Introducing the new Opus Studio bridalwear collection, inspired by the Scottish landscape

Sharon Hamilton McPherson is something of a stalwart of the Scottish bridalwear scene.

The owner of award-winning boutiques Opus Atelier and Opus Couture in Ayrshire’s West Kilbride has over 30 years’ experience helping brides pick out the one dream dress for their big day.

So it may come as something of a surprise that it’s only now that Sharon’s bringing out her debut bridalwear collection Opus Studio.

We spoke to her exclusively here about her exciting new venture and the brides and Scottish coastline that inspired it.

“It was the stars aligned,” Sharon tells us, when we chat about the timing of the Opus Studio release.

“For a long number of years I had my parents with me.

“My father was 94 and my mum was 88 so when mum passed away two years ago that took a lot of my responsibility away and I now have a fantastic Opus team that I’ve been building over a period of time.

“Opus Couture and Atelier can function independently from me now so I feel it’s my time to do me!”

Not that Sharon was entering into something new.

Furnished with degrees in fashion and embroidery she started out in Ireland, working for Isobel Love, and she’s spent the last three decades selling, fitting and couturing for brides in Scotland.

In a way it was only natural she create a bridal line of her own.

“I had such a big backlog, dictionary, vocabulary and things I wanted to do that’s based on the experience of dealing one-to-one with brides over all these years,” she says.

“I wanted to express myself in a way that brides can use to express themselves.”

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Sharon has made the west coast of Scotland her home and she’s drawn deeply on this landscape for the Opus Studio collection.

“For me, the design process is all about living and working here in Scotland with my Scottish brides, my Scottish landscapes which I feel are indicative of the colours and textures that I use,” she says.

“I felt there wasn’t any representation of that in the industry at this moment in time.

“I’ve always been inspired by the soft ombre sunsets of the west coast.

“This collection has been designed from a place of experience, adding the magical colour and soul of the coastline in the form of layers of colour, in soft tulles and satins, using original appliqués, natural cotton laces, subtle sparkles and beautiful lines that flatter the body.”

The collection is a diverse range of luxurious gowns with something for every bride, whatever your style.

If you’re looking for the ultimate princess dress you’re going to love ‘Islay’ with her layers of tulle and sparkle.

Stunning appliqué is on show in ‘Jura’ while brides who favour more of a structured, clean lines look will adore ‘Uist.’

As for us, we’re currently crushing on ‘Florabunda’ with its gorgeous sheer bell sleeves. Interestingly it’s the only gown in the collection not named after a Scottish island.

“She’s been Florabunda from the very beginning,” smiles Sharon. “I called that lace Florabunda from the moment I cut it.”

With so many beautiful gowns it’s no wonder Sharon won’t be pressed to name a favourite.

“It’s like choosing a favourite child,” she laughs.

“For me it’s not about which dress is my favourite.

“My favourite is finding the right dress for the bride that’s standing in it.

“What makes the garment shine is the confidence and the stature and the belief of the person that’s wearing it.”

The Opus Studio bride

While the collection includes something for every kind of bride Sharon has an independent woman in mind for the Opus Studio to-be-wed.

“Someone who knows her own style and wants to express that in a current and elegant way on her wedding day,” she says.

“It’s sassy, classy, and anyone who’s been to an appointment with me will know those are my rules, sassy and classy.

“I would like the styles, the designs, the gowns to tell each bride’s story for her so that when she walks down the aisle we support her.

And after 30 years of supporting brides Sharon is only getting started with plenty of plans for Opus Studio.

“I’m afraid the genie is out of the bottle now and cannot go back in!” she says.

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Suppliers list

Dresses: Opus Studio

Photography: Alexandra M Photo

Model: Olivia Ross at Model Team

MUA: Gosia May MUA

Like what you see? View the entire Opus Studio collection here

To arrange an appointment to try on an Opus Studio gown email hello@opusatelier.com