At the close of White Gallery at London Bridal Fashion Week, we checked with a number of houses what sold best for them
DANDO LONDON
The Poppy was an out and out winner for designer Christine Dando. It comes in lace and tulle with highlights of gorgeous glitter. In ivory and Champagne, it will retail at £2,436.
Retailer comment: “This is the best Dando London collection to date. The fit and beading is exquisite.”
BRIAN CHEN
Taiwanese design house Brian Chen launched in 2016 and boasts a growing stockist network.Encanto, this big-skirted lace and tulle number was a clear winner. The range retails between £1,000 and £4,500.
Retailer comment: “Encanto looks like it should cost far more, which will impress my brides.”
ELIZA JANE HOWELL
With more than a touch of silver screen glamour, The Ritz, in renaissance gold, exemplifies designer Gill Harvey’s approach to occasionwear – make it WOW. The Roaring Twenties collection retails at £1,200 to £3,300.
Retailer comment: “What can I say? This is as good as it gets for special occasionwear. It never surprises me that the stand is always jam-packed.”
STEPHANIE BROWNE
This Australian jewellery superstar yet again delivers style with sparkle. The Venus comb features quartz crystals on a rhodium plated base and shows off Stephanie’s innovative style. £80 to £1,000.
Retailer comment: “Loving the stars… something for the new generation of brides.”
MIRANDA TEMPLETON
The colours and textures here are amazing. Fenwick, from the Stargazer collection is incredibly detailed and in Champagne gold with pearl accents,it works with so many gowns.
From Melanie: “Both collections – Mixed Metals and Stargazer were so well received and we were delighted to pick up new stockists despite the current difficult retail climate.”
GODDESS BY NATURE
Another Oz winner, where fabrics stand out and silhouettes are feminine in the coolest and most contemporary way. Pearls, sequins and beadwork dress up great-looking laces. £500 to £2,300.
Retailer comment: “How great to see something new. I love the way the fabrics are used, and that boho has finally gone romantic.”
BOWEN DRYDEN
It is no surprise that Rose Garden picked up the prize as best seller, with its flowing skirt of fine layers of pale mauve tulle, and embroidered lace bodice with 3-d flowers. The range is priced from £1,750 to £3,750.
Retailer comment: “Fabulous is the only word for this collection and it gets more fabulous every year. I adore the misty-mauve colouring.”
DEBBIE CARLISLE
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this house is known for its design excellence and fine production qualities. The Star is a whole collection of Swarovski crystal stay-shaped hairpins and hairvines.
Retailer comment: “I know I will always find something special in this range and the new pieces definitely deliver what I want.” debbiecarlisle.com
CHARLOTTE BALBIER
Tabatha Lee’s new line up for the Charlotte Balbier label saw Lullaby win hearts. A classic ballgown in embroidered tulle, it introduces the softest pastels as a highlight.The collection ranges from £1,000 to £2,100.
Says Tabby: “We had a very good reaction to ‘Ethereal Beauty’ with new stockists in Germany which is exciting for the future of the brand.”
ADI GROMAN
Timeless elegance and a flawless bohemian vibe are the personality of this Israeli designer collection, which translates the best of vintage features for the thoroughly modern bride. Chloe is something special.
Retailer comment: “The 1920s ruffles and layers and 1970s individuality and freedom are encapsulated in this collection. I am so delighted I found it.”
SHIKOBA BRIDE
Becca George and Fi Cooper are the design talents behind this one-year old label, where relaxed bohemiam styling is the story. Two gowns did especially well at White Gallery, the full lace Eden, and silk-skirted Carrie. The collection retails from £1,500 to £2,500.
The duo’s comment: “We were delighted with the response, particularly from the European boutiques who were looking for exactly what we do!”
RACHEL SIMPSON
Always with a hint of retro, this is the shoe-fan’s favourite
brand. Cecelia, in pearlised ivory and metallic gold leather, walked off with the applause, as does the collection price
range, £205 to £295.
Said Rachel: “What was encouraging was that White Gallery had a real buzz about it; a positive, busy vibe like a good old trade show used to have.”
LUNA WILLOW BRIDAL
A newcomer that is attracting notice, this free-spirited Australian label has opened some prestigious accounts. The collection sells from £1,000 to £2,300 and features some extraordinary fabrics. Bali is a perfect example.
Luna Willow’s Yvonne said: “We were blown away by the great interest and positive reaction we’ve received from retailers at White Gallery.”
LILLY and CHARLES
This label from Central St Martins graduate Carolina Turner, offers a black label occasionwear collection which retails from £1,200 to £3,880 and white label –bridal – £3,000 to £15,000, with a signature appliqué.
Retailer comment: “I was enchanted by the custom humming bird that features on many of the gowns… I loved the whole concept behind the brand.”
CHARLIE BREAR
Amine, a gathered halterneck dress in crepe de chine with twisted straps, low back and full circle skirt was a star, in this vintage-inspired collection that is coolly contemporary. £2,195 and gorgeous gorgeous.
Message from Charlie: “The show this year was extremely positive and upbeat and we secured some amazing new accounts and saw all of our current stockists.”