+

MAY/JUNE 2D13
*
!SSUE 156
WWW.BR!DALBUYER.COM

A6=EB7;3
raising the curtain on White Gallery,
the London Bridal Show, and Modatex
GETTING
NOTICED
;33BB6303AB
<3E@3B/7:3@
47</:7ABA
G9HH=B;
H<9G79B9
How to create the
right environment
WOWIE
BOWIE
7<4:C3<13A=4
/@=1971=<
THE BAGS ARE PACKED AND
were raring to go as the season
gets into full and glorious swing
with collection after delicious
collection to discover. At White
Gallery London in Battersea
Evolution in May there are
many of the nest names in
the business whose inuences
are far-reaching and whose ingenuity never fails
to thrill. In this issue of Bridal Buyer we have a
full supplement dedicated to their work which
continues to reach often dizzying heights. The
new London Bridal Show will be staged at the
same time, at a cool new hall at Olympia, bringing
together the key manufacturers who will be
showing their 2014 collections well ahead of
normal schedules. And then there is Modatex, that
this year introduces an exclusive Designer Area,
and some specialist international
labels that you wont see elsewhere.
Two months of serious excitement...
just dont forget the atties!

:fcah\YYX]hcf
768@>HHJ:H ll you would llke Lo urchase back lssues
lease call us on 020 89SS 7040 or
emall ocean(alllance-medla.co.uk
'+
(*
EEEBRlDALBUYER1=;11
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7cbhYbhg
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CoyrlghL 2012 0cean Vedla LxhlblLlons LlmlLed. All rlghLs reserved.
ReroducLlon ol any wrlLLen maLerlal or lllusLraLlon ln any lorm lor
any urose, oLher Lhan shorL exLracLs lor revlew uroses, ls sLrlcLly
lorbldden. NelLher 0cean Vedla LxhlblLlons LlmlLed nor lLs agenLs
acceL llablllLy lor loss or damage Lo Lransarencles or any oLher
maLerlal submlLLed lor ubllcaLlon. 1he vlews exressed by lnLervlewees
ln 8rldal 8uyer do noL necessarlly refecL Lhose ol Lhe LdlLor or 0cean
Vedla Crou.
:YUhifYg
1S DlSCOVERED... AT BBEH
1he Vedla's hrsL cholce ol besL hnds
20 WHAT A NlGHT!
1he 8rldal 8uyer Awards were lab. Here's a
snashoL ol Lhe deservlng wlnners
25 ELLlE SAYS...
0ur new recrulL, Lllle Sanderson, geLs lnLo
relaLlonshls - ol Lhe buslness klnd
2S HAPPY ANNlVERSARlES
1hls year sees some eseclal daLes, lrom a
S0Lh aearance aL HarrogaLe, Lo a decade
ol deslgner heaven
30 RETAlL FOCUS
8elng dlssecLed on rlme Llme Lelly,
roved Lo be blesslng lor one reLaller
38 COVER STORY
THE WOWlE FACTOR
ll Lhere ls one man who has lnfuenced
men's lashlon and eseclally lormalwear, lL
ls uavld 8owle
42 COVER STORY THE BEST OF
THE NEW RETAlLERS
1he hnallsLs ln one ol Lhe mosL hoLly-
conLended awards caLegorles on why Lhey
Lhlnk Lhey goL Lhere
52 COVER STORY
RETAlL PSYCHOLOGY
CeL lnslde Lhe brlde's mlndseL and you can
creaLe Lhe erlecL buylng envlronmenL
G\ckVig]bYgg
WG1 COVER STORY
WHlTE GALLERY LONDON 2013
All you need Lo know abouL Lhls eleganL
deslgner-only show sLaged ln Lhe calLal ln
Vay. 1hls ls your gulde Lo whaL Lo execL
4S COVER STORY THE
LONDON SHOW
1hls ls anoLher hrsL, a beauLllul, lnLlmaLe
exhlblLlon where you can lace your 2014
orders ahead ol Lhe ack
5S COVER STORY WELCOME TO
MODATEX 2013
NorLhern Luroe's largesL show has some
brands jusL walLlng Lo be dlscovered
FY[i`Ufg
13 NEED-TO-KNOW NEWS
37 ON THE PHONE
51 YOU & YOUR WEBSlTE
59 BUSlNESS UPDATE
S2 THE lT DEPARTMENT
S5 LEGAL MATTERS
70 BACK PAGE GlRL

',
K;%-
*,
:Y^idg Susl Rogol 020 7192 8S2S :Y^idg^VaD[XZ14 8racknell CaLe, London Nw2 7LA
brldalbuyer(rogolgoodklnd.co.uk 9Zh^\c Klm Colley Egdd[GZVYZg Cllve 8urLon <gdje6Y
HVaZhBVcV\Zg Nardene SmlLh 020 7772 8217 nardene.smlLh(oceanmedla.co.uk EgdYjXi^dc
Ronnle VcClbbon 020 7772 8288 BVg`Zi^c\:mZXji^kZCarlna HunLer 020 7772 8S96 carlna.
hunLer(oceanmedla.co.uk HjWhXg^ei^dch Alllance 020 89SS 7040 ocean(alllance-medla.
co.uk EjWa^h]^c\ BVg`Zi^c\9^gZXidg [udlLh SuLLon 020 7772 8292 =ZVYd[7g^YVa wendy
Adams 01422 770120 Eg^ciZgh PrlnLech Luroe
7g^YVa7jnZg ls ubllshed slx Llmes a year by 0cean Vedla LxhlblLlons LLd,
1 Canada Square, 19Lh lloor, Canary wharl, London L14 SAP.
1el 020 7772 8200 lax 020 7772 8S87. wwwbrldalbuyer.com.
K;'+
7<0@734
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lronL cover. Cown by uemeLrlos, who wlll
be showcaslng Lhelr 2014 collecLlon aL 1he
London 8rldal Show, 0lymla, 19-21 [une.

MAY/JUNE 2D13

!SSUE 156
WWW.BR!DALBUYER.COM

A6=EB7;3
raising the curtain on White Gallery,
the London Bridal Show, and Modatex
GETTING
NOTICED
;33B B63 03AB
<3E@3B/7:3@
47</:7ABA
G9HH=B;
H<9G79B9
How to create the
right environment
WOWIE
BOWIE
7<4:C3<13A=4
/@=1971=<
CRM IN1RNA1IDNAL was
lounded ln 2007 by [ohn
and Sarah 8unjo, who have
sonsored and chamloned
Lhe rlghLs ol some ol Lhe
ooresL eole ln Uganda.
1hey are now ln Lhe rocess
ol bulldlng Lhelr own school
ln Lhe rural Lown ol 8ombo,
Lo Lhe norLh ol Kamala and
have also oened an adulL
learnlng cenLre Lo Leach
dlsadvanLaged slngle women
racLlcal skllls such as sewlng.
uonaLlons ol weddlng dresses
lrom key manulacLurer,
lncludlng LLernlLy, Von Cherl,
SlncerlLy and whlLe Rose, have
laclllLaLed Lhe oenlng ol Lhe
cenLre whlch ollers resldenLlal
accommodaLlon lor u Lo
20. uresses Lhey work on are
sold or hlred Lo brldes, Lhe
money generaLed ays lor
accommodaLlon and lood
and, mosL lmorLanLly, school
lees lor Lhe chlldren tLhere
ls vlrLually no sLaLe wellare
rovlslon ln Uganda and all
schools are rlvaLe so Lhe
oorLunlLy ol educaLlon ls
noL common-lace. Amanda
and Andrew 8radwell senL a
week ln Uganda, ln order Lo
reorL back LhaL charlLable
donaLlons are belng senL
correcLly.
CloLhlng, LolleLrles, moblle
hones eLc are much
areclaLed , Loo. NoLhlng ln
Uganda goes Lo wasLe and all
casL-olls are LreaLed as Lhe
mosL reclous ol gllLs.
See www.bridaIbuyer.
com/bome/more-articIes/
makin-it-bappen/6526362.
articIe
BYkg.Xcbha]ggcih
Latest collections, newest shows, the trade association that will
make a difference to our industry, and the companies that are
doing something to help the less fortunate
<Y`d]b[ch\Yfg
<UhgcbhcGUggc
1H SASSY ACCSSDRIS
comany who broughL you reLro
headleces, lavlsh leaLhery wras,
sexy llLLle sllk vesLs and 20s-sLyle
lace gloves, had a brllllanL HarrogaLe
ln more ways Lhan one. And Lo Lo
oll oenlng new accounLs across
Lhe counLry, moLher and daughLer
Leam Llalne and KaLle dlscovered
a new collecLlon, rlghL Lhere on
Lhe sLand beslde Lhem ln Hall V.
1hey lell head over heels wlLh Lhe
beauLllul haLs lrom \lcLorla Ann
Vllllnery and bagged Lhe NorLh ol
Lngland agency lor Lhe llne. 1hey'll
be showlng Lhe collecLlon lrom
Lhelr showroom ln Leeds, so make
conLacL lasL ll you have a cusLomer
base LhaL lncludes arLy guesLs.
+44 0I113 245 0232
www.sassobride.com

