Katya Wildman is a fashion designer who specialises in exceptionally flattering dresses for curvy women. She began her sartorial journey with a bag of designs, knocking on boutique doors and learning as she went. But it was while she was working as a TV costume designer that she identified a glaring hole in the fashion industry; no one was making carefully constructed, timeless pieces that celebrated the curvaceous frame.
Katya launched her business, Bombshell, sixteen years ago. It became an instant hit and the label quickly became a firm favourite with many celebrities we see on our screens. Her designs often drew inspiration from the 1950’s. She created hourglass silhouettes with an understanding of how to balance bodies with space between the bust and the waist. She also offered sizes up to 24 and manufactured most of her pieces in the UK.
For years, Bombshell was supported by a faithful following of women who had previously struggled to find affordable designs for their shape. Sadly, in May of this year, Bombshell went into administration. This was a painful loss and came at a time when Katya was also suffering from personal hardships. However, it proved to be a turning point.
Here I talk with the very warm and engaging Katya about early memories, dodgy perms, her icons, how a costume from Tesco caught the eye of a Hollywood star and how, in the midst of so much upheaval, she has never lost that passion to design innovative and flattering dresses that transform the way women feel about their bodies.
1 What is your earliest memory of clothes
Watching old Hollywood movies after lunch with my grandmother. She used to perform on the stage as a singer and dancer in WW2. I can still picture the leading ladies with their incredible gowns. Heart-stompingly stunning silks and incredible cuts. Even then, aged only three, I was working it all out in my head.
2. How would you describe your signature and personal style?
Comfort is key. My garments are very sensory. If someone is comfortable, they feel free and then they shine. My personal style is comfortable but glamorous. Even if I’m in the country, I’ll always have on dressy gloves or a jaunty hat with details. It would never be a straight outfit. If I’m hiking, I’ll wear my Harris tweed jacket with a nipped in waist and herringbone culottes. The emphasis being a strong but feminine look. I don’t suit androgyny.
3. Who have you been influenced by?
Being a former costume designer I love historic pieces. I take inspiration from anything from a Tudor bodice in a gallery painting to New York street style. My love of the hourglass aesthetic obviously. Think Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, Katherine Hepburn. Add to that list Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Lauren, Elizabeth Taylor, I could go on. But the wardrobe I would most love to explore is that of Dita Von Teese. I believe she has the most important collection of vintage pieces spanning the decades. She’s quite an expert.
4. Favourite wardrobe item?
A comfortable, versatile and great fitting piece that I wear so much is a dark burgundy velvet 1940’s Old Hollywood style robe I designed. It has a structured shoulder line that, like magic, slims the waist. Little covered buttons on the bell sleeve and a satin sash add nice detail. It’s instantly glamorous yet understated. You can go anywhere in it and also lounge at home.
5. What was the catalyst to setting up your own brand?
I couldn’t find anything that really worked on my curvy body shape. Everything was always cut for smaller, higher busts so I looked squashed in. When I was working as a costume designer I dressed lots of different body shapes. I recognised quite quickly that there was an under-served customer. Amazingly, that’s still the case today.
6. Where did your early inspirations come from
As a teenager, I was bursting with ideas about what I wanted to wear but nothing in the shops inspired me and online didn’t exist. I had to get creative with what I had. I started making jewellery inspired by the bold, geometric styles of the 1960s—Mary Quant and Twiggy were huge influences. I loved the challenge of realising those ideas with the materials available to me.
That creativity eventually led me to designing clothes. I began by knocking on the doors of boutiques with my designs, learning as I went. Those early days taught me to trust my instincts. Over time, the business grew into something bigger than I could have ever imagined. I loved the journey.
7. Losing your company Bombshell earlier this year must have been devastating. What did the experience teach you?
My heart was shattered. It was a devastating loss. Sixteen years of commitment and dedication went overnight. I had a big attachment to both the community and the staff, all of whom are my friends. At the same time I lost my beloved uncle and my ten year relationship. So it was a tough period. During that time of fear and grief, I can remember reading that every storm runs out of rain and if you look up you’ll find blue skies again. And it’s true.
