26 ATTLEBORoUGH
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Not A Big Fat Gypsy Wedding! Gemma from Pink Couture talks about chasing her dreams How many people don’t take that one chance to persue their dreams? Gemma’s was to pursue dressmaking but that meant giving up her 10 year career with Norwich Union in order to start again. So like most, she started on the shop floor learning the basics, meeting clients and got to see first hand the level of service that was being offered at that time. Gemma opened her first studio Ginx Couture in Norwich where she initially catered for all things Bridal and Civil Partnerships. Her career saw her headlining fashion shows in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Brighton and Norwich and featured in an interview on the Sky Wedding channel. The immediate feedback from clients was that it was not just the way their bespoke garments made them feel, it was the whole boutique experience. The process starts with taking a clients initial ideas and then through the use of
mood boards, fabric sourcing, preparing working designs and a few cups of coffee the garments then start to evolve. The process then moves onto pattern cutting and a mock up fitting. After taking a break to start her family, Gemma is back at the cutting table designing and creating all things including wedding garments, prom dresses, formal and occasion wear under her new label Pink Couture. 18 years of blood, sweat and tears have now led Gemma to be looking at up and coming trends with wearable technology starting to become mainstream. Always looking out to be inspired for new creations, a year ago after seeing a project involving illuminated garments,
the idea of incorporating LED’s into her designs was conceived. Several prototypes later and drawing on her husband’s technical knowledge, she has created a stunning wedding dress fit for a princess. “Using this innovation I am excited to be launching this technology into anything a client may desire, the possibilities are endless. A theoretical 16.7 million colours are available! With this in mind we can even have a garment change its own colours by utilising an optical sensor or have it programmed to respond to movement” The result is a unique and stunning designer wedding dress that looks traditional right up to the moment when
you switch it on! “The reaction to the dress from those who have had a sneak preview has been overwhelming.” Says Gemma. “This may lead to expanding the design into other types of clothing such as dance wear.” It isn’t only wedding dresses Gemma creates; she will design a bespoke outfit for any occasion and she can even upcycle old clothing. For the chance to meet Gemma and her team, she is holding a charity fashion show supported by Sainsburys and other local businesses for the East Anglian Children’s Hospice on the 30th November at 2:30pm at Connaught Hall in Attleborough. To book a consultation visit the studio on Eden Lane, Attleborough or call Gemma 07775 603 682 www.pinkcouture.co.uk Gemma@pinkcouture.co.uk
Pink Couture
Fitness Pilates
One of the most sought after fitness programmes of the 21st century Fitness Pilates combines “classic” Pilates technique with remedial exercises to offset postural problems offering a complete work-out for the body that exercises not just the main muscle groups, but the weaker, less-used muscles too.
also improve posture and co-ordination. Other benefits include – less stress and improved concentration, more efficient digestion, increased oxygen intake, better circulation, enhanced immune system, sculpted body, improved flexibility, and increased mobility within the joints.
Exercises are gentle and are designed to put as little strain on the body as possible. An excellent preventative technique that will strengthen your body against potential injury. You will learn to maintain stabilization and increase flexibility and strength in the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine. This in turn will compliment and enhance any current exercise programme, keeping mind and body working in harmony.
Fitness Pilates focuses on strengthening the centre by teaching the mind and body to recruit “core muscles”, coupled with stretching exercises which are used to lengthen tight muscles, so you can achieve a longer, leaner look and a great shape without creating muscle “bulk”. When the core muscles are strengthened the effects can be very beneficial. They can support the spine, bring stability to the body, protect the lower back, tone the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles and overall Fitness Pilates can help fight osteoporosis and help maintain bone density.
So what is posture? It is the alignment between various parts of the body. Good posture underlies all exercise techniques – it is the foundation for movement. In relation to posture the two most important fitness components are flexibility and strength. Through Pilates based exercises you can increase muscular balance and strength and
December 2014
Fitness Pilates combines the suppleness of yoga with the strength building found in the gym and it offers a whole body workout that challenges your body like no other exercise.