We’re not just talking silhouettes and fabrics here… We asked around about changes in the way we work as an industry and what the future might bring
Nicola Ball | Halo & Co
We pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve and keeping our eyes open and ears close to the ground. It’s our job to create the new looks and set trends – that’s what we have been known for throughout our 25-year history.
The year ahead, 2019, is exciting; the industry has had a breath of fresh air over the past few years with new fashion-forward retailers opening and existing stores using their talents to reinvent shopping experiences.
With the world being a global enterprise and business moving at the speed of light, it seems that we may indeed be looking back at what was important. We have seen a move away from social media and the fast-fashion revolution to a place where consumers are looking for a human touch. The internet has played a huge part in all our lives and is not going anywhere, any time soon.
We’ll all admit to being reliant on getting the must-have daily items overnight from the giant companies such as Amazon, but when it comes to that special day, it’s about human interaction and real connections.
Now, having something made just for you and working with an individual seems so very important.
The new generation is looking for virtues of handmade traditional craftsmanship and quality. The keepsake and heirloom mentality of having something special and bespoke is the new driving force of the ever-changing consumer. The trend is about individuality and bespoke creations.
Our 2019 collection is a range of different looks, shapes and materials so that each bride’s vision can be captured, just the way she wants.
Regine Ellis, Creative Director | Ellis Bridals
With millennials shaking up the bridal industry across all fields, bridalwear is transforming. This generation is all about
fading away from the traditional and attaching itself to the unconventional. This shift will see brides with a need to break the rules and break bridal traditions.
In response to millennial demand and brides striving to find an outfit that embodies their style, designers will now have to cater to the changing atmosphere with wedding day looks that do the unexpected.
Alan Hannah
Marguerite is concentrating on a high couture cut and immaculate tailoring, but using simple fabrics so all the money is going into the cut and complexity of the patterns.
This is the only way we can differentiate from the glut of Chinese dresses, so we are relating this to a bespoke suit, which always has currency and a customer base that is discerning, demanding of skill and expertise and with an element of bespoke choice for the bride.
These dresses cannot be produced in mass numbers on a production line – they are proud, special and niche, all the while remaining affordable, at £1,600-£2,900. Our biggest asset is our designer and her experience and creativity, which is unique and only gets better with experience.
Gill Harvey | Eliza Jane Howell
The next big thing? If only we knew! But what we are finding is that stockists are now selling new samples straight away as soon as they come in, and they are also buying two sizes of a dress to be able to sell off the peg to the bride who is not aware of how long it takes to make a dress and wants to make her purchase then and there.
Tabby Lee | Designer at Charlotte Balbier Bridal
I would love to see jumpsuits and wide leg trouser suits become a big movement in bridal.
Now that times have changed and brides aren’t so traditional any more, I think these will become must-have pieces for either the ceremony or the after party and a modern bride’s big day.
Christine Dando | Design Director, Dando London
Photo-ready gowns – they are the exciting explosive influencers.
The effect of TV and social media is instant and more potent than anything I have witnessed in my 30-plus year career, and it will get stronger. The relationship with, and understanding of, media are crucial to a designer’s success.
I regularly appear on Say Yes to the Dress UK and have seen firsthand the effect a dress appearing on screen can have. The gowns are shown from every angle, scrutinised, freeze-framed and looked at over and over again by brides sitting at home. The effect can be explosive both for designer and retailer.
The same effect is seen when a celebrity – whether a big movie name or a red carpet tripper – wears a certain style of gown; an Instagram image going viral ensures plenty of enquiries.
Designers should always consider how well their design will photograph, how it will move on film and how it will look on Instagram.