Relaunching as Katya Wildman and getting off to such an exciting start has taught me to appreciate every experience, even the bad ones, and to keep looking forward.
8. How does your vision for Katya Wildman differ from Bombshell?
My core values of quality and fit remain. As does my mission to design dresses that change the way women feel about themselves. I started Bombshell in my mid thirties when I was working as a costume designer. I was forever in and out of costumiers and my focus and influence was very much on vintage design. I still love vintage style and am fascinated by the glamour of old Hollywood. However, I turn fifty next year so my designs have evolved. I am bringing in a freshness to my work. As my body changes I have never been more convinced that my waist-creating shapes work their magic.
A man took the trademark Bombshell but I have realised that the heart and soul remains with me and my amazingly loyal and fabulous customers.
9. What do you think is needed to get the high street back on track?
More independent boutiques and small businesses. Community brands and shops flooding the high streets of Britain would be wonderful. Whatever happened to us being a nation of shopkeepers? People are forced into taking their business online because the rents and rates are too high! This is the sole reason small businesses seldom get a shop. But I think that’s starting to change.
10. What are your thoughts on fast fashion and the disposability of clothes?
I would say buy less and wear more of what you have. Mine is a small wardrobe and I wear the same things on repeat. The likes of Temu and Shein, where you can pick up a skirt for thirteen pounds, are wiping out so many brands. Even Primark. It’s a race to the bottom and the only winners are the owners of these giant, global brands.
It’s the difference between need and want. Shop spaces could be leased to a small brand instead of sitting empty. That would be a win for all and energise the high street and yet they don’t. The is a need for people to connect. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a shop and a sewing machine to make alterations on the spot, for example.
11. Designing is full on. How do you unwind in your spare time?
This spring when the world felt like it was spinning, I took to nature and began swimming in the Ladies pond in Hampstead Heath. It’s incredibly secluded and women of all ages seek solace in the waters. It’s also tons of fun and I love being with women.
One day I turned up at the pond and a nameless Hollywood star (who also happens to be a client), commented on how much she liked my costume. When I told her it was from Tesco’s she looked really shocked. But a good find is a good find wherever it comes from. My sister has a huge branch near where she lives and this particular swimsuit, classic and black, was flying off the shelves. They’d obviously used a really skilled pattern cutter. I bought three different sizes. The style will never date and the only thing that might change is my size.
12. The dress you’d like to be buried in.
Impossible to choose. I fall in love with all my clothes. There is nothing in my wardrobe that I don’t absolutely adore. But if I had to choose, my ghost dress would have to be one of my sequin gowns.
13. If you could go back to when you were thirteen, the age your daughter is, what would you say to her?
I would tell myself not to have a perm! Yes, this is me. What was I thinking? On a more serious note, I would tell her you need resilience to get you through the hard times. I’d also tell her to always follow her instincts because eventually that personal inspiration turns into a thriving career.
46 thoughts on “In Conversation with Fashion Designer Katya Wildman.”
Brilliant and thoughtful as ever ! Just wish I could beam you over to Santa Barbara !
Wouldn’t that be nice. But I might be coming to the States next year so watch this space.
Oooooh Maybe I will come over! I love to explore! Thank you for your comment. Yours, Katya
A fascinating insight
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. It’s always a joy writing about creative people with such interesting lives – you being one of them.
Thank you for your comment. I really love Emma’s work and have always been fascinated by her Dior days and am also a big fan of her books. So I was very honoured to be invited to so this. I do still feel very embarrassed by my perm he he he. Maybe this is therapy??
I wouldn’t worry Katya I had a dodgy perm too in my teens and early twenties I looked like a springer spaniel 🤣. but I look at those pictures now and think I had fun and I look so young and fresh 😀 before an horrendous but thankfully short marriage to a violent bully changed my life. I escaped that marriage with nothing but became a resilient and happy woman grateful for new beginnings. it’s been 30 years and I am now a happy wife and have at least 6 of your beautiful bombshell dresses ❤️ that make me feel wonderful even at 57. I guess I’m trying to say keep going never stop being who you are as you are more than enough x
Thank you for your open message. I am delighted to see that you have found the happiness you deserve. Big squishy hugs to you xx Katya
What a lovely interview! And what gorgeous clothes! I’m an instant fan!
