A Stanmore dressmaker is proving a hit with women who want a dash of colour on their wedding days.

Although Erika Sarkozi, of Craigweil Drive, also makes traditional wedding dresses, she has built up an enviable reputation for her non-white numbers.

The 30-year-old Hungarian's eyecatching designs earned rave-reviews at the recent National Wedding Show at Earls Court.

Red, turquoise, even camouflage-print patterns ensure her work is never overlooked.

Erika, who has run her own dressmaking business for four years, said: "I wanted to do something a bit different and more imaginative than the typical wedding dress.

"All of my designs can be translated into a normal style but the coloured ones are very popular.

"They seem to appeal to women who want something unusual or women who are getting married for a second time."

Erika, originally from Budapest, also makes evening gowns and mother-of-the bride outfits.

Her custom-designed evening dresses start at £800, while the exclusive wedding dresses normally cost between £1,200 and £1,500.

The most expensive dress she has created was sold for £2,800.

It can be an exhausting process but most dresses take between four and six weeks to finish.

Erika said: "It's a good idea to think about your wedding dress around six months before the big day.

"Some customers have no idea what they want and we'll talk through what type of wedding they are having and what I think would suit them.

"Others bring me pictures from magazines and have a specific idea in mind or they might like one of my current designs.

"We then discuss fabrics and I make a few preliminary sketches. I can supply the fabric or go shopping for it with them."

To guard against disappointment, Erika also makes dress samples to the allay fears of nervous brides-to-be.

"Some people get scared about what I might make," she said.

"So I show them the sample and we discuss any changes or alterations.

"Sometimes, a lady might ask for something I consider inappropriate.

"If they insist, a quick look at the sample is normally enough to change their mind.

"After that, it usually takes two fittings to make the dress perfect.

"If somebody is paying a lot of money, they want to feel a million dollars.

"It's my job to make sure they are completely comfortable on the day."

Erika started a five-year apprenticeship in dressmaking at the age of 14 in her homeland.

After that she went to college and worked for a renowned Hungarian designer before coming to England.

She said: "I came here to improve my English and never went back.

"I didn't know anybody and had no contacts but after telling a few people I was a dressmaker, I got a few orders and decided to start my own business."

Erika has big plans for the coming years.

"I'd really like to grow into a business where I have my own studio and shop to produce my own outfits," she said.

"I'm going to contact bigger stores like Harrods to see if they would be interested in any of my designs."

Erika has also approached a shop in Edgware about displaying her designs one day a week.

"I should be in the shop in the next few weeks so people can chat about dresses and to have fittings," she said.

Erika has settled seamlessly into life in England.

"I love Stanmore," she said. "It's really quiet, which is good for the work I do. I also love the parks.

"I miss Hungary and my parents but I visit them a couple of times a year and they come here too."

Prospective brides can check out Erika's outfits at an exhibition at the Metropolitan Police Bushey Sports Club from 11am to 4pm on October 30.

For more information, call 020 8954 4736 or see www.erikasarkozi.co.uk