The Big Interview with the family behind Kavelle Couture
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Kavelle Couture first opened in 1991 when designer Jaspal Landa began creating bespoke dresses.
Over 30 years on, the boutique is going from strength to strength, with Jaspal’s children Tony and Kavelle working with her to help brides realise their wedding dress dreams.
Your Scottish Wedding: You’ve been in the industry since 1991, Jaspal, but how did you get started in fashion and then make the move into bridalwear?
Jaspal: My journey began with making children’s waistcoats, curtains, bedding, and really anything that could be sewn.
I was always out with the sewing machine, creating outfits for friends, family, and even the whole street.
After that, I turned to eveningwear and custom outfits, which quickly gained popularity for their elegance, intricate details and craftsmanship.
The move into bridalwear was a natural progression.
I found immense joy in crafting gowns for one of the most important days in a person’s life.
The transition was driven by a desire to bring my vision of unique, personalised bridal fashion to life, and it has been an incredibly rewarding journey ever since.
YSW: The boutique is now in its third home, having moved from two premises in Edinburgh’s West End to the current gorgeous store in the New Town.
You have followed your mum into the business, Kavelle.
Did you always know you wanted to work with her?
Kavelle: I was mesmerised by my mother’s skill from a very young age.
I was just 8 when Jaspal started the business, and by the time I was 15, I was already working with her.
Watching her passion and dedication to her craft left a great impression on me, and it felt natural to follow in her footsteps continuing a legacy but also about being part of something that has been a significant part of my life.
I have a deep passion for design and style, and I love working with brides-to-be.
It’s essential to me that every bride, regardless of her shape, size, height, or budget, looks and feels beautiful and valued.
My goal is to empower women to be confident and to feel and look incredible on their special day.
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YSW: Kavelle Couture has been on the go for over 30 years. How do you account for your longevity and ongoing success?
Kavelle:Â Our longevity and success can be attributed to our unwavering commitment to quality, personalised service, and innovation.
We prioritise understanding our clients’ desires and translating them into exquisite, custom-made gowns.
In our store, we believe every bride deserves a gown that truly reflects her unique style and personality.
That’s why we offer flexibility to change and adapt any design, ensuring you never have to settle.
Whether it’s adjusting the fit, altering the details, or customising elements to match your vision, we are dedicated to making sure your gown is a perfect reflection of you.
We understand every bride is different, and we are here to make your dream dress a reality without compromise.
Additionally, staying attuned to fashion trends while maintaining our unique style has allowed us to evolve with the industry.
Our loyal clientele and word-of-mouth recommendations have also played a significant role in sustaining our business.
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YSW: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in that time?
Kavelle:Â The fashion industry has seen a tremendous shift towards inclusivity and diversity, which we wholeheartedly embrace.
Brides today seek gowns that reflect their individuality and personal style rather than conforming to traditional norms.
Technology has also revolutionised how we design and connect with our clients, making the process more interactive and collaborative.
Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, which is a positive change we are actively incorporating.
‘Bonny’ by Galia Lahav
YSW: How would you describe the Kavelle Couture bride?
Kavelle:Â The Kavelle Couture bride embodies a distinctive blend of sophistication, boldness, and individuality.
She is confident and embraces her unique sense of style, seeking a gown that reflects both her personality and personal taste.
She is typically drawn to opulent designs with intricate detailing, luxurious fabrics, and modern yet timeless elegance.
She appreciates high fashion and often looks for statement pieces that stand out and make a memorable impact.
Above all, she desires a gown that not only complements her beauty but also allows her to express herself fully on her special day.
‘Carrie’ by Galia Lahav
YSW: Do you have a favourite gown in store right now?
Kavelle: Currently, one of our favourite gowns in the boutique is ‘Carrie’ by Galia Lahav, a stunning 3D floral lace gown (pictured above).
A strapless trumpet bridal gown that captures your unique style, it features intricate three-dimensional lace, delicate flower details, and a flared skirt that commands attention.
The attention to detail and the way it flatters various body types make it a standout piece.
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YSW: What are your best tips for brides searching for their wedding dress?
Kavelle:Â First and foremost is to have fun! You are creating history.
Start your search early, keep an open mind, and focus on what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Regardless of what your shape or size you should feel like the most beautiful, confident and comfortable version of yourself.
It’s important to try on different styles to discover what suits you best.
Trust your instincts. Remember you’ve been dressing yourself your whole life.
You will know when you are wearing The One!
Don’t be afraid to express your unique style.
Most importantly, cherish the experience.
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YSW: Who is the celebrity bride you wish you could design for?
Kavelle:Â As a designer, the celebrity bride I would be thrilled to dress is Zendaya.
Her fashion sense is both daring and sophisticated, allowing for an incredible range of creativity and expression.
Her ability to effortlessly transition between classic elegance and bold, avant-garde makes her an ideal muse for a truly memorable wedding gown.
Crafting a dress for her would be an exhilarating challenge, one that celebrates her unique beauty and the confident, trend-setting persona she brings to every red carpet.
This would be a chance to create a piece that not only complements her striking presence but also sets a new standard in bridal fashion.
‘Icon’ by Galia Lahav
YSW: When you’re designing a bespoke gown where do you begin?
Kavelle: We begin with a consultation to understand the bride’s vision, style preferences, and any specific elements she envisions for her gown.
We discuss fabrics, silhouettes, and details, drawing inspiration from various sources, including the bride’s personality and the wedding theme.
I will sketch out designs, show different fabric samples, drape fabrics and create ideas from simply using pins and fabrics, allowing the bride to visualise the design.
This collaborative approach ensures the final gown is a perfect reflection of the bride’s dream.
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YSW: Do you have a favourite gown you’ve designed over the years?
Kavelle:Â Each gown we create holds a special place in our hearts.
However, there is one gown that stands out – a custom piece designed for a bride who wanted a fusion of traditional and contemporary elements.
The intricate lacework, combined with modern silhouettes, resulted in a timeless and breathtaking gown.
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YSW: Along with your own custom designs, you carry a range of renowned bridalwear names. How do you decide which designers to stock?
Kavelle:Â We carefully curate our selection of designers based on their craftsmanship, unique style, and alignment with the Kavelle Couture brand.
We look for designers who share our commitment to quality and have a distinct creative vision.
The goal is to offer our brides a diverse range of styles that cater to different tastes.
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YSW: What are your biggest influences when deciding what designs and styles to carry?
Kavelle: Our primary influences come from our clients’ feedback, global fashion trends, and our own creative intuition.
We attend international bridal fashion shows and keep a close eye on emerging trends and designers.
