Rachel Simpson Shoes has met some amazing people and companies over the years, all sharing our passion for unique style and design. We came across a fantastic and rather individual bouquet company called Button Moon Bouquets, who makes bespoke bridal bouquets, corsages and buttonholes out of, yes you’ve guessed it… buttons!

What’s more, all the buttons and accessories are vintage, second-hand finds and look absolutely divine in their brand new home as a bride’s everlasting bouquet – definitely not one for tossing over your shoulder at the end of the night!

Here’s what owner Ruth Bagnall had to say to us, when we caught up with her:

Tell us a bit about your company
I am very new to the wedding industry, and I only started in December! I am enjoying getting to know what’s what and making lots of new business contacts and friends in the process.
How did you get into the industry?
As many wedding vendors will say, it was after my own wedding – for which I had made my own button bouquet – that I realised I was bitten by the ‘wedding bug’ and wanted to continue in the industry.
What’s your best seller?
Most of my brides go for the teardrop bouquet, in varying colours and styles, as I think it is a classic and elegant shape, and goes well with many dress styles.
Which designer from your industry inspires you?
I love Jenny Packham and Clare Pettibone, as I think both designers have a real vintage glamour to their designs, whilst maintaining their own distinct, modern style. Oh, and Rachel Simpson Shoes too of course!
Who would you love to see using your product?
I’d love for someone like Katy Perry to be seen with one of my designs – her love of vintage inspired clothing combined with her quirky style would really compliment my work, and I’d love to get a first peek at her wedding dress too!
What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?
2010 is going to be a busy year for Button Moon Bouquet, as it is our first full year in the business. I’m talking to stockists, booking in for the Discover Vintage Wedding Fair in London in November -this will be our first big event, so it’s very exciting! And there is the website, etsy shop, blog, twitter…the list is endless, but very much enjoyable!
Describe your personal fashion style
Unsurprisingly, I love vintage clothing, specifically 1940s and 1950s, and have a large collection of dresses, shoes and handbags. I love to work the whole Stepford Wives meets screen siren look whenever I can! On the other hand, if I’m working in my studio like today, it’s just jeans, 1950s cardigan and leopard print pumps – cute but easy to wear when I’m up to my eyes in buttons and beads!
What is your biggest fashion faux pas?
When I was about 17, I owned a pair of red crushed velvet flares I’d bought in the sale in H&M. I thought I looked great, despite the fact they were a size too small and somewhat ridiculous. It was only when I got comments on the street, did it occur to me there may have been a reason they were in the bargain bin…
Think back to your first ‘shoe’ purchase when you were younger, describe them please
Ooh this is an easy one – I love shoes, so each pair I own has a special place in my heart. My Gran bought my first ‘proper’ shoes for me when I was about 7 after much badgering – my mum refused let me wear them to school, as they were totally inappropriate! They were cream, with a tiny kitten heel and peep toe, with a gold trim and sparkly motif at the front. I LOVED them, but with hindsight, they were maybe a bit grown up for a 7 year old. I mourned the day the heel broke for long long time!
What is your favourite pair of Rachel Simpson shoes?
I adore Mimi – I saw these just before I got married and fell in love, but I’d already bought my shoes and couldn’t justify another pair! I have picked them up and tried them on many times at various bridal fairs, and they are just so soft and delicate – I’m thinking about buying a pair in emerald, as I need more green shoes in my collection!
Describe Rachel Simpson Shoes in three words
Elegant, delicate, opulent!