One of Wales’ most enigmatic and successful fashion designers – Huw ‘Fash’ Rees – is to hang up his tailors’ shears for good later this year following his announcement that his bridal gown company – Huw Rees Brides – is to close.
In an announcement made on social media last weekend, Huw said his ongoing health issues leaves insufficient time for running his business in Llandeilo. As a result, Huw Rees Brides will close by the end of March, 2025.
“It’s been a difficult decision, not taken lightly,” he said.
“But all our brides have been contacted and we will continue to work with all current brides until their weddings. There is no scandal, and no one will be left without a dress.”
Huw went on to say that later this year he will become an official celebrant.
Huw Rees Brides was launched in 2008, since when it has won no fewer than 14 national awards. He is also a regular face on S4C’s ‘Prynhawn Da’ and ‘Heno’ magazine programmes where he presents the regular fashion slots.
Huw was first admitted to hospital in 2019, complaining of severe stomach pains. Tests confirmed that he had been suffering from kidney disease for a considerable period of time. The initial prognosis was that with medical treatment coupled with a healthy diet, he wouldn’t have to undertake dialysis nor a new kidney. But nine months later he was told that he would have to commence dialysis.
“I was worried, as I knew the effects that dialysis can have on a person’s life,” he said in a previous Radio Cymru interview.
“You have to be on the machine three times a week, for four hours a day, and to me, this felt like ‘broken heart syndrome’.
“But I knew how important it was to follow the guidance of the specialists, listen to what they had to say and start dialysis as soon as possible.”
His treatment began just two days after Christmas, 2019.
“I went in for a blood test and was told that things had got considerably worse, with the result that they decided to begin dialysis that very same day,” he said.
Throughout his treatment, Huw feared that his work would one day have to take a backward step.
“My work has always been my life, as this is what I love doing,” he said.
“But the care I’ve received from the NHS has been exceptional.
“The dialysis team has been so supportive, and not once have I been left feeling isolated.
“Also, the response I’ve had from the public since announcing the closure of the business last Saturday has been incredible and the messages of support have been pouring in.
“Those messages have meant a great deal to myself and to the girls, but the decision to close is a positive one, which will allow me some freedom to pursue other less consuming interests.”
Huw ‘Fash’ went on to say that instead of selling wedding gowns, he will soon become a licensed celebrant.
Latest Welsh government figures confirm that Kidney Replacement Therapy treatments, such as dialysis, are currently being given to around 1,400 Welsh residents a year.
There are also almost 1,800 Welsh patients living with a functioning kidney transplant, who require ongoing clinical review, psychosocial support and immunosuppressive drug treatments. All forecasts consistently demonstrate that the need for these services for adults will grow by between 4 and 5% year on year.
The number of children reaching end stage kidney disease per annum is around two per million of the total population. In Wales this corresponds to approximately six new cases per year. There are approximately 50 children on Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) in Wales at any one time, many with a kidney transplant.
Meanwhile Huw Rees has confirmed that all stock, including current gowns, is now being sold for £350 or less.