|DININC 1H S1AR-S1U
casL aL whlLe Callery, 19-21
Vay, ls Lhe labulous Loulou
label, whose brldal collecLlon
ls based on vlnLage looks and
sLyllng. 1he Lwosome behlnd
Lhls qulnLessenLlally Lngllsh
brand, London College ol
lashlon deslgners ChrlsLlne
wllke and [ane Hancock,
lormed Lhe comany 21
years ago, carvlng a nlche ln
Lhe markeLlace lnlLlally wlLh
Loulou brldesmalds. 1helr
less-ls-more aroach Lo brldal
has roduced a erlecLly
dehned, Lhemed collecLlon
whlch lncludes LlghL walsLs, lull
sklrLs, 19S0s call- and new jusL-
below-Lhe-knee lengLhs. Pearl
ls Lhe newesL colour - a erlecL
background lor rows ol earl
beadlng and Lhere are buLLons,
bows, embelllshed belLs and
some greaL elums.
+44 0I 20 8368 1500 /
www.IouIoubridaI.co.uk /
wbite CaIIery 204
Loulous
back in
town!
Cabotine, the ne Spanish house,
under the creative direction of Gema
Nicolas, will be showing at Modatex
in Essen (15-18 June). Besides its
delicious bridal range (the 2014
collection features no less than 60
stunning gowns, where lace is put to
the best use possible and the illusion
panels are works of art), there is a
mother-of-the-bride collection that
is chic, feminine, and shows respect
for the female form. +34 968 873797
www.cabotine.es
EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=; 15
7<0@734
BBEH DID NOT DISAPPOINT
on its opening day, with a
steady ow of buyers passing
through the four exhibition
halls and the two associated
hotels. Most exhibitors were
surprised and delighted with
the level of business throughout
the day, having arrived in
Harrogate uncertain of the
outcome. Footfall , as expected,
was slightly lower than that of
previous shows, but the quality
of customers looking to buying
into the new collections was
high.
Enzoani reported its best
rst day ever the Beautiful
collection attracting not just
comment, but solid and large
orders. It has been marvellous,
said MD Jeanette Stevens. We
knew we had a clear winner
with Beautiful, but the reaction
has been amazing.
David Tutera for Mon Cheri
and Sophia Tolli, two of the Dom
Bridals collections, played to a
packed stand throughout the
day, as did the Justin Alexander
brands and, notably,
the debuting Lillian
West label.
At the Cairns, Alfred Angelo
was writing orders from rst
thing in the morning and
Benjamin Roberts, in a lavish
sitting-room setting that saw
Watters in its own boutique-style
area, racked up the numbers
in what is certainly its very
best collection for seasons.
The range is great, said sales
Director George Efstrariou.
Both Benjamin Roberts and Tia
have moved into a whole new
arena. The new collections are
very design-led and buyers are
loving the look, the quality, and
the price.
Eternity is another name that
saw a big and consistent ow of
buyers. On a newly-structured
stand layout, which pulled the
groups various ranges together
in a swirl of lace and rufes,
catwalk show after catwalk
show were standing room only.
Occasionwear was much
in demand, chic, sexy and
sophisticated. Perfect little
black dresses at Dynasty with
underplayed beading and some
exceptional draping; body-
clinging and thrilling
at Mascara; drop-dead
gorgeous at Eliza Jane
Howell, where shimmer
and shine were the order
of the day. In Mother-of-
the-Bride, Dress Code
from Veromia, now
entering its second
season, appears to do
no wrong.
BBEH review
In bridal there are several
clear trends emerging.
The peplum is a style feature
adopted by every leading
company, but with different
approaches from each. At LM
by Lusan Mandongus they were
short and very sweet, feathery
light and topped with nely-
beaded narrow belts; at Decorum
Bride, they were deep gathered
and extended at the back to form
a feminine curve. Mori Lee had
two of the best.
Milky pale colours could
be seen across price brackets,
silhouettes and fabrics. In a
heavenly lavender in the new
Jack Sullivan range and a soft
tulle-skirted gown that featured
ribbon embroideries across the
bodice; in icy blue for a 50s-style
ballgown from Rosa Couture; in
barely-there peach cotton lace in
JLMs pretty Blush range. Blush
itself is a shade that appears in
virtually every collection, and
certainly a big talking point
in Wendy Makins line up of
gorgeous gowns.
Keyhole backs, formed by
detachable straps giving two-for-
one appeal to strapless gowns.
Illusion panels creating high
necklines, sometimes edged
in lace, sometimes in bands of
satin, or at the back, carrying
a row of tiny buttons from the
waist. Best of all, and deliciously
new, deep back cowls falling
from the shoulder found at
Donna Salado and Eddy K.
See the newest looks at the next
round of shows White Gallery
(19-21 May); London Bridal
Show (19-21 May); Modatex
(15-18 June), and of course
Harrogate (8-10 September).
Despite severe cold weather, Mothers
Day, football, and a general unrest
in the marketplace as a result of this
challenging economic climate, the
Harrogate show pulled in the serious
buyers with budgets to spend and
delivered a host of great collections
and new design themes
1wo pepIum dresses
from Mori Lee, and
a oreous sbade of
Iusb from |LM's Iusb
coIIection
66G5
ID85H9

1he 8rlLlsh 8rldal Sullers
AssoclaLlon held lLs hrsL
meeLlng ln Arll ln London.
1he AssoclaLlon's consLlLuLlon
was raLlhed and a commlLLee
ol 12 men and women was
lormed - an excellenL mlx
ol lndusLry reresenLaLlves,
lrom brldal, groomswear
and accessorles and boLh
manulacLurers and deslgners.
88SA ls lannlng Lo
maxlmlse Lhe use ol dlglLal
medla. 1he new webslLe -
www.brldalsullers.co.uk
- wlll leaLure news sLorles, an
evenLs llsLlng, and members-
only assworded ages lor
a dlscusslon lorum and a
'worsL-accounLs llsL'. lacebook
and ou1ube wlll also be
lncluded ln Lhe mlx. VonLhly
emall newsleLLers wlll leaLure
romLs and llnks Lo kee
members lnvolved.
1he maln Lolc ol Lhe day
was Lhe lncreaslng roblem
ol counLerlelL dresses, where
manulacLurers' hoLograhy
ls lllegally used on Chlnese
lacLorles' webslLes Lo sell oor
coles ol gowns Lo unwary
brldes. A hve-olnL lan was
devlsed Lo suorL members
Laklng legal acLlon, Lo lobby
governmenL and Lo educaLe
Lhe consumer.
A more oslLlve subjecL
covered Lhe osslblllLy ol Lhe
88SA acLlng as an umbrella
lor members Lo exhlblL aL
overseas Lrade shows wlLh
Lhe long-Lerm lnLenLlon ol
ralslng Lhe rohle ol 8rlLlsh
brldalwear, whlch wlll be
ol greaL benehL Lo younger
comanles keen Lo sLarL
exorLlng, more lnlormaLlon
wlll be announced as Lhe lan
ls develoed.
VomenLum ls gaLherlng.
Now ls Lhe Llme Lo joln Lhe
88SA. lor more lnlormaLlon
conLacL Cbairman |oe
Ireedman joefreedmanQ
acscIotbin.co.ukI or
1reasurer Martin |enkins
martinQsassiboIford.comI.
A6=E@3>=@B
Every season we ask the consumer bridal press to
share their best nds at BBEH, because those are
the labels, and the specic pieces, that theyll be
introducing to their readers in the months ahead.
Check their lists of faves now and youll be ready
P
eta H
unt,
Editor at
L
arge, You &

