A design for a women's two-piece suit

Lindka Cierach stepped into the international spotlight in 1986 when she was commissioned to design Sarah Ferguson's dress for her wedding to Prince Andrew at Westminster Abbey. Cierach said: 'I wanted the Duchess of York's sense of fun and joy to come out in the dress .... I woke up in the middle of the night and had dreamed it, and that was it.'

Cierach was born in Lesotho of Polish and English parents, and spent her early childhood in Africa before being educated in England. She travelled widely in Europe before returning to study at the London College of Fashion.

Cierach launched her own couture business in 1979. Her style is based on fine fabrics, and feminine designs that flatter to the female form, and her specialist skills are in embroidery and beading.