Teresa
Me too! Thank you so much for your lovely comment.
Thank you!!!! This is so kind of you to say. Emma is a lovely and fascinating woman who really got me to speak from the heart and lay myself bare. Love Katya
Thank you xx I am blushing now.
I love her nod to the past which reminds us that some things never go out of fashion and that inexpensive brands can also be good investments.
Absolutely. As Katya says, a good find is a good find wherever it comes from.
Hello there Ann, I couldn’t agree with you more. I do really value wearing the same things time over. I have a long term love affair with my clothes choices! Much more satisfying. Yours, Katya
I love her look and the clothes! So true about what seems to me a total lack of gorgeous and affordable dresses for curvy women! I also so agree about the need to energise the high street. I love the idea of a small independent shop with a sewing machine for on the spot alterations! I truly hope her new brand flourishes. Thank you for the introduction!
That’s why it is so important we don’t lose brands like hers. As a stylist, Bombshell was somewhere I would take my curvy clients to. A little bit of magic really would happen. They would put a dress on and I could see them looking at their reflection thinking, where has my tummy gone? I look so slim and gosh, I have a waist! Most high street brands can’t provide that.
Oh my goodness thank you Susan. I feel so grateful and motivated to read that you too would like to see on the spot alterations as part of the service on the high street. Today I released my new ‘Colette’ tea length dress. I hope that those who choose it enjoy it forever and it gets passed down and loved for years. Yours, Katya
What an eye opening interview with Katya! After reading her interesting answers, I will share this with my curvy friends who can positively envision themselves wearing (in Katya’s motivational words) comfortable, versatile and great fitting pieces that, like magic, create glamour and confidence. How amazing!
Hello Liza
Thank you xxx You have put a big smile on my face. Feeling motivated and inspired by your words…..now where is my sketch pad! Yours, Katya
Thank you for encouraging me to do this! I found it both challenging (photo of perm) and freeing (also photo of perm). I hope that it inspires people to keep going and helps them see that even in the face of disaster there can be fun times and joy.
I loved doing it with you. More women need to know about your designs and how clever they are at concealing the bits we want to hide and exploiting the areas we want highlighted like the waist. Now all we need is you on the high street and then everyone’s happy.
Really fascinating read. I’m a HUGE Katya Wildman fan. She truly knows how to dress curves and how to make women feel fabulous. The new zip-up jumpsuit is definitely on my Christmas list! Best of luck in her new venture, I have no doubt of her success!
My top bird. Thank you for years of having me in stitches in the office. Even in the storm you made me laugh so much. You can zip yourself in to my jumpsuit anytime xx Love you Katya xxx
A great interview with Katya. She’s an absolute dream to work for. Her clothes make you feel a million dollars. I wish her all the best
And you looked a million dollars in them!
Thank you xxx I really loved working together!!!! Girl crush.
Katya’s journey is so interesting and reassuring to know that it’s continuing in a great direction. Don’t know what we would do without her dresses and what a lovely idea to have a shop where they could do onsite alterations. Keep going Katya, what an inspiration!
You are one of many who feel this way, Angie. And somehow I think a sewing machine will feature when she eventually settles into that high street shop we all want her to have.
Welcome back, Katya. Wishing you every success. You deserve it. Lilian Wetherald
Thank you my darling xxx How kind you are to say this. I really appreciate it. Best wishes, Katya
Keep going, Katya. Love your clothes. A huge supporter from Germany.
Thank you xxx I really appreciate this message from you Anja. It had made me feel really cared for and supported xxx Yours, Katya
I am so pleased you are back I have 6 Bombshell dresses 5 of them are in Liberty lawn and love every one of them, the oldest one is probably 10 years old and still looks fresh. They all make my large figure look good thank you and welcome back.
Sometimes things happen that we don’t understand, but they turn out to be the best .
Thank you xxx I really love that the dresses you love have loved you back and for such a long time. I like things that last, it makes the pit of my stomach feel good.