Your W
edding
:aa^h- lace jackeLs and
re-lnvenLlng Lhe classlc
shae, eleganLly.
>cijojg^- blg ls back,
love Lhe leaLher bodlce.
?jhi^c6aZmVcYZg -
sarkle, beadlng, greaL
shaes and good rlces.
ABWnAjhVcBVcYdc\jh - reLLy
dresses modern yeL LradlLlonal... love
Lhese.
A^an7ZaaV - love a blrd cage vell.
Bddh]`^- qulrky and well rlced, wlLh
a nod Lo Lhe S0s lor Lhe modern glrl.
8]gWcjYfYX
Uh669<
:a^oV?VcZ=dlZaa
- sLyllsh, rlce-rlghL
and easy Lo wear lor
Lhe grown u brlde,
every home should
have one. tLove Lhe
oera coaL.
?AB7ajh] dlvlne
dresses solL
llaLLerlng shaes
:codVc^ - beauLllully
cuL lace dresses wlLh
layers ol labrlc and
beadlng Lhrown lnLo
Lhe mlx
A^an7ZaaV
- maklng
reLro uLLerly
conLemorary
A^iiaZB^hYgZhhA^iiaZ
B^higZhh - cuLesL llLLle
malds lor Lhe modern glrl
16EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;17
Ciara Elliot, Editor, Wedding
we all loved Lhe ulor-llke new season dresses aL LViiZgh#
And Lhe Crace Kelly elegance aL 6a[gZY6c\Zad#
1he relaxed, salon leel ol Lhe:codVc^show Lhls year.
Loved seelng so much ol Lhe classlc 19S0s shae comlng
Lhrough agaln - lL has lnslred a whole 19S0s shooL whlch
we've jusL done ln 6i]Zch#
CreaL Lo dlscover new brands such as :a^oV?VcZ=dlZal,
whlch has a real grown-u, classlcal, vlnLage leel tyeL wlLh
none ol Lhe Lea arLy elemenL.
whlch brlngs me on Lo all ol Lhe amazlng deLall generally
whlch ls comlng Lhrough now, and whlch ls so exclLlng
lor brldal lashlon rlghL now - sarkly collars, belLs,
deLachable lace anels.
1he dro-walsLed, cool movle sLar glam ol 1he CreaL
CaLsby comlng Lhrough sLrongly and seen aL BV\\^Z
HdiiZgd#
Loved golng Lo Lhe 8rldal 8uyer Awards Lhls year, where
we saL on a Lable wlLh Lhe accessory deslgner glrls lrom
[enny Packam as well as Rachel lrom GVX]ZaHXdii
8djijgZ ln Ldlnburgh - Lhey were boLh u lor awards,
whlch added Lo Lhe lun!
llnally, Lhe weaLher - how reLLy dld HarrogaLe look ln
Lhe snow
Classlc and eleganL
8rlLlsh-made 'Lngllsh
Rose' collecLlon sllk
gowns aL F^VcV7g^YVa
So many amazlng
back deLalls ln dresses.
Loved Lhls look lrom >kdgn
8d - can lmaglne lL wlLh
gloves and earls... ure
Audrey Heburn sLyle
Bryonny Toogood,
Conde Nast Brides
1he exclLlng new collaboraLlon beLween 9^VcZ=VgWg^Y\Zand H]Vgdc7dlZc - we
love Lhe Prlscllla dress wlLh foaLy caed back.

:a^oV?VcZ=dlZaa's gorgeous red-careL worLhy collecLlon ol beaded Lulle and lace gowns - our lavourlLe ls \lvlen.

1he glamorously lndulgenL lnky black velveL
weddlng dress aL :iZgc^in#

7Zc_Vb^c6YVbhsarkly skyscraer heel and

laLlorm Uma shoe wlLh ankle sLra.
ArL ueco-lnslred dlamanLe 'LaLLoo' back dresses and orlglnal beaded labrlcs lrom >kdgn8d's hrsL brldal collecLlon.

GdbVci^XVs sheer Lulle crysLal and earl embelllshed 'Llegance' caeleL - Lhe erlecL
new soluLlon Lo coverlng u.

0ulenL beadlng and 1920s lnfuenced accessorles aL NVglddY"L]^iZ.
llnely leaLed Lulle
ca sleeves and
LuLu elum on
llLLed lace dresses aL
AjhVcBVcYdc\jh
1he 'Clna' and 'Sylvla'
dresses lrom Lhe excluslve
10-dress Eg^kViZ
8daaZXi^dcWn6a[gZY6c\Zad
Sarah Murray
Fashion Advertisement Manager
Perfect Wedding
wlLh ArL ueco and all Lhlngs 1920s seL Lo be a huge Lrend,
>kdgn8d had some erlecL dro-walsLed gowns whlch l
can see brldes really lovlng.
New label F^VcV7g^YVacaughL my eye. ueslgner wendy has
lenLy ol exerlence wlLh leadlng London couLure houses
and lL shows ln her new collecLlon, whlch leaLured cuLe Lea-
lengLh gowns and reLLy lace deLalllng.
Pelums were soLLed around Lhe show and l love Lhe
modern yeL classlc sllhoueLLe Lhey glve. Bdg^AZZhad a greaL
one ln Lhelr new collecLlon.
lor brldes needlng a blL ol bllng on Lhelr heels, EVgVYdm
would be Lhe erlecL cholce and Lhe label reorLed Lhelr
dlamanLe laLlorms are remalnlng oular!
0n Lhe accessorles lronL, ArL ueco was agaln showlng lLs
lnfuence, wlLh loLs ol halr combs and slde bands remalnlng
oular. l loved GjWnVcY;gdhi's dellcaLe halr chalns, whlch
were almosL llke jewellery lor Lhe halr!

18EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
A6=E@3>=@B
VulLl-layerlng and lace were
blg news aL Lhe all-new
LiddbouLlque area -
lashlonable, llgure-llaLLerlng
and allordable sLyles LhaL
brldes on a budgeL wlll love.
Dne ol Lhe buslesL sLands aL
Lhe show and wlLh good
reason, Bdg^AZZ never lalls Lo
lmress. 8esL sellers lncluded
lace-covered neckllnes and
llshLall sllhoueLLes.
EVgVYdm lrom ladyllke
1-bars aL Plnk Lo Lhe crysLal-
encrusLed laLlorms aL
8enjamln Adams, Paradox
ollered a secLrum ol
sLunnlng brldal shoes once
agaln Lhls Varch.
1ea-lengLh dresses
were a blg locus aL
Bddh]`^. New u
and comlng deslgner
0llvla wrlghL based
Lhe collecLlon on
vlnLage lnlluences
yeL sLlll managed
Lo lnclude a wlde
range ol sLyles.
Rachel Morgan, Editor,
Wedding Ideas
:a^oV?VcZ=dlZaa A hlL aL Lhe show wlLh
reLallers and deslgners allke, Lhese dresses
boasLed sarkllng embelllshmenLs, Louchable
labrlcs, and sllmllne sllhoueLLes. Sure Lo be
oular wlLh brldes lannlng a 1920s-lnslred
blg day.
F^VcV7g^YVa A new 8rlLlsh sLar arrlved aL
HarrogaLe ln Lhe lorm ol lana 8rldal. wlLh gowns
deslgned and handcralLed ln Lhe UK lrom Lhe
hnesL sllk, organza and lace, Lhls exerlenced Leam
roduced some ol Lhe reLLlesL deslgns aL Lhe show.
6a[gZY6c\Zad has added anoLher sLrlng Lo lLs
brldal bow ln Lhe lorm ol Lhe PrlvaLe collecLlon. 1he
sumLuous labrlcs and clean, sohlsLlcaLed llnes
jumed ouL aL Lhe more lashlon-led reLallers.
6bVcYVLnViiNoL only was Lhere a major buzz
abouL Amanda wyaLL's sLunnlng new moLher-ol-Lhe
brlde collecLlon, her lellcla dress also scooed uress
ol Lhe ear aL Lhe 8rldal 8uyer Awards - a dress we
have revlously leaLured on Lhe cover ol weddlng
ldeas!
8g^hi^VcdAjXX^A conhdenL new collecLlon locused
on exceLlonal cuLs. wlLh reLall rlces u Lo I2,000,
Lhls ls a musL-sLock lor hlgher-end bouLlques.
=djhZd[Bddh]`^1he sLrongesL range ol shorLer
sLyles came lrom Lhe House ol Vooshkl. 1he S0s-
lnslred deslgns were lull ol lun wlLh lashlonable
sheer overlays and a reLLy use ol lace.
IVcigjbhVcYI^VgVh A lavourlLe wlLh our real-llle
brldes, Lhe collecLlon ol accessorles was also a hlL
aL HarrogaLe. Kelly's deslgns have greaL commerclal
aeal, leaLurlng ArL ueco elemenLs Lo hL ln wlLh
Lhe laLesL brldal Lrend.
IVcigjbhVcYI^VgVh were
also showlng unusual halr
accessorles - Lhelr jewelled
halr vlnes would glve brldes
a unlque llnlshlng Louch Lo
Lhelr look.
Trudy Lee
www.trudylee.co.uk info@trudylee.co.uk 01707 643633
40 VVV.0@72/:0CG3@.COM
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The Bridal Buyer Awards 2013 simply sparkled. With excitement, with anticipation,
and with an audience of the industrys best. Enjoy a picture gallery of the celebrations
Lulu Prowns Prioal
Pst Prioal Rtailr North
Sponsoro by /manoa Vyatt

