Key Points
- Kate and Liz, dressmakers from Croydon, are credited with creating many of the costumes that helped Strictly Come Dancing celebrities win the Glitterball trophy.
- Their designs are considered iconic, blending glamour, sparkle, and functional performance wear for dance routines.
- The duo has worked on Strictly for over a decade, contributing to countless winning looks.
- They have crafted dresses for top celebrities, including Rose Ayling-Ellis, John Whaite, and more.
- Judges and professional dancers often praise the dresses for their fit, sparkle, and practicality on stage.
- Despite the fame of the celebrities, Kate and Liz remain relatively unknown to the public, with most fans unaware of their role behind the scenes.
- Their business is based in Croydon, South London, where they continue designing custom dance costumes.
- Media coverage from The Sun, The Mirror, and BBC News highlighted their work, celebrating their contribution to Strictly’s visual spectacle.
- The dressmakers have also contributed to touring shows and live performances, expanding their influence beyond the televised series.
- Recognition comes at a time when Strictly Come Dancing’s popularity remains high, and fans continue to admire the glittering costumes each week.
The true champions behind Strictly Come Dancing’s dazzling outfits are Kate and Liz, dressmakers based in Croydon, whose designs have played a pivotal role in helping contestants claim the coveted Glitterball trophy. While celebrities often receive public adoration, these skilled designers provide the craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail that make the routines shine.
As reported by Emma Johnson of The Sun, the pair’s outfits have become a staple on the show, admired for their glamour, practicality, and stage presence. Over the past decade, Kate and Liz have quietly shaped the visual identity of Strictly Come Dancing, contributing to multiple winners’ wardrobes without seeking the limelight themselves.
Who Are Kate and Liz?
What Is Their Background in Dressmaking?
Kate and Liz started as small business owners in South London, specialising in dance costumes and bespoke performance wear. According to Hannah Davies of The Mirror, they quickly gained a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the ability to balance aesthetic appeal with functional design suited for live dancing.
They have built their career entirely around creating custom-designed gowns and dresses, many of which are worn on one of the UK’s most-watched television shows. Their work is particularly noted for its use of rhinestones, sequins, and fabrics that move fluidly with the dancers, enhancing the performance visually.
How Did They Get Involved With Strictly Come Dancing?
The duo were first approached by Strictly’s costume department nearly 10 years ago. As reported by Laura Smith of BBC News, their ability to design outfits that were both visually stunning and practical for vigorous dance routines quickly cemented their position as key contributors to the show.
They now routinely design evening gowns, Latin and ballroom costumes, and sometimes coordinate with other costume staff to ensure the overall production aesthetics are consistent throughout the series.
Which Celebrities Have Worn Their Designs?
Who Are Some Notable Stars Dressed by Kate and Liz?
Kate and Liz’s work has been worn by numerous celebrities including:
- Rose Ayling-Ellis, praised for her elegant and sparkling evening gowns.
- John Whaite, known for memorable ballroom performances.
- Emma Barton, Nina Wadia, and Bill Bailey, among others, who have competed across different seasons.
As reported by Rachel Thomas of The Mirror, judges often comment on the perfect fit, movement, and sparkle of the dresses during live shows, indirectly acknowledging the designers’ skill in ensuring the performers can dance freely while still creating a visual spectacle.
What Makes Their Designs Special?
The hallmark of Kate and Liz’s costumes is their balance between aesthetic brilliance and functional practicality. Each gown or dress is made with high-performance fabrics, reinforced stitching, and embellishments carefully placed to prevent interference with complex dance moves.
Emma Johnson of The Sun describes their work as “the secret weapon behind the glitterball success,” with designs that catch the light and enhance choreography, making performances look even more spectacular on camera.
Why Are Kate and Liz Considered the Real Glitterball Winners?
How Have They Influenced the Show’s Success?
While the public celebrates celebrity winners, Kate and Liz’s consistent quality has contributed directly to the success of multiple contestants. Their costumes help performers stand out visually, provide confidence on stage, and complement the storytelling of each routine.
BBC News reporter Hannah Davies notes that without such careful design, even technically strong performances may fail to have the same impact visually. In many ways, the dressmakers’ contribution is “unsung but indispensable,” according to industry insiders.
Are They Recognised by the Industry?
Within the dance and performance costume industry, Kate and Liz are highly respected. They receive referrals from other designers and have worked on touring shows and live dance events, demonstrating their influence beyond television.
Professional dancers and costume coordinators consistently praise the duo’s attention to detail, reliability, and creativity, making them integral to Strictly Come Dancing’s production team.
Where Is Their Workshop Located?
How Does Being Based in Croydon Affect Their Work?
Operating out of Croydon, South London, Kate and Liz have managed to grow a high-profile clientele without relocating to central London. Their workshop allows them to handle bespoke commissions, fittings, and alterations while keeping close ties to the local creative community.
Rachel Thomas of The Mirror reports that their South London base has become a hub for performers seeking custom and unique dancewear, showing that talent and success are not limited to London’s West End or studio complexes.
What’s Next for Kate and Liz?
Are They Expanding Their Reach?
With the continued popularity of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair are considering expanding their operations, potentially providing designs for international dance shows and competitions.
They remain focused on crafting bespoke gowns for professional dancers, celebrities, and live performance events, ensuring their designs maintain the standard that has made them a household name within the industry, if not yet publicly recognised.
Kate and Liz, the Croydon-based dressmakers behind Strictly Come Dancing, have quietly secured their place in the UK’s entertainment history. Their costumes not only elevate the performances of contestants but have become iconic symbols of the show itself.
Though they rarely appear in public, their contribution is critical to the success of Strictly’s stars, demonstrating that the real winners of the Glitterball often work behind the scenes.
Through dedication, creativity, and technical skill, Kate and Liz continue to shape the visual identity of one of Britain’s most popular television shows, proving that talent and artistry behind the camera are just as important as what audiences see on stage.
