Get Waisted based in Brighton, designs and produces bespoke dresses, corsets and bridal wear for when you need that extra bit of sparkle. Toni Pickles, the design force and founder behind Get Waisted, takes pride in initiating all of her ideas from scratch and works closely with her clients until she is happy that they feel like a modern-day version of Cinderella.

Toni’s hand-structured pieces are all about celebrating the female body, creating curves in all the right places and making women feel fantastic.

Busy Toni is currently in the middle of producing her first catwalk show for Brighton Frocks fashion weekend, which kicks off on the 22nd of May with the Theatrical catwalk show at The Hilton hotel. This year I am lucky enough to be wearing some of Toni’s beautiful dresses in the show and I can’t wait.

So far this month, I’ve been to a fair amount of rehearsals and dress fittings for this and although I’m very excited to be taking part, I suppose there is also the constant thought in the back of my head that I may well fall over, nose dive into the crowd or walk the length of the catwalk with my skirt tucked into my knickers.

Toni however, seems remarkably serene for someone who has so much to do and plan in the next two weeks. So, after my last fitting I decided to take the opportunity to ask Toni a few questions to find out what motivates this hard working and inspirational woman, what keeps her calm under pressure and also what she likes to snack on when she gets a minute or two to relax…..

So Toni tell me……

When did you found 'Get Waisted' and what inspired you to do so?

2005 - I have always loved fashion and my first dream job was working on Saville Row. After a long period raising a family and working to pay bills when I moved to Brighton I had the opportunity to rekindle my passion - I think it was being surrounded by the creative passion that typifies Brighton that got me going again.

Tell us about your design background…

I have a fashion and tailoring training rather than a design one. This technical background has stood me in good stead as I have gained experience creating garments for all sorts of people and gaining a practical understanding of what works and what doesn't.

What is the one thing women want when they come to you for a new frock?

Most people that come to me have a fairly specific idea of what they want. What they all want is something made just for them - which they know will fit, is the right colour and made in the fabric they want. In short there is no need to compromise and they can exercise their right to be an individual. For me, there is no substitute for the look on a new clients face when they try on a new garment for the first time and everything is perfect.

What's the best thing about taking part in Brighton Frocks this year?

Brighton Frocks goes from strength to strength each year. Now in its' fifth year it is a perfect vehicle for showcasing the talents of local designers to a wider audience with a professionalism and scale that is hard to match putting on my own shows. With the press, PR and celebrities as well as everyone who is anyone in fashion locally it is just perfect for 'getting the word out'.

What’s your five-year dream?

I would love to have the opportunity to extend the scope of what I do making my designs and dresses available to a wider audience still. Initially this would be through my own boutique and perhaps eventually extend to a 'diffusion range' as well as the one-off items I am currently known for.

What food can't you help snacking on, even though you shouldn't? I can't give up carbs - so rice, bread, pasta all have to stay.

What's your favourite treat? Thai anything - Thom Youm soup in particular

What's your biggest food sin? M&M's

What's your favourite tipple? Champagne - Bellini for special occasions!

Are you a good cook? You'll have to ask the victims - but yes, I think so!

How do you stay in shape and keep fit? I walk into central Brighton a lot from our house in Hove - and there is carrying all those heavy bags back too!

Have you ever dieted? Yes

Any health vices you'd admit to? No, my vices are all unhealthy, there’s no point otherwise really is there?

What’s your best health/diet tip? Eat well - lots of fresh fish and vegetables

What do you love about your body? Everything (did I mention modesty is a virtue) = actually I do seem to be blessed with good skin

And what's your least favourite bit? My tummy

If you could look like someone other than yourself, who would it be? No-one - be comfortable in your own skin

Do you have a tip for body confidence? Be confident about who you are on the inside and the rest will come

When do you feel sexiest? When I’m with my husband...failing that a poor second would be after I have had my hair'done' - or after a long bath

What's your idea of happiness? Being creative and relaxing in the sun - in Brighton if you are lucky you get to do both at the same time

When are you at your best? Definitely when being creative - designing, sketching and 'making stuff'

How do you chill out? On the sofa with a red wine and my hubby

What can't you live without? Other than said red wine and husband (not saying what order) - it is definitely talking to my family

What are your three desert island essentials? Comb, 'T - shirt' and Vaseline (honestly... it is just so useful!)

Do you have a secret celebrity crush? Old school - Sean Connery - but have to admit Wentworth Miller of Prison Break is up there these days too

Describe yourself in three words? Happy, creative, vibrant

To see more from Toni, visit her site http://www.getwaisted.co.uk/ or come along to Brighton Frocks to see her latest collection http://www.brightonfrocks.com/