Th Vooing Shop
Pst Prioal Rtailr South
Sponsoro by /lxia Dsigns
Gorgina Scott Prioal
Pst Nw Prioal Rtail
Sponsoro by Charlott Palbir
Th Grooms Room at /bigail's
Collction
Pst Groomswar Rtailr
Sponsoro by Enzoani
Th Vhit Clost
Pst Rtailr Vbsit
Sponsoro by Xoo
Jacui Lukr
Pst Stuont Dsignr
Sponsoro by lan Stuart
Pn|amin Robrts
Pst Prioal Manuacturr
Sponsoro by Mark Lsly
Hirloom
Pst Groomswar Manuacturr/Supplir
Sponsoro by Vhit Ros Prioal
Elli K
Pst Haoorss Dsignr
Sponsoro by RP/
20 VVV.0@72/:0CG3@.COM
>@7H357D7<5
VVV.0@72/:0CG3@.COM 41
CifWcb[fUhghck]bbYfgUbXbU`]ghgU`]_Y
JLM Europ
Pst Priosmaios Collction
Sponsoro by Prct Vooing magazin
Mori L
Pst Prom Collction
Sponsoro by PPS/
Sonsi by Vromia
Pst Plus sizCollction
Sponsoro by PPEH
Rainbow Club
Pst Sho Collction
Sponsoro by th National Vooing Show
Carrington Flt Txtils
Pst Fabric Supplir
Sponsoro by HlC
Sassi Holoro
Pst Pritish Prioal Dsignr
Sponsoro by Morlano Proouctions
/manoaVyatt
Vooing Drss o th Yar - Flicia
Sponsoro by lvory & Co
Mascara
Pst Occasionwar Collction
Sponsoro by hitcho.co.ukk
VVV.0@72/:0CG3@.COM 21
.../no a big thanks to our prsntr.
th lovly John Scott
.../no to Michal's Prioal Fabrics,
sponsor o our bautiul trophis
./no to Jo ano Cynthia Swny, or
4C yars o commitmnt to th inoustry
Cifh\Ub_ghc
h\Y^iX[Yg
Krn /lorson . Laura Daly . Nick Day
. Pilly Fitzsimons . Nil Flatly
. Lizann Harris . Simon Jams
. Martin Jnkins . Louis Johnson
. Lorna Lcki . /bi Nill . Darrn Nol
. Clair Snwin . Juoith Sutton
. Goroon Symonos
. Pippa Varo . Jan Vatson
...ano to Essntial Vooing Hir or th abulous tabl cntrpics. +44 (C)845 463 C463
Already with several awards, our stock service garments
feature not just the traditional English look, but an exciting
and hugely successful the lightweights Mohair Family:
Silver Grey, Navy, Sanford, Black, Charcoal, Beige and now BLUE.
Tel: 01252 623 111 | Fax: 01252 623 123 | Email: torreukltd@btconnect.com | www.torre.pt
NEW SKY BLUE MOHAIR FOR 2013
63:>13<B@3
EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;25
6
EFORE OPENING
my doors ve years
ago, I invested a
huge amount of
time deciding which
suppliers I wanted
to work with. My
considerations clearly started
with the style, price and margin
of product. I then invested a huge
amount of time learning more
about those companies. The nal
location of my rst shop was
based on the availability of my
chosen designers and labels. This
also involved me moving house,
which just shows how important
working with the right supply
base was to me.
All too often I hear shops
saying: I could only get this
label or that label because all
the good labels are gone. This
poses two questions: rstly why
open a business where there
is no gap in the market? And
secondly, and more importantly,
why compromise on the most
important business relationship
you will need to develop by
choosing suppliers because they
are all that is left?
I know it sounds idealistic but
knowing who you want to work
with and who wants to work with
you, is critical to your business
success. In an uncertain and
changing retail environment
a positive supplier-stockist
relationship is key.
Five years on, I still work with
most of my original suppliers
and I like to think that I have
developed a relationship of mutual
respect and understanding. Over
time, I have moved away from
some and some have moved away
from me. It has to be a two-way t.
So here are a few points to
consider:
1
Check the suppliers credit
rating and look them up in
Companies House to see how solid
offering dresses that are sold to
you exclusively to other shops
that have no right to sell them.
Oh yes, some stockists set up
deals and break all the rules of
exclusivity, undermining other
retailers, their own integrity
and swamping the market. Be
prepared to lose your contract
with your supplier if you do this.
5
Your supplier will ask that you
are realistic with loan samples,
dont expect a loan sample by
return as they will be servicing
many shops plan ahead. Also
if you keep borrowing the same
sample, get your money out and
buy the ipping thing. Why
should your supplier keep lending
you the same dress because you
were too tight to buy it?
6
Your supplier will always
welcome open discussions on
sales and if you reach the end of
the line with a supplier tell them
and explain why... they may feel
the same.
7
Be honest with your suppliers,
if you are having a cash ow
problem talk about it. Dont ignore
their phone calls or emails. Do not
let your relationship get to the
stage that your account is frozen.
8
Finally when you need PLAN
B because of your error
dont be tempted to blame your
designers brides are smart and if
you have made an error put your
hand up and ask your designer
for help. If you have forged a
solid relationship then they will
certainly step up to the plate.
However, if you havent, dont
expect them to move heaven and
earth for you.
Its so much easier to work in
an environment of mutual trust
and support. So take a minute to
consider your relationship with
your suppliers and if its not a
positive one then perhaps you
need to consider whether it is time
to move on. 000
designer or the sales rep you will
be dealing with.
8
Discuss PLAN B you know
the one, something goes
wrong. You need to know they are
100% behind you when your back
is to the wall.
In return for this relationship
your supplier will expect the
following and rightly so.
1
Dont be surprised if your
supplier asks for credit
references. Also, all bills must be
paid on time without wrangling
why should your supplier bank
roll your business?
2
Your supplier has the right to
expect all orders are precise,
error-free and on time.
3
Support your suppliers by
not swamping your shops
Award-winning retailer Ellie Sanderson, joins the
Bridal Buyer team with the rst in a series of
commentaries covering all aspects of the buyers lot in
life. This is straight-talking stuff listen and you may
nd that the advice dished out serves you well
their trading history is. Check
who owns the company and who
the Directors are.
2
Talk to other shops that
already buy from them, see
how efcient they are to deal
with. Check delivery deadlines,
accuracy of invoices, and accuracy
of order conrmations along with
general customer service levels.
3
Discuss Marketing and ask
what plans are in place to
market the label through use
of National press. Discuss their
planned online presence and
check out what social media
platforms they use.
4
Be clear on your area of
exclusivity before you hand
over any cash. Is it drive time
or is it miles? This needs to be
understood 100%. This may need
with loads of labels driving
minimums up and commitments
to your key labels down. Be
prepared to support their labels
alongside your brand marketing.
Its a mutual relationship and
you should develop it in tandem.
Also, when you can, support your
brands with dual marketing in
key magazines. Double-page-
spreads are not cheap; joint
marketing is a positive way
forward.
4
Dont tranship your labels to
other shops and spoil the area
of exclusivity that you agreed
with your supplier. This means
Some stockists set up deals and
break all the rules of exclusivity,
undermining other retailers, their own
integrity and swamping the market. Be
prepared to lose your contract with your
supplier if you do this.
to include discussion on their
desires to supply TK Maxx after
last seasons issues.
5
Discuss expected sales per
annum along with required
minimums in exchange for your
order.
6
Ask about their policy on
loan samples this varies
massively and most promise the
earth until you buy the label then
you get a 75 loan bill or you are
faced with a at NO on request.
7
Look them in the eye and be
happy that you can have a
positive relationship with each
other. Make sure you meet the
Ellie
says...
26 EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
<Uddm
Ubb]jYfgUf]Yg
Backed by fashionably elegant advertising
campaigns in leading European magazines
The Collection designed by Ian Stuart offers
a dynamic and directional approach to bridal
wear design.
Sponsor of the Bridal Buyer Best Student
Designer Award and himself a multi-award
Stewart Parvin
>IH?JHI6N:6Gsince the Stewart Parvin
bridalwear collection moved from its
original home to its own stand-alone
agship boutique in Beauchamp Place,
Chelsea. Stewarts original womenswear
collection was launched back in 1995 and
he later diversied into bridal. His designs
are now stocked in leading boutiques in
this country and internationally. In the
last year clients have responded really
well to the luxurious surroundings the
company has created. Stewart says:
Ive noticed a new breed of upmarket
bridal boutique owners who want to carry
an excellent range of designer dresses, but
also give a lot of consideration to the decor
and appeal of the shop. Thankfully the days
6;I:GBDG:than a decade of
design experience and technical
knowledge Ian Stuart and his
team were inspired by a new
vision, where cutting-edge bridal
design and personal service meet.
This young creative team are
on the pulse of the industry and
strive for the highest standard of
design, workmanship, quality and
customer service.
The Collection designed by
Ian Stuart, celebrating its tenth
anniversary this year, is sold
exclusively to some of the nest
bridal salons who have unparalleled
reputations for service and ambience.
The couture styling of this collection
is enhanced by the bespoke alterations
available, making the bride feel as though
the gown was created for her.
There are special celebrations this year among some
