BRITISH bridal designer Sassi Holford is celebrating 30 years of being open on Taunton's high street.

The luxury bridal store, at 6 The Bridge, has been selling the "iconic" Sassi Holford label since September 1994, with every dress handmade by Sassi and her team of expert ateliers in her Taunton Design Studios.

Her dresses, which boast the "finest couture craftsmanship", are sold globally from America to Australia, with local apprentices taken on each year to work alongside the Sassi team and learn their craft. 

Award-winning designer Sassi, from Taunton, has become "an icon of British style", dressing a-list celebrities including Helen Mirren, Lorraine Kelley, Shirley Ballas, Lydia Millen and royalty alike.

Sassi said: "After starting my business in 1981, it would only be natural to open a store in my hometown.

"I can still remember my first week of opening and feeling nervous about bringing London couture to the West Country, but I have never looked back.”

Sassi's first wedding dress design was for a "friend in need’ almost 43 years ago, and her love of design and dedication to perfection quickly established her name.

Over the years, the designer has developed the label into an influential fashion business and has accrued multiple awards, including winning Best British Bridalwear Designer three times.

Sassi added: "To this day, my passion and love for the job remains and this is reinforced by working alongside my Somerset store manager, Kristine, who has been with me for over 18 years.

"We celebrated by sharing a lovely evening with calibrated key businesses within our industry which we are very lucky to have here in the Southwest."