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Arianna Cadwallader

Arianna is a bespoke dress maker and milliner specialising in bridal headpieces and vintage clothing. She started Saturday Sewing Session slightly by accident when she kept on getting asked how to sew. She used to carry her machines to a room above The Chelsea Ram every Saturday and teach basic techniques but now has her own studio space on Lots Road (a great little design hub in Chelsea).

With her heart stuck in the past, Arianna finds it hard to walk past an antiques shop without going in and always stops to stare at old buildings. She has always had an affiliation with wartime Britain and it’s a running family joke that she was born in the wrong era!

A few questions about nice things...

Who do you most admire?

Aside from my parents, it would be the wonderful Amy Johnson, a 1930s aviator. I studied her for my last project on my degree and recreated the outfit she wore when she flew to Australia at the grand age of 26 – the first woman to do so.

What are your favourite possessions?

I have diaries of poems I have scribbled down since I was about twelve, so those, and also my grandma’s engagement ring.

Tell us about your perfect day or weekend...

Morning coffee in my slippers with Harpers or Vogue, then a trip to a flower market (Columbia Rd), a food market (Borough) or a car boot (Battersea/Chiswick) depending on the day. Or a look around an old house or museum broken up with a lovely lunch at a quirky pub with a Guinness. Evening with loved ones at a pub quiz, dinner at home or a play, I am a right theatre head!

What makes you happiest?

Having an evening with either all my family or my five very dear girlfriends. We have all known each other for years, so all of them for company and a bottle of wine or two would definitely equal happiness!

What would you like to do in the future?

To continue working hard, exploring, being inspired and being happy. I used to make wedding dresses and hats but have recently decided to specialise in millinery so I hope that is a success and that SSS continues to thrive!

MY FAVOURITE PLACES TO SEE & DO, EAT & DRINK, GO & STAY...