of bridals favourites. Time to raise your glass, drink
a toast and learn a bit more about the single-minded
approach that has made each a success story
Ian Stuart Bride
of nylon carpet tiles
and uorescent strip
lighting are gone!
There is a
misconception that
an expensive dress
is a rip-off or that
the client is paying
for a name. I am
sometimes asked how
I can possibly justify
our prices. You can
buy a dress for 800
- or even 200 - but
what can you know
about how it was produced and who
by? My dresses are all made in London by
seamstresses that Im proud to say are paid
a living wage, and our carbon footprint is
minimal. We work hard to ensure clients and
stockists really understand where the value
in our gowns lies.
+44 (0)208 838 0888 /
www.stewartparvin.com
White Gallery stand 304
winner, Ian launched his occasionwear and
mother-of-the-bride collection in 2008. It is
now one of the leading labels in the eld.
+44 (0)20 8761 6302
www.ianstuart-bride.com
White Gallery stand 110
>/@BGB7;3
B6G>C6696BDJH
passion for bridalwear
was inspired by
Hollywood movies,
which is why her
business was named
Hollywood Dreams.
The company is
celebrating its 30th
birthday this year
and Marina still
feels unbelievably lucky to
have made a career out of doing what she
loves, designing stunningly romantic
bridal gowns.
My rst order for brides and
bridesmaids dresses was for Harrods
- a very proud moment for a young
designer just starting out! she recalls.
When I began, brides would come in
and buy the dress they wanted with little
thought for the cost. In todays economy,
few brides want to spend more than
they can really afford. The other major
change I have seen is in manufacturing.
Originally our gowns were designed
and produced in the UK. Then it became
too costly, but now Im pleased to say we
are once again making our gowns right
here on our homeground.
To overcome the problems of brides with
less money to spend, we have introduced an
additional brand, Chic by Hollywood Dreams,
which is perfect for the bride who wants to
maintain Hollywood glamour but has to be
aware of her budget.
+44 (0)20 8801 9797 /
www.hollywooddreams.co.uk /
White Gallery stand 106
HJGG:N"76H:9Miss Bush Bridal Wear was
founded in 1988 one of the rst of a new
breed of independent boutiques mixing
small British labels working in silk, with
the big manufacturers. Gen Gilchrist
joined as a part-time seamstress, eventually
buying the company from the original
owner. Gens daughter Emma Meek joined
ofcially in 1995. She says:
Our greatest achievements include
being a passionate supporter of the
bridalwear industry, making decent
sample orders, spending on advertising,
supporting small labels, and having an
open door policy to everyone! Also, we have
been a great employer of great women!
Its still unusual to run a wholly female
business. When crisis hits weve had a
fantastically strong team working together,
and when success abounds we have had
brilliant fun.
Of course weve seen changes. Brands
and labels have come and gone. Style,
celebrity culture, marriage conventions,
websites, social media, you name it. The
thing that stays the same is the personal
relationship between ourselves and the
bride. Our founding principles of service,
style, honesty and integrity remain
unchanged.
There will always be challenges, from
the 20% VAT rate and undercutting
by competitors to the erosion of area
exclusives but with us, improvement
and innovation are part of our ongoing
philosophy.
www.missbushbridalwear.co.uk
Miss Bush Bridal Wear Hollywood Dreams
>
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28 EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
>/@BGB7;3
>IH=6G9ID
7:A>:K: that the
Joyce Jackson
name has been
seen at Harrogate
50 times! Joyce
started her business
on the Enterprise
Allowance scheme
back in 1986. After
dressmaking for many years, she was
asked by a friend to make a wedding dress
and veil and enjoyed the experience so
much she decided to make a career of it
concentrating, of course, on bridal veils,
and turning her garage into a workshop!
The company provided veils for the
weddings of Princess Annes son Peter
Phillips to Autumn Kelly and TV star
Jayne McDonald.
In 2009 the company was bought by
Rainbow Club, another great British-born
company, whose spokesman Richard
Marsh says: When we acquired the
business it was really important that
we retained the family heritage and
connection. Fortunately Tracey, Joyces
daughter, and Tim, Traceys husband,
above, wanted to remain with the new
business. Much has changed in the bridal
industry, with fashion playing a much
bigger part than it did. There is more
competition both in the high street and
online. Retailers are buying less forward
and are more reliant on their suppliers
for a quick response. There also seems to
be more reliance on the eld sales team to
visit retailers in-store. We believe that the
secret is to keep being innovative with the
products, support them with world-class
marketing, and deliver truly exceptional
customer service!
+44 (0)1745 343689
www.joyce-jackson.co.uk
:I:GC>IN7G>96A is celebrating 15 years in
the business this year. Founded by Amanda
and Andrew Bradwell in 1998, this
Harrogate-based company has moved three
times to larger premises, now employs 15
staff and is expanding into the European
market. As well as Eternity Bride and
Pretty Maids, they have introduced prom
and mother-of-the-bride ranges in response
to market trends.
We are proud to have built our
company from nothing to being one
of the major players in the industry,
offering a competitively priced, quality
product without compromising service
and delivery, says Amanda. We have
also organised an annual event, with
our competitors and retailers, supplying
discontinued stock to Uganda and
supporting a vocational school there,
teaching young women tailoring, sewing
and embroidery. Weve been overwhelmed
by the reaction to this.
Over the years the industry has been
affected by Internet shopping and we have
also seen a difference in the price brides
are prepared to pay. The problems we face
include cheap copies from China. Our
Sales Director, Giles Turner, has lmed
a Fake Britain programme for the BBC
highlighting the problems this can cause.
+44 (0)8707 707670
www.eternitybridal.com
London Bridal Show stand 503
Eternity
Bridal
Joyce Jackson
Charlotte Balbier
8=6GADII:76A7>:Gwas already a fully-
edged member of the Wyatt bridal
dynasty when she launched her own
brand back in 2003. Welcoming her tenth
anniversary, Charlotte feels that her
latest collection embodies the style and
grace that has always been the key to her
success. She says:
Over the past ten years I have worked
hard on ensuring the brand is future
proof, evolves and is not afraid to go
against the grain and take chances. All
our marketing and PR is done in-house.
Our sales gures continue to grow and
last year they tripled! For me the past
decade has been a dream come true.
We have seen changes. Retailers now
are stocking fewer brands, buying only
from brands they trust, but buying more
from them. Problems facing the industry
include dealing with non-UK based
companies who cant offer the support
retailers need. We are only going to get
out of recession if we support the British
economy by buying British.
+44 (0)161 493 2700
www.charlottebalbier.com
White Gallery stand 501
www.halobridal.co.uk
Email: steve.jones@halobridal.com
Contact us: +356 7995 6766
As we all know, it takes a brave retailer to
subject themselves to in-depth analysis on
national TV by an expert who is there to
tell them what they are doing wrong. For
Courtyard it was the best decision ever
<C@8=B;
7CIFH
K
HO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT
that minding your own business
(literally) would one day put you
in the spotlight? Last February,
Courtyard Bridal in Kettering,
Northampton, was approached
by the programme makers of
BBC2s The Fixer to be one of six family businesses to be
given a makeover by the shows host Alex Polizzi. Sisters
Rhiannon Moore and Bethan McCall who run the shop were,
naturally, excited and apprehensive at the same time. A lot
of pondering took place! The shop was very busy and we
had a good reputation, but we were not making any prot.
Did we really want the whole country to see how vulnerable
and nave we were? laughs Rhiannon. But when you are
handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity such as this, can
you really hand it back?
During seven weeks of lming the shop benetted from
Alexs expert advice on running a business. The girls mother
Anne, a seamstress, opened the shop in August 2002.
Rhiannon joined in 2003 and Bethan in 2007, although
she is part time. They had both previously worked in the
30EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;31
shop on Saturdays but had little relevant
experience. Rhiannons background was in
customer service and Bethan had studied
biomedical science. However they were both
used to dealing with people and had early
knowledge of fabrics and sewing so they had
a solid foundation for bridalwear. Anne now
only does the alterations brides visit her in
her home studio.
One of the fundamental issues the family
had was that none of them had any business
skills and they were all doing each others
jobs, while others werent getting done at all.
Alex Polizzi saw this immediately. One of the rst things she
did was to give the girls clearly-dened roles. Among other
things Rhiannon is now in charge of marketing, while Bethan
