ALISON MONCRIEF, POLLEN & PLUME
British born designer, Alison Moncrief, designs and hand makes wedding accessories for the modern romantic.
With a contemporary aesthetic, Alison creates couture quality accessories for the new bride. Working with an eclectic mix of components including hand veined silk petals, Swarovski crystals, etched bead caps and ostrich feathers. Each piece is a created with love. Shop online or work directly with Alison to create a bespoke piece unique to you. Now based in Country Victoria, Pollen & Plume pieces are shipped worldwide.
Tell us about the Pollen & Plume bride?
She is a free spirit, inspired by nature. She’s fun loving and a contemporary romantic. With deep inner strength and independence, she isn't frightened to embrace what the earth is offering.
How did it all begin for your brand?
Pollen & Plume began in 2013 when I was heavily pregnant with my second child and we were living in Melbourne.
A close friend was getting married and asked me to design and make a sash for her dress. It was wonderful to work closely with Nat and create something that was truly unique. Shortly after the wedding we relocated to the country to raise our boys. When the boys were babies I did some freelance design work, but after a few years I decided to turn my energy towards bridal and Pollen & Plume was born.
Describe your design process to us?
My design process is very organic and really developed while designing for Megan Park in London. This was my first job out of Fashion School, where I specialised in textiles.
A week after starting with Megan I found myself in India scouring the markets and working with artisans whose skills had been passed down from generation to generation. I travelled multiple times a year and spent hours at the markets sourcing components and buying supplies.
My embellishments really developed from the inspirational components that I found and through the different ways of combining these elements. This is still how I work. I like to have an eclectic mix of components and let the process unfold.
Tell us about your bespoke service?
As well as my online range, I also offer a bespoke service. I think it takes a special type of bride to work this way and I’ve been lucky to work with some wonderful women from all over the world. The bespoke service is my favourite way to work as I really get to connect with my brides.
I’m constantly communicating, sending emails, pictures and videos of the design development process for feedback.
Sometimes brides have a very clear idea what they are looking for and sometimes it’s a true collaboration. I always feel thankful to the brides who put their trust in me to work this way and I love that we keep in touch after the wedding!!
When you’re not designing, what do you love to do most to relax?
In the summer, I love to swim outdoors. Growing up in the UK this was only an option a few days of the year and I absolutely love it! I’m a real foodie and we are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country, close to gorgeous wineries and great food.
I love to share a meal with family and friends and also love to cook. I enjoy travelling and heading back to the UK to see family and friends, I just wish that we were closer!
What excites you about the year ahead?
So far most of my brides have been based overseas. I’m excited to work with some Australian based brides. I think Australia has been playing it safe when it comes to bridal for some time and I’m excited about the fashion forward brides that are emerging.
Brides that are defining their bridal style and making it work for them. I look forward to exciting collaborations and working with more bespoke brides!