Two trips to India and a wedding dress made for her best friend.These formed the inspiration for the Rosanna Ford bridal label, Australia’s first Fairtrade wedding dresses.

Just after Rosanna graduated from high school in Bristol, England, she travelled to India for the first time, and she formed an immediate connection to its unique beauty and energy. Revisiting in 2010, mid-way through a degree in Fashion at Central Saint Martins, Rosanna revisited India and cut her teeth working for the esteemed brands Abraham & Thakore and Anokhi, in Delhi and Jaipur. She left with a firm commitment to promote the skills of textiles craftspeople.

Shortly before flying home, Rosanna also chanced to meet her future husband, the reason for her move to Melbourne in 2011.

Since her arrival, Rosanna progressed naturally into bridal wear, recommended by word of mouth by brides unable to find their dream dress amongst the formulaic designs on offer in shops.

Coming across the handmade lace of female artisans in East India, Rosanna had the basis for her first collection of ready-to-wear dresses. Each dress is assembled by hand in Melbourne, and represents a better life for craftspeople and a slower, more sustainable approach.

With designs inspired by a modern, confident female wardrobe, a love of textiles and contemporary design stay at the heart of the Rosanna Ford label.

Visit www.rosannaford.com