deals with the accounting. They had a massive amount of
dead stock; Alex advised against buying from brands that
insist on high minimums. They had to work out how much it
cost to run the shop per hour, and then work out how much
prot there was in each dress. These were simple tips that
made a huge difference. Once our eyes were opened to our
issues, things really started to improve. 18 months on, the
business is stronger and more protable. TV exposure can
work both ways though some people couldnt wait to come
in after seeing us on television, while others wouldnt come
/::16/<53
8djginVgY7g^YVa^h
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hZZ[gdbZkZgnVc\aZ!
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VcYVgdjhZhXjg^dh^in
The shop was
very busy and
we had a good
reputation but
we were not
making any
prot
>
anywhere near us as they thought we were
a failing business! says Bethan.
The shop is spacious and bright with a
touch of the vintage vibe to be on trend, says
Rhiannon. In fact the interior design team
didnt make many changes during lming
other than a redecoration and the removal
of a wall to make more space. Rhiannon and
Bethan chose the branding and colours.
AB=191=<B@=:
When it comes to choosing their labels,
the girls now take heed of Alex Polizzis
advice. Firstly we look at our stock and identify holes in
our collection. We then see if we can ll these with dresses
from our current designers. If we cant, then we research
new labels that have small minimums and are approachable,
while also making sure that they fall within our price point
and have a worthwhile mark up. We both have to agree that
new collections fulll our pre-dened criteria do we NEED
it? Do we LOVE it? Can we SELL it? We try to have an eclectic
range with different styles and looks, says Rhiannon.
As well as wedding gowns, Courtyard Bridalwear also
carries bridesmaids dresses and accessories. They nd
that this has pros and cons. A bride likes to see the whole
ensemble and she is more likely to purchase accessories
that have been tried on with the gown, says Bethan. However shoes
take up a lot of space, especially if you want to hold stock of all sizes.
But you have to because a bride and will only buy if she can try them
in her size.
The shop has a really fabulous website, which was revamped in
2011. It was important to the girls that their online presence reected
the boutique. They invited the website designers to visit so they could
pick up on the Courtyard ambience and recreate it online. In her role
as marketing manager Rhiannon organises regular advertising in
wedding magazines, exhibiting at the National
Wedding Show, local wedding fairs and charity
catwalk shows. She has also invested in an SEO
campaign.
Courtyard Bridal was a nalist at the Bridal Buyer
Awards in March and won the Wedding Industry
regional award for Best Bridal Retailer. Winning
awards and being a nalist gives brides who live
further away a reason to come and visit our shop,
says Rhiannon. It gives them condence that our
excellence is not only recognised by the industry
but also by previous brides. On a personal note
these nominations give us condence in our ability
and show that all our hard work and determination
have been worthwhile!
When Courtyard Bridal rst opened ten years
ago things were denitely easier. We were in our
own little local bubble. People from Kettering and
the surrounding towns knew of us and would come
and visit us. We sold to one in three brides and
everything ran so smoothly! Now brides expect a
lot more and will travel further, so we have to constantly get ourselves
out there and further aeld to entice brides to visit us. The standard
of bridal shops is ever increasing; if you dont adapt to fulll a brides
expectations you wont get her through the door! says Bethan.
/E6=:3<3E/BB7BC23
There have been some very difcult times, but determination and a
supportive family has kept them going. We nd that being as honest as
possible with customers and suppliers means we can sort things out before
they become a major issue. When times were difcult we always pulled
together as a family and managed to ride the storm, says Rhiannon.
She credits the TV exposure too. Without Alex Polizzi we would still be
here, but we would just be going along without making any prot. Now
our passion and commitment have been restored. The recession has been
difcult for every sector. We panicked at the beginning and lowered our
price point to suit brides lower budgets. This resulted in more work,
more stress, more customers and lower standards of service FOR NO
PROFIT! We have since discovered that by lowering our price point we
were unable to cover our overheads and were in effect
paying to sell a low price gown! We now have done a
180 degree turnaround - we sell higher-priced gowns
(not too high for our area) and we know the exact
prot in each gown.
Rhiannon and Bethan have learned some hard
lessons along the way: Its essential in this industry
that you fully understand YOUR OWN business
and YOUR OWN customers. If you dont have a
stable foundation to begin with, whatever you do
may not help. Know your limitations and dont try
to spread yourself too thin if you have no time to
do a particular job, nd someone who can. Bethan
took on the whole of our accounts, but working two
jobs and doing the accounts was too much and her
time is better off spent selling gowns, not crying
over spreadsheets! We hired a bookkeeper to collate
all the accounts whilst Bethan does the day-to-day
accounts. If we were starting out now, we would
properly analyse costs and overheads right at the
outset. We would endeavour to keep on top of our
sample stock and identify gowns which could be sold off to eliminate
too much dead stock.
Courtyard Bridal is now looking to the future. The main objective in
the next ve years is to sustain the increase in prot, which will allow
Bethan to come in full time. The rental contract is due for renewal so
they will be looking at whether to buy or renting a new property or
to stay where they are. They also hope that within the next ve years
they will be able to win a national award. We have everything crossed
for them. 00
The Courtyard
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INFLUENCES FROM
THE VERY TOP
VISIONS FOR A
BEAUTIFUL FUTURE
ELEGANT. IMPRESSIVE.
AUTHORITATIVE
TAKING BRIDAL TO
A NEW LEVEL
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BRIDAL COLLECTION 2014
WHITE GALLERY
19 - 21 MAY 2013
Battersea Park, London
SI SPOSA
21-24 JUNE 2013
Fiera Milano, Milano
www.sadoni.no
White Gallery London, in just a few years, has created
a highly specialised niche on the international
bridal buying calendar. Inuential designers who
set the global standards in creativity, innovation and
craftsmanship attract the top buyers and media to
this elegant, intimate show where they preview their
skillfully-edited collections for the rst time.
This year sees the fourth edition of White Gallery
and it promises to be spectacular. With exclusive
invitation-only catwalk shows and a roster of the most
impressive names in the business, retailers will see
the very best of the best, where superb is not a simple
adjective, but more a way of life.
Our special supplement can only hint at the delights
that will be unveiled 19-21 May at Battersea. You have
to be there to understand and appreciate the magic.
E D I T O R S L E T T E R
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Editor Susi Rogol 020 7193 8535 Editorial Oce 14 BracknellGate, London NW3 7EA bridalbuyer@rogolgoodkind.co.uk
Design Kim Colley 07973 426 196 Proof Reader Clive Burton Group Ad Sales Manager Nardene Smith 020 7772 8317
nardene.smith@oceanmedia.co.uk Production Ronnie McGibbon 020 7772 8388 Marketing Executive Carina Hunter 020 7772 8596
carina-hnter@oceanmedia.co.uk Publishing & Marketing Director Judith Sutton 020 7772 8393 Head of Bridal Wendy Adams 01423
770120 Printers Printech Europe Bridal Buyer is published six times a year by Ocean Media Exhibitions Ltd, 1 Canada Square, 19th
Floor, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP. Tel 020 7772 8300 Fax 020 7772 8587. www.bridalbuyer.com
contents
10
the not-to-
be-missed
catwalk shows
38
making contact with
your favourites
37
who is who and who is
where at White Gallery
14
highlights from the 2014
collections atWhite
Gallery London
07
all you need to get you
there and organised
MALIS-HENDERSON
MONTREAL.LONDON.NEWYORK
RESPLENDENT ACCESSORIES
Visit us on stand 601 at The White Gallery,
Battersea Evolution 19-21 May 2013
www.mhtiara.com
0161 272 0532
Heud Cce (Montreu) nomhturu.com
W H E R E
Battersea Evolution
The British Genius Site
Battersea Park
London SW11 4NJ
W H E N
19 May 2013 | Sunday 9.30am - 6.30pm
20 May 2013 | Monday 9.30am - 6.30pm
21 May 2013 | Tuesday 9.30am - 3pm
T R A V E L N E W S
By air
London is serviced by ve airports.
The distances given below are from
each airport to Battersea Park.
Q Heathrow (15 miles / 26 km) www.
heathrowairport.com
Q City (19 miles / 38 km) www.
londoncityairport.com
Q Gatwick (28 miles / 47 km) www.
gatwickairport.com
Q Luton (40 miles / 64 km) www.
london-luton.co.uk
Q Stansted (50 miles / 82 km) www.
stanstedairport.com
By Train
Q Battersea Park railway station is
within an 8 - 10 minute walking
distance, straight up Queenstown
Road towards Chelsea Bridge.
Clapham Junction and London
Victoria railway stations are both a
short taxi ride away.
Q The closest main train station is
London Victoria. Other main
train stations connected by
