Macclesfield Designer’s Handcrafted Hair Accessories Shine on Strictly Come Dancing

When Strictly Come Dancing hits Blackpool, everything becomes a little more magical – the lights, the choreography, and, crucially, the styling. This year’s iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom episode included a special touch from Cheshire, with handcrafted accessories by a Macclesfield designer making their debut under the glitterball. For UK hair lovers, it’s a reminder of how thoughtfully made hair pieces can transform performance looks – and how regional makers are increasingly influencing national style moments.

From Macclesfield Studio to Blackpool Ballroom

According to local coverage, the Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool special featured accessories handcrafted in Macclesfield, bringing artisanal design into one of Britain’s most-watched style showcases. While details of the individual pieces remain local-news level rather than nationally documented, the headline point is clear: a small-town designer has stepped onto a huge stage – literally – by collaborating with the BBC styling team.

Blackpool week is famed not just for ambitious choreography but for heightened costume and hair design. Stylists often work with independent makers across the UK to source unique hair adornments that can withstand intense movement, bright lighting and close-up HD filming. In this case, a Macclesfield craftsperson has joined that select group whose work is trusted to perform in such a demanding environment.

For viewers, these moments often flash by as a swirl of sequins, braids and backcombed waves. For industry watchers, however, they signal a growing appreciation of British craft and a willingness from mainstream television to spotlight regional talent through costume and hair.

Why Handcrafted Accessories Matter in Modern Hair Styling

Handmade hair accessories have long been a quiet backbone of editorial, bridal and ballroom styling, but prime-time exposure on Strictly emphasises just how powerful they can be. In a single routine, a well-chosen piece can support the entire aesthetic narrative – from vintage glam to avant-garde drama.

Professional hair stylists in the UK often look for accessories that balance three key factors: visual impact, structural reliability and comfort. Mass-produced items can work for everyday wear, but for high-pressure sets like Strictly’s Blackpool shows, many stylists prefer bespoke or limited-run pieces for their:

• Custom fit: Designers can adapt combs, bands and pins to work with specific hair textures, volumes and updo structures.
• Enhanced grip: Hand-finished elements – such as wrapped wire or textured bases – can give stylists more secure anchoring points.
• Originality: Unique design details help differentiate one routine from another, especially across a tightly produced live series.
• Better balance: Carefully considered weight distribution reduces the risk of hair collapse mid-performance.

On Strictly, you’ll often see these principles at work in intricate bun cages, embellished headbands, crystal-studded pins woven through chignons, or statement pieces that frame the face in tandem with lashes, liner and bold lip colour. That a Macclesfield designer’s work appears in this context shows how regional artisans are meeting – and setting – these high professional standards.

In a practical sense, if you’re planning a big occasion hairstyle, it’s worth speaking to your stylist about pairing your look with a handcrafted accessory, whether sourced locally or via a trusted maker online. Hairporium frequently hears from stylists who say these pieces can be the difference between a beautiful style and a truly show-stopping one.

What This Says About UK Hair, Fashion and Local Talent

The presence of Macclesfield-made accessories on such a visible platform also reflects broader shifts in the UK hair and fashion ecosystem. Over the last decade, there has been a steady pivot towards:

• Supporting independent makers: TV costume departments, bridal stylists and session hairdressers are increasingly commissioning from small studios rather than relying only on global brands.
• Celebrating regional design: From Manchester’s textile legacy to London’s couture houses, UK creatives outside the traditional fashion capitals are gaining more recognition.
• Sustainability awareness: While not all handcrafted pieces are inherently sustainable, many small designers are more transparent about materials and production volumes, which aligns with the values of a growing number of clients and stylists.
• Storytelling through styling: Producers and audiences alike respond to the narrative behind a look – and being able to say, “this was created in Macclesfield especially for this routine” adds another layer of interest.

For hair professionals, collaborating with independent accessory designers can open new creative possibilities. Many UK stylists now work directly with makers to co-design pieces that respond to specific hair types – from ultra-fine, soft hair that needs secure but lightweight embellishment, to coily textures where accessories must respect both structure and comfort.

