Petit Versailles on Stodman Street, Newark announced as a regional finalist for the 2026 Wedding Industry Awards

A designer and dressmaker is celebrating being named a regional finalist in a prestigious wedding awards.

Hajra Kemari, owner of Petit Versailles, has been shortlisted in the Independent Dressmaker/Designer of the Year category in the Wedding Industry Awards — news she says came as a complete surprise.

She had previously been told that one of her clients had nominated her for the award, which put a ‘huge smile of gratitude’ on her face.

“Forty days later I learn that I have made the finals, and my smile is even bigger,” added Hajra.

Portugal native Hajra trained in her home country as a seamstress and pattern maker before working in Paris and then across the UK, where she has worked with designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, as well as sewing for London Fashion Week.

Hajra fell in love with Newark after doing seamstress work for Jane Young, on Chain Lane, which then inspired her to open her own shop 11 years ago.

Since the nomination, Hajra has had a whirlwind few weeks, with almost 100 brides voting for her in the competition.

In that time, she has designed or altered 12 bridal gowns, progressed two showstopping creations for the 2026 Venice Carnival, and prepared models for the Big Lincoln Fashion Show on October 9.

She’s also been busy refurbishing her new Petit Versailles premises, which are set to open on 8-9 Guildhall Street, Lincoln in January 2026, and has appeared in three press interviews celebrating her growing success.

Within all the running around and celebrations, Hajra has also ordered new Christmas stock for the shop and has found time to mark two family birthdays.

“It has been a busy 40 days.

“Thank you to all my lovely clients and friends who continue to make me smile.”

The winner of the East Midlands regional awards will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday (November 12), at the Palace Hotel, in Buxton.