metro are Paddington,
Waterloo, London
Bridge and Kings
Cross St Pancras.
By London
Underground
The nearest tube station
is Sloane Square
on the Circle and
District Lines. It is
approximately a 15
minute walk from
Sloane Square to the
venue, or you can pick up a White
Gallery shuttle bus in the square. Visit
www.t.gov.uk to nd out info about
London underground services.
By bus
Q Route Number 137 stops directly
outside the Chelsea Gate, and runs
north to south from Oxford Circus
Streatham Hill via Sloane Square.
Other routes also service Queenstown
Road or Battersea Park Stations
(Routes 344, 44 & 156).
Q Route Number 49 runs north to south
from Shepherds Bush - Clapham
Junction via Battersea Bridge Road.
There are a number of other routes
that also service Battersea Bridge
Road (345, 19, 319 & 239). Please see
www.t.gov.uk for more information
on bus, train and tube routes.
Q To plan your journey by public
transport go to www.t.gov.uk.
Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/ for
information on national train services
or www.eurostar.com for international
services.
By car
Although Battersea Evolution is located
in Battersea Park and outside the
congestion charge zone, only a very
limited number of car parking spaces
is available outside the venue; these
are on a rst-come-rst-served basis,
and cannot be reserved or guaranteed.
Visitors to White Gallery are advised
to use public transport and the free
White Gallery shuttle buses service
provided.
S H U T T L E B U S
The complimentary shuttle
bus service will run on a
regular basis to and from
Sloane Square tube station to
Battersea Evolution. The pick
up point is outside the Sloane
Square Hotel. For more
details please email:
ops@whitegallery.com
T A X I S
Taxis can be found in Battersea Bridge
Road by the entrance to Battersea Park.
To hire a mini cab (private car) please use
only the recommended services:
Addison Lee +44 (0)20 7387 8888
Climate Cars +44 (0)20 8968 0440
P R E S S O F F I C E
Press accreditation is required visit
www.whitegallery.com/press-area for full
details.
A C C O M M O D A T I O N
As a world capital, London caters to a
vast audience of international visitors
year round. As well as its famed grand
hotels that oer the ultimate in luxury, the
city oers some of the nest boutique
Media Partners:
5 Star Wedding Directory | The Best Scottish Weddings | Beyond the Magazine | Bulka | Confeti | Cornish Brides | Dani Vjencanja
| Fashion Mag | Ideal Bride Australia | Irelands Wedding Journal | Martha Stewart Weddings | Vjencanje Ponuda | White Sposa
| White Sposa Russia | Zank You |
Photography is NOT permitted anywhere
within White Gallery, other than by
accredited press photographers.
establishments that boast bespoke
design and exemplary service, as well
as quality commercial properties,
and charming small hotels with their
own, exclusive atmosphere. White
Gallery London works in partnership
with Reservation Highway. Call +44
(0)1423 525577 or email to bookings@
reservation-highway.co.uk for advice,
prices and availability.
C A T E R I N G
Grab a few minutes to relax and
review in the lavish White Gallery
Champagne Bar where delicious food
and drinks are available throughout
the show. Or, enjoy the new Terrace
Caf in the foyer which also oers
outdoor dining on the terrace.
P A R T Y T I M E
This years White Gallery party,
sponsored by Cond Nast Brides,
will be held at Battersea Evolution
Monday 20 May, from 6.30pm.
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white gallery 2013
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visit w
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and register now
for the fourth
edition of this sensational
design-only exhibition. Please
contact individual designers direct
(see page 10) for invitations
to their exclusive
catw
alk show
s.
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We invite you to view our new 2014 Opulence collection at
19-21 May 2013, stand 201.
To book an appointment, please contact Hazel Porter on +44(0)7976 959725.
www.madelineisaacjames.com
Each year, top international retailers and
the press look to the White Gallery catwalk
performances for inspired thinking and the
trends that will be set by some of the biggest
designer names in the business. The inuences
here are important, setting the stage for
directional design that will be adopted
by a wider market in the years ahead
10am Stewart Parvin
On Stewarts elegant catwalk, expect
to see wonderfully understated
gowns with sleeves, straps and the
opportunity to cover-up; demure but
chic, with a slightly prim look thats
really high fashion, but
works well for bridalwear.
This Royal favourite is
using opulent textured
fabrics that add real
depth and character
dramatic silhouettes and
adventurous shaping
will override intricate
detailing, he says, which
will be a real move on
for the 2014 season. Its
a condent collection,
masterfully structured
and perfectly executed.
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12 noon Ian Stuart
Buyers can expect the best of Ian
Stuart style, with a sumptuous
romantic colour palette and bounds
of owers and textured decoration,
as well as more commercial styles
for the modern but
traditional bride.
Experimenting with
chion and lace, Ian
hopes to lure the more
bohemian bride into
his fairytale world, and
innovative sculpting
techniques provide the
fashion- forward bride
with something that
will both excite and
enchant. Outstanding
quality, luxurious fabric,
and innovative design
is what brides will, and
should, expect from the
luxury sector, says this
multi-award winner.
2pm Alan Hannah
At White Gallery, Alan and
Marguerite will be unveiling both
Alan Hannah and MiaMia
2014 collections. Marguerite
is introducing softer lines
on some of the newest styles
with lovely backless lace
details that mix modern-day
red carpet glamour with good
old-fashioned romance. On
the more structured dresses,
crisp, clean silhouettes have
the addition of intricate
shimmering beadwork that
makes a bold statement.
MiaMia, in its rst major
catwalk appearance, will
feature its distinctive
classic styles along
with the labels
bohemian pieces
that incorporate
unusual use
of lace and
beading.
S U N D A Y M A Y
4pm
The Designer
Preview
Showcasing key
pieces from the 2014
collections of:
Annasul Y
Blue Bridalwear
Charlotte Balbier
Elizabeth Stuart
Harbridge & Bowen
Ivory & Co
Kisui
Lusan Mandongus
Naomi Neoh
Sadoni
Terry Fox
catwalk
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Images shown on these page are from the current
collections that debuted at White Gallery 2012.
M O N D A Y M A Y
2pm Anoushka G
The 2014 collection from Anna
and George Hadji continues the
brands love aair with timeless
elegance and vintage glamour.
The latest ensemble of
sophisticated gowns in
a sumptuous selection
of silhouettes, features a
variety of antique laces
and tulles, with rich
satins and crepes and
the beauty of owing
silk chions. Opulent
beading and appliqus
highlight the personality
of each gown, with hand-
crafted delicate uting,
beautiful trains and
overskirts.
There is something
for every bride here
whether the wedding is
in an ornate Cathedral or
on a romantic beach.
12 noon Ian Stuart
See opposite
10am Stephanie Allin
In her newest collection, this much-
loved designer will be following
on from her highy-successful 2013
Night and Day theme, using her
favourite barely-there shades of
the palest blush, unabashed nudes,
powder blues and gold. For 2014 I
will be introducing a lot of detailed
embellishment and incredibly
beautiful art deco motifs, she says.
I will be creating a softer, romantic
look while disguising the structure
inside that brides love as it helps
them create their desired shape.
4pm
The Designer
Preview
Showcasing key
pieces from the 2014
collections of:
Annasul Y
Blue Bridalwear
Charlotte Balbier
Elizabeth Stuart
Harbridge & Bowen
Ivory & Co
Kisui
Lusan Mandongus
Naomi Neoh
Sadoni
Terry Fox
For invitations to an individual designers catwalk show,
please contact the designer direct. You will not need a special
ticket for the Designer Preview shows, but we suggest you
make your way to the catwalk arena early, to secure a seat.
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enchanting special occasion
outfts for babies, boys and girls
and our Bella Bevan collection
for teens and adults too
quintessential English style
from the heart of London
visit us on stand 606
19-21 May 2013
www.littlebevan.co.uk
sarah@littlebevan.co.uk
+44 (0) 20 7821 9499
clothes to treasure for a memorable day
BRIDAL COLLECTION 2014
Stockists required - contact us for available regions
www.terryfox.co.uk 01284 752191 info@terryfox.co.uk
Visit us on stand 404
at The White Gallery,
19-21 May 2013
Heres just a taster of what the elite of
international bridal design will have
waiting for you at White Gallery London,
19-21 May 2013. Prepare to be dazzled
notebook
A N N A S U L Y
The latest collection from the house of Annasul
Y highlights classic silhouettes with feminine,
vintage-style detailing, presented in unusual
textured materials with interesting adornment.
The Art Nouveau period is an inuence, and
has resulted in very
beautiful oral and
botanic prints. There
is bold eyelet lace
over transparent
organza forming
illusion backs,
a delicious
feature of a feminine
mermaid lace dress,
perfectly suited for
brides seeking the
unconventional. High
necklines, long sleeves
in French lace and
peplums are among the
sensational features for
the new season.
A L A N H A N N A H

