.
So, in the end we may have new styles and more tools but nothing has changed actually.
The truth is you want to be the best version of you possible.
One you can look back on, and say, “Yes I looked and felt the best I’ve ever felt, on my wedding day.”
YSW: How would you describe the Opus Couture bride?
SM: Classy and sassy. I can’t do frumpy, it’s not in my toolbox.
An Opus bride is a strong woman who knows her own mind.
She may not know the exact gown she wants to wear, but she definitely knows how she doesn’t want to look on her wedding day.
Once she has Team Opus standing with her, she will find her perfect look and be confident and secure to stand tall and enjoy her day.
YSW: How do you choose the designers you stock at Opus Couture?
SM: We have strong ongoing relationships with some of the best designers in the world.
They need to be solid design houses who value our business and our input.
We need to have trust in their process too and trust they are willing to work with us as much as they can.
We look at all the collections from everyone out there and watch what’s coming.
We know our clients and what they are looking for and we travel all over the world to get our brides the best collections available.
YSW: How do you know what will work for your brides?
SM: We listen to our brides and their requests.
We also test the market with trunk shows, designer days and special events.
We do our research.
Informed by our brides, we buy our collections with experience, expertise and research.
Every season we look at design, fit, structure, cost and quality.
We look at our nation’s changing body shapes and the changing face of fashion at all levels.
I also watch what’s going on in other areas of the fashion world, by attending runway shows at local, national and international level in person and online.
‘Zinaida’ by Maggie Sottero
YSW: Do you have a favourite gown in store right now?
SM: I have so many but every time I am asked this question I say the same thing – my favourite gown is the one that is right for the bride that is standing in front of me.
But if you pushed me on my personal favourites, I love Berta’s ‘2412’. It’s just that classic Berta signature look.
It’s everything a modern gown with sleeves needs to be.
It’s got all the sass, just like Berta herself.
She is a beautiful lady, and we get along so well.
However, I would customise it with one of my signature overskirts.
From our Opus Studio collection it’s ‘Skye’.
This is a beautiful gown that’s as delicate and strong as the island it’s called after.
It has a soft colour just like the beaches in Scotland and a beautiful fit with flattering godets on the skirt.
This too can be worn with a tulle overskirt or shoulder wrap.
And I love ‘Zinaida’ by Maggie Sottero in Mikado.
I love the sleek clean design of this gown.
The fabric has a beautiful pure colour and crispness that adds to its chic silhouette.
I also love its current design twist on the bodice.
‘Skye’ by Opus Studio
YSW: Talk us through the inspiration of creating your own label Opus Studio? Have you plans to design more for the collection?
SM: I’ve always designed couture gowns for individual clients but not a full collection.
We live in one of the most beautiful countries of the world.
I love the colours and textures of Scotland, and that totally inspired me.
It’s like the stars aligned and the time was right.
Over time the collection will grow slowly and steadily.
I’m in a research phase just now, looking at fabrics and structure.
YSW: What are your best tips for brides searching for their wedding dress?
SM: Keep an open mind, be open and honest with your stylist.
Don’t bring too many people with you, just one or two who give you good advice.
Don’t stress about it and have fun.
YSW: Who is the celebrity bride you wish you could design for?
SM: Sophia Vergara. I love her sass and her shape is gorgeous.
And Zendaya has a great sense of style and is beautifully young and classy.
YSW: What’s next for Opus Couture?
SM: Onwards and upwards.
We may be 20 years old but we have a young team who are very much in touch with today’s market.
We have lots planned and great collaborations with great benefits for our brides.
So don’t miss out and keep an eye on our social media.
Florist/Decor | Jordana Events
Hair | Pam Doc Hair
Jewellery | Laings
Make-up | Louise Ballantine
Luxury Bridal Makeup
Model | Rebecca Donaldson
Photography | Craig & Eva
Sanders Photography
Venue | Trump Turnberry
Videography | Cherrytree Films
Do you fancy being an Opus Couture bride?
Get in touch with them to book an appointment here
