As Seen on Strictly: Week 7

Last week on Strictly Come Dancing saw the sad elimination of Dr Ranj Singh and Janette Manrara – an extremely popular partnership who fully embraced the Strictly spirit with their joie de vivre and unforgettable shimmying.

Janette’s vibrant frock for their final samba was also one of the most popular dresses with viewers. “It was created using multi-coloured fringe individually applied onto a Hot Pink base,” says costume designer Vicky Gill. “It started life as 30cm fringe – so very much longer than you saw on Saturday night.”

Another pro dancer looking pretty in pink was Oti Mabuse, whose stunning waltz dress received a lot of attention on social media. “Oti loves an asymmetrical neckline,” explains Vicky. “The dress started life as a sweetheart neckline and by Saturday night it was transformed.” The fabrics used to make the dress included Carnation Mesh and Tan Lycra for the bodice, which was embellished with Silver Sequin, Crystal and Vitrail stoning detail, which runs through the bodice into a beaded zig-zag hemline, with a Rose Pink net top-skirt over a White Satin base.

For something very different in mood, can Vicky tell us anything about Dianne Buswell’s paso dress? “It was a wee favourite of mine on the night,” she confesses. “Simple but effective. “The Black Smooth Velvet dress with a Black Satin wide halterneck had Tan Mesh inserts running through the bodice, promoting Dianne’s fantastic shape. “The skirt had Black Pearl Chiffon godets and a Gold Pearl Chiffon lining, which was added in studio to lift and brighten the number on screen.” Finally, the opening number on Sunday got to show off DSI London’s glorious colour palette in leotards of Mesh over Lycra with stunning Georgette skirts, including the shades of Sunrise, Lime, Apple Blossom, Cerise, Tangerine, Purple, Flame Red and Ocean Blue. If you have any questions for Vicky next week, let us know on social media. And don’t forget we always want to hear about YOUR favourite dresses.