Strictly: Week 7

Viewers enjoyed another stunning sartorial week on Strictly Come Dancing with one of the highlights surely being the Elton John medley with feathers and glitter galore, as well as the highly anticipated duet by Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima. What a week!

It was such a stonker, in fact, that we’ve been torn between two beautiful dresses, which were both big hits with the viewers this week – Oti Mabuse’s glittering gown and Alex Scott as a stunning lady in red.

“Let’s talk about both,” laughs costume designer Vicky Gill, “as they’re both at opposite ends of the Strictly spectrum. Oti’s dress was for the Strictly viewer who looks forward  to their weekly crystal fix. With a twist on the traditional ballroom skirt it suited their contemporary take on Viennese waltz perfectly.

“Grey blue and Pink net layered together helped to create an ethereal feel to the skirt while the nude Latinesque base housed an abundance of Crystal, Crystal AB, Vitrail Light and Sapphire AB embellishment, which was fab!” She adds: “The skirt was short over the right leg to accommodate the requirements of this modern twist on ballroom.”

By contrast, Alex’s dress for her American Smooth had very little in the way of crystals, but was the epitome of classic elegance. “The skirt length and volume were at the top of her wish list,” says Vicky. “She had been practising with a skirt, which had lots of volume and simple shapes so I made the decision to go down the separates route to get the best possible outcome. A practicewear base was used to ensure Alex felt uncluttered and uber-glam. Burgundy crepe, satin and georgette were used for this effortlessly elegant approach.”

We’ll think you’ll agree that both dresses were absolutely perfect for their respective dances, and with Blackpool approaching quickly, we can’t wait to see what Vicky and her team have planned next. Don't forget, if you need to intensify your Strictly fix, DSI London is booking its exclusive Behind the Seams tours until March 2020.