A MANUFACTURING operation which started out as gift making for friends has seen a York business venture into a new direction.

Bespoke wedding dress designer Smith and Downes has launched its new Kimono range after securing a deal to use fabric prints from London fashion house Liberty.

The brand, which was set up in May last year by designer Rebecca Downes and Marie Neal-Smith, and is based in Buttercrambe, developed the Kimono range in a bid to tackle issues around seasonality of the wedding dress making venture.

Mrs Neal-Smith said: "We started out making Kimonos as gifts for friends, and that grew into making a few to stock in our studio.

"The feedback was so good we recognised there was the opportunity to develop it as a range, and after talks and a lengthy application process with Liberty we were approved to use their designs, which we are absolutely delighted about."

The Kimono range was unveiled at a launch night at Biltmore last week.

Smith and Downes are now in talks with agents as they look to secure stock placings in retails stores as well as spas and hotels.