For everyday hair lovers, the Macclesfield–Strictly link is a reminder that you don’t have to be based in London to influence what’s seen on national television. If you’re a designer, maker or stylist in another UK town, this sort of coverage demonstrates that partnerships with TV, theatre and editorial teams are very much within reach.

How Viewers Can Translate Strictly’s Accessory Glam to Real Life

While most of us won’t be spinning under the Blackpool chandeliers any time soon, there are simple, realistic ways to bring that level of polish to your own styling without straying into costume territory. The Strictly approach offers a few practical lessons:

• Anchor first, adorn second: Professionals usually build a strong foundation – such as a secure ponytail, braid base or pinned bun – before adding decorative clips or combs. Recreate this at home by using discreet grips and bands beneath your accessories.
• Scale appropriately: What reads as balanced on a ballroom floor may feel oversized at brunch. Opt for smaller, well-placed pieces – a trio of delicate pins or a slim embellished band – for everyday wear.
• Match to texture and movement: If you wear your hair in curls, coils or waves, choose accessories with smooth edges and comfortable bases that won’t snag. For straight, sleek looks, micro-combs and pins can provide extra grip.
• Prioritise comfort: Stylists often test accessories on the dancer in rehearsal to ensure no sharp edges dig into the scalp. At home, always check fit before a long event and re-adjust if you feel pressure points.
• Start local: Look for makers in your area – markets, small boutiques, and craft fairs are ideal – and bring a photo of your hair texture or usual style so they can advise on shape and weight.

From an everyday perspective, one easy next step is to choose a single upcoming occasion – a winter party, work event or wedding – and plan a hairstyle that incorporates a handcrafted detail. That might mean investing in one beautifully made barrette, or collaborating with a local designer on a bespoke piece you’ll re-wear.

Key Takeaways

• A Macclesfield designer’s handcrafted accessories were featured in Strictly Come Dancing’s Blackpool Tower Ballroom episode, spotlighting regional UK talent.
• Handcrafted hair accessories offer custom fit, grip and originality that many TV and session stylists value for high-pressure environments.
• The collaboration reflects a wider UK trend towards supporting independent makers and celebrating local design within mainstream fashion and hair.
• Viewers can adapt Strictly-level glamour into everyday life by prioritising secure foundations, comfortable accessories and proportionate scale.
• A practical next step is to source one handcrafted accessory from a local maker and plan a hairstyle around it for an upcoming event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Strictly Come Dancing confirm which accessories were made in Macclesfield?
Local reporting highlights that accessories in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom episode were handcrafted in Macclesfield, though full design credits aren’t always detailed publicly for every piece on screen.

Why do TV stylists often choose handcrafted accessories?
Many stylists favour handcrafted pieces because they can be tailored for specific hairstyles, hair textures and performance demands, offering better grip, comfort and standout design compared with standard mass-market options.

Can handcrafted accessories work on natural curls and coils?
Yes – provided the maker and stylist consider weight, smooth edges and attachment methods. Many UK designers now create pieces specifically for curly and coily hair, using combs, cuffs or pins that respect the hair’s structure.

How can I find local accessory designers similar to the Macclesfield maker?
Look to regional craft fairs, independent boutiques, graduate design shows and social platforms where makers share their work. Bringing images of your hair and usual styles helps them advise on suitable designs.

Are handcrafted accessories practical for everyday wear, or just special occasions?
While elaborate pieces are ideal for events, many designers also create understated clips, slides and bands for daily styling. Choosing lighter materials and simpler silhouettes makes them easy to wear to work or casual outings.

Do I need a professional stylist to wear statement accessories like those seen on Strictly?
You don’t have to, but guidance helps. At home, focus on building a solid base – such as a ponytail or braid – then secure accessories with grips. For major events, many people still prefer a professional updo.

What should I ask a maker if I want a bespoke hair piece?
Share details on your hair type, typical styles, event dress code and how long you’ll be wearing it. Ask about weight, attachment options, and whether the piece can be adjusted or re-used for future occasions.