Strictly Come Dancing addicts rejoice: there’s a new way to get your mitts on ballroom glitz.
While we’ve been glued every week to some of the more wedding-worthy gowns swishing across the floor (Helen George, we’re looking at you), the homegrown, glittering headpieces on display are just as worthy of our attention.
Given the pieces grace the heads of celebrity and professional dancers alike on the show every week, it’s hard to believe accessories designer Kirsteen Connell’s Twinkle Twinkle Tiaras label (which now sits under her umbrella brand, Bella Brilla) began life at home. Crafted at night while Kirsteen’s children slept, she débuted the first collection in 2007 and it was soon loved by brides.
The next step in the company’s Strictly journey came courtesy of local pageant queen Siobhan Scott, who chose to wear a couple of pieces for a TV appearance. “The behind-the-scenes hair team loved the accessories and asked if I could send some down to be used on a show they were working on,” explains Kirsteen. A request from Strictly’s Live Tour soon followed.
That Strictly approached Kirsteen is somewhat ironic. “My sister and I have always danced and used to take part in competitive dancing so were used to working with crystals and making things,” she remembers. “Of course, being a huge fan of the show and dancing I was delighted to provide the hair and makeup team with some gorgeous sparkles.”
For two years, Twinkle Twinkle Tiaras supplied the hair accessories for the live shows, but this year was a little different – the production team called in pieces for the entire season! Kirsteen quickly put together a collection especially for Strictly. Thankfully, the result – the Strictly Sparkle collection – is also available to the rest of us and our two left feet.
“I can honestly say there is no better feeling than seeing my collection worn by celebrities and professional dancers,” admits Kirsteen. “The hair and makeup team on the show truly are amazing and our accessories are the icing on the cake.”
Could there be a more perfect collection of accessories to don for your first dance?! Available to buy online at www.bellabrilla.com; www.twinkle-twinkle-tiaras.myshopify.com.