Fabric is always where it starts for me.

Whether I'm dreaming up an entire collection or designing a special made-to-order piece for a bridal party, the first step is always about the material. My hands and heart are almost always drawn to natural fibres.

 

The Allure of Natural Fibres: Soft, Breathable, and Beautiful

There’s a reason I consistently choose natural materials: they simply feel soft, breathable, and beautiful on the skin. They move with an effortless, feminine grace that feels both timeless and modern.

I often think of the graceful, almost sculptural quality of the cloth worn by the Romans or Egyptians—the original masters of beautiful textiles. I keep coming back to fabrics like Tencel, silk, cotton, and linen because they have that same timeless quality, falling and moving with you in a way that feels utterly natural.

That’s not to say there isn’t a place for man-made fibres! They can be incredible for adding strength and structure, and I’ll be sharing more about that in another blog post. But the soul of Alma Gray lies in that natural, effortless feeling.

 

Our Favourite Fabrics and Why We Love Them

Each fabric I select has its own unique personality and purpose. By understanding the material, I can bring out the very best in each design.

• Tencel: This gorgeous fabric drapes beautifully, feeling as soft as silk but with the added benefit of being one of the most sustainable fibres. It works perfectly for our tiered dresses and floaty tops. You can feel its magic in our Stella & Milly dresses and our Soul skirts.

• Linen: For a bit of beautiful structure, I turn to linen. It brings a natural texture and unmatched breathability to our garments, making it perfect for warm days. It gives our stunning Valencia dress its signature shape.

• Silk & Satin: These fabrics add a romantic, elevated feel—a kind of quiet luxury. They are perfect for creating pieces that feel special and sophisticated.

• Cotton: A forever-favourite, cotton keeps things light, breathable, and easy. It's the key to achieving that effortless style that is always our goal.

 

Our Promise of Quality

For me, it’s all about balance and having the knowledge of which fabric will best honor the design. I tend to avoid heavy synthetics because they can feel stiff and often don’t wear as beautifully over time, but sometimes a bit of it can be a key element. When you understand how a fabric works—how it breathes, drapes, and feels—choosing the right one becomes instinctive. You just know.

 

We invite you to feel the difference for yourself.

Alma xx