I am really excited to continue to follow my heart and look up at the stars xxx I shall continue to serve you. Yours, Katya
Katya you are an inspiration to many. You followed your dream and for whatever reason you lost Bombshell and I can’t imagine what that was like for you. I loved your clothes but now you’re back and I’m waiting for delivery of my burgundy dress which I know will be gorgeous.
Onward and upward for you now.
Merry Christmas and happy new year xxx
Thank you my darling xx It’s precisely this that makes me want to design. Someone waiting excitedly for something that will make them feel so good! It’s all about that – the feeling! Love Katya
I’m a huge Katya Wildman fan, since the Bombshell collapse, I have come to know Katya more. I own one of the factories that makes her clothes, and have supplied her for many years. Katya is literally ‘dynamite’ immensely talented, not just a business woman she’s the designer the model, the art director, a blinding marketeer, customer liaison officer, and a full time mum. The key to any business is to know your customer, and all these attributes can only mean success. Katya is back to grass roots, and she is reinventing everything.
Wow thank you xxxx I am a huge fan of you and your beautiful fiancé and I have loved turning up on your doorstep! From the inspiration and excitement of the new designs and sampling and fittings to the eating lunch together, to the me sobbing and telling you all my problems and you for some unknown reason listening! There were tears but there were laughs this year.
I have loved that mutual inkling we have shared when we have ‘smelt’ a winner. Good feeling isn’t it! Here’s to more and to doing things differently. I am not scared anymore and I don’t think I will ever be scared again. Thank you xx
I love the Grace dresses that formed part of the Bombshell range and have 3 of them! Hope you bring them back Katya in new fabrics. I also loved your tailoring pieces especially the tartan and tweed designs.
Hello there, You’re a girl after my own heart. I really love those pieces too and they are right from my heart and I won’t stop making them ever! Love you xxx Katya
Well done Katja. As we’ve been messaging each other over this turmoil I know there were dark clouds and despair. I had a similar scenario happen to my clothing retail business 2008/9. Looking back – I too was just 50 – starting my business at 40 having been corporate before, the business loss coincided with onset of menopause! Back then it was not acknowledged. Not a great time. Now aged 63 with a changed shape and the owner of 5 or 6 of your designs and used to the compliments I get when wearing them, they will stay in my wardrobe. Thank you! Onwards ….
Sometimes in life, these things happen for a reason; even if we can’t see at the time. I can relate to your journey. I too faced tremendous challenges when I lost my beautiful Salon in Cambridge. It was heartbreaking. I had a bad accountant who wasn’t doing my books properly and was in so much debt with vat I had to give up my Salon and still now 10 years on still paying that off. On top of that, my husband had an affair. Looking back now, I can see my life was so out of balance. I worked 16 hours a day, six days a week and only had two weeks off a year during the holidays. My body broke down. I always felt sick and simply ruined my holiday.
Now my life is completely different. I’ve set up a salon in my garden and work from home. I’m not as wealthy as I once was but I have something far more valuable in life. I live at home with my dog and I take time and enjoy simple pleasures like taking my dog out for a walk. I feel so much more comfortable and fulfilled. Sometimes life shakes you up to show you what you’ve been missing. As for your clothing range, why shouldn’t it carry your name? You are Bombshell. I can’t wait to see the wonderful dresses and wear them myself. I’m not your typical size as I’m 5 foot two and size 8 but I’ve always loved the vintage style. I too used to watch the black-and-white movies at 1 o’clock on a Sunday afternoon. I couldn’t wait to watch how they lived their life with my dad saying to me, you’ve got a big shock coming to you when you get older. Life is not like the movies. Well good luck to you. I know you’re not gonna need it because everything you do you do with passion and love and that is what makes you unstoppable
Thank you lovely Sally xxx I really appreciate you and all the advice and support. I feel the sisterhood here so much xxx you’re an angel (with a very beautiful wardrobe)!
Such a lovely article. Katya is so brave and incredibly talented. I’m very happy to own a few of her garments. The latest being her beautiful Hampstead Jump Suit in green. I love it 🩷
Thank you Belinda. I’m sure you look fabulous in Katya’s Hampstead jumpsuit. Happy Christmas