Maggie Sottero Designer Spotlight

The name behind Maggie Sottero

Lesley Webster founded Maggie Sottero in 1997 with Wayne Webster and her mother, Dorothy Steiner.

The wedding dress label was named after her great-grandmother, Margaret “Maggie” Sottero.

The company remains family-owned and women-led, with design studios in Sydney, Australia and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Lesley’s daughter, Kelly Midgley, now leads it as CEO and Creative Director.

Alongside the original Maggie Sottero collection, Kelly introduced Sottero and Midgley in 2006 and later Rebecca Ingram.

The company describes itself as one of the world’s most sought-after bridal gown manufacturers.

And if you’ve ever seen a Maggie Sottero gown, it’s easy to see why!

Meet the Maggie Sottero bridal design team

Edric Woo, the Lead Designer, has more than 20 years of experience and has been sketching and dreaming of couture bridalwear since he was 14.

Designers Mark and Chris Russell and Patricia DeLaunay work with Edric and a wider team of design assistants on each season’s unique gowns.

Their work has helped the company’s labels earn Desert Rose, DEBI, Dallas Rose and Diva Awards.

The Maggie Magic and the perfect wedding dress fit

The label’s reputation for fit begins with a corset.

Lesley was inspired by walking into a lingerie store and seeing one, and that idea grew into the brand’s signature, known as the Maggie Magic.

Maggie Sottero defines that magic as impeccable tailoring, made so brides feel like their best selves.

That corset thinking still shows in the shape of sculpted bodices, defined waistlines and basque waists (waistlines that dip to a soft point at the front).

Some designs add exposed boning to refine the outline of a bodice and give it a polished finish.

Interested in seeing the Maggie Magic for yourself? Try on a corset-inspired bodice at Bijoux and experience it first-hand!

Lace, fabrics and silhouettes of Maggie Sottero wedding gowns

Lace placement does a lot of the work on a Maggie Sottero wedding dress, whether it’s fine Chantilly lace across a bodice or dimensional 3-D lace motifs tracing a neckline.

Airy glitter tulle can be paired with lace for a little sparkle, and beading or sequins add extra embellishment. A sheer organza lining sits beneath some bodices, while satin brings a sleeker, softer finish.

Back and sleeve details get the same attention, with illusion lace backs, covered buttons at the wrist and sheer lace trains among the finishing touches in the collections.

Silhouettes range from fit-and-flare and sheath to mermaid and A-line. The softly structured ball gown pairs a defined bodice with a full skirt, so it helps to compare silhouettes side by side.

Modern romance on the bridal market runway

Maggie Sottero describes its style as bridal romance where classic elegance meets modern details, and its 2026 collections lean into basque waists as a featured trend.

The label also shows its collections on bridal market runways, so each season brings a fresh bridal look.

Its own site sorts gowns by mood as well as shape, from classic and vintage-inspired to bohemian, glamorous and corsetry-inspired.

Maggie Sottero beside Sottero and Midgley couture

Maggie Sottero is the original label, with feminine lace, softness and classic elegance at its centre.

Sottero and Midgley is the couture label, bolder and more fashion-forward, with a luxurious edge for brides with chic, discerning tastes.

Because Bijoux Bridal carries both Maggie Sottero and Sottero and Midgley, you can try the two moods one after the other and choose the one that feels like yours.

Your Maggie Sottero wedding dress appointment in Scotland

Exploring Maggie Sottero wedding dresses means seeing the gowns in person, with the lace, the shaping and the craftsmanship right in front of you.

Over 90 minutes, we start by talking through what you love, then our stylists gather gowns to match while you browse the rails too.

Bring up to four guests, and the prosecco is included.

You’ll be part of the Bijoux community, with other brides cheering you on from the fitting areas.

Clipping and pinning shows you how a gown will sit in your size, and we hold UK sizes 6 to 36 across the boutique.

Gowns are made to order after you choose, and the alterations that follow are done by an independent seamstress.

FAQ on Maggie Sottero designer

Who is the Maggie Sottero designer?

Maggie Sottero Designs was founded by Lesley and Wayne Webster, and its Lead Designer is Edric Woo. He works with CEO and Creative Director Kelly Midgley, designers Mark and Chris Russell and Patricia DeLaunay.

Is Maggie Sottero a real person?

The name honours Margaret “Maggie” Sottero, the great-grandmother of co-founder Lesley Webster, who launched the label under that name in 1997.

Are Sottero and Midgley the same as Maggie Sottero?

They are sister labels from the same family-owned company, and we carry a selection of both at Bijoux.

Is Maggie Sottero a good designer?

Maggie Sottero has designed wedding dresses since 1997, and its labels have collected several industry design awards. Trying a gown on is the surest test, so book an appointment and feel the shaping and the lace for yourself.

How long does a Maggie Sottero dress take to arrive?

A made-to-order gown takes around 24 weeks to arrive, and an independent seamstress then needs 6 to 12 weeks for alterations. Share your wedding date when you book and our stylists will check the timing with you.

Try a Maggie Sottero gown at our Hamilton bridal boutique

Bijoux Bridal’s team of expert stylists would love to help you find the Maggie Sottero wedding gown that makes your wedding day unforgettable.

Come with a few saved ideas and the people you love most. Our stylists will offer expert guidance through the lace, the shapes and the silhouettes until something feels right.

Try on the magic! Our bespoke rail of Maggie Sottero gowns is waiting for you in Hamilton.

Book your appointment or call 01698 200 122, and a glass of prosecco will be poured right as you arrive.