White Gallery London will see two 2014

collections unveiled by this prestigious
house, the eponymous Alan Hannah
label and MiaMia, both of which will
feature in an exclusive catwalk show
on Sunday, 19 May, at 2pm. Look out
for soft lines and some ravishing back
detailing, and shimmering beadwork;
and in MiaMia, the signature boho
styling where an adventurous play
with lace and beadwork introduces
layerings of texture. Says Alan: It is
all about simple but sophisticated cut
with beautiful touches of hand beading.
The emphasis is on silhouette and
attering lines.The 2014 bride will
be expecting beautiful gowns with a
tempting price tag from the luxury
sector.
A M A N D A W A K E L E Y

The new season oers

a stunning range of
styles that encompasses
all that is unique about
the Amanda Wakeley
aesthetic. Theres the
perfect dress for every
setting uid goddess
draping in silk tulle
for the Santorini beach
ceremony; the timeless elegance of delicate
lace for a country chapel; the contemporary
sophistication with a touch of drama in
silk mikado for the grandeur of a cathedral;
exquisite beaded gowns with our signature
chain embroidery and vintage inspired
jewel embellishment for an urban ceremony.
For regular updates
on the stars of
W
hite G
allery and
for full show

inform
ation, visit
w
w
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hitegallery.com
A S T R A L S U N D H O L M
C I R C A B R I D E S

Astral graduated with a BA Hons degree in fashion

from Winchester School of Art and worked with
Julien MacDonald as his pattern cutter creating
dresses for, among others, the Spice Girls and
Kylie Minogue. Her UK-made Circa Brides
label was relaunched last year and at White Gallery London
she will showcase her latest collection of pure silk
gowns that carry her distinct signature classic
silhouettes with a vintage twist. Lace, A-line
bias-cuts and three-quarter length sleeves are a
highlight. Brides will be looking for Oscar gowns
red carpet style translated into bridal, she says.
A U G U S T A J O N E S
The talented Charlotte Leung is loving all things 50s and
her passion can be seen in the sharp tailoring worked into
her newest shtail silhouettes and clean-cut A-lines. Classic
boatnecks, V- and turtle-necks and dramatic key-hole backs
add drama to the 2014 collection which features light
laces and layered laces with beads over duchess
satin, chameuse, taetas or silk twill.
Accessories are key with stunning belts and
shrugs changing the look of a gown to make
every dress an individual work of art.
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E L I Z A J A N E H O W E L L

Exhibiting for the rst time at White Gallery

is designer Gill Harvey, ex Royal College of
Art, who named her collection after her Welsh
fashion designer grandmother. Her gowns
epitomise grown-up glamour taking inspiration
from iconic vintage styles while introducing
the modern-day appeal of red carpet dressing.
The look is mesmerising antique silver
beading accessorised with silver fox fur (for
2014 Gill has collaborated with Barnardos,
the oldest family-run furriers in Dublin to
create fur capes and stoles); vintage lace and
sophisticated back design.
C Y M B E L I N E

Awarded the
prestigious accolade
of Best French
Designer Wedding
Dresses in 2012, for
the fourth consecutive
year, Cymbeline has
positioned itself as a
global force in the bridal industry.
For their 2014 collection, the three
famed sisters pay tribute to the
silver screen of the 50s with Calais
and Chantilly laces magnifying
the sensuality of their signature
sheath dresses. Other highlights
include neo-romantic robes in
a combination of contrasts
asymmetrical taeta bodices with
frayed ower skirts where strands
of tulle and taeta intermingle.
C H A R L O T T E
C A S A D E J U S

Vintage-inspired wedding gowns
are the speciality of this ne London
label, where top-quality fabrics and
stunning hand-beadwork are the
signature. This talented designer
looks to the best of past
eras, always focusing
on style statements that
have something special
to say. High necklines,
sleeves and a return
to demure elegance
signal the style for
the 2014 collection,
which is ethically
produced in the UK.
B A B E

This stunning jewellery collection,

always a talking point at White
Gallery, looks to the past for
inspiration and then translates
themes to introduce a note of
contemporary high fashion. For
2014, designer Dennis Pong has
taken a lead from Madame De
Pompadours love of romantic
colours and incorporated the
lightest pastels pink, yellow and
mint into his ravishingly pretty
jewellery and hair ornaments.
B L U E B R I D A L W E A R

For 2014 Angela Pitcher Dowdell has designed

a core collection of dresses, lace vests and
belts which mix and match to create a brides
own unique look. The idea was sparked by
Bardot, Blues best-selling gown, which took
on a new form gradually as the bride rst puts
on the dress, then the beautiful Chantilly lace
vest and then the labels signature wide belt
with a at bow. Says Angela: A bride is willing
to spend upward of 2,000 on her gown if the
retailer is giving her one-to-one attention in a
quality environment.
C H A R L O T T E B A L B I E R

Celebrating her tenth anniversary

as a leading name in bridal this year,
Charlotte Balbier is making her rst
appearance at White Gallery and
introducing a collection that embodies
the style and grace that has been key
to her success over the past decade.
There are fresh interpretations of classic
Balbier styles mixed with some exciting directional designs,
as the label gets set to
embark on a new and
adventurous journey.
There will be a small
selection of accessories
shown on the stand,
including, belts,
fascinators, vintage-
inspired hair bands,
combs and owers.
Charlotte believes
that tomorrows brides
will dress for their
own style, look and
personality, and will
look for attention to
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G E M Y M A A L O U F
B R I D A L

Past visitors to White Gallery will be

familiar with the sublime collections
from Lebanese designer Gemy Maalouf,
who grew up surrounded by the colourful
materials at her fathers fabric factory.
Little did she know as a child that
she would later embark on a life-long
journey into the world of fashion that
would one day encompass haute couture
occasionwear and the very best in bridal.
Gemys 2014 collection is far removed
from the traditional. She doesnt focus
on limited styles but allows herself the
freedom to experiment with elegant
fabrications, dazzling new cuts, and the
introduction of stunning colours.
E M M A T I N D L E Y

Emma Tindley is all about curves,
nipping in waistlines and adding
volume on the skirts; beautiful Italian
silks and shimmering beaded belts;
peplums, shtails, ballgowns and a nod
to the 30s with a capsule collection of
vintage-inspired silk crepe bias-cut
gowns. Delicate French lace creates
clever sheer necklines and colours
include sea pearl and oyster. The nale
is in the detail, tiny owers and fabulous
diamant waistlines. Emma says that
the 2014 bride will be expecting drama,
quality and statement detailing.
E L I Z A B E T H S T U A R T
Elizabeth Stuarts White Label 2014
creates sensuous contemporary
silhouettes through the use of
contrasting textures. Soft silk
crepes and delicate Chantilly laces
marry together to caress the bodys
natural curves, while intricate
back detailing and sheer panels
create a sophisticated elegance.
Hourglass silhouettes are key to
the look; tailored bodices accented
with genuine lambskin make for a
seductive combination of leather
and lace.
E M I L Y J E A N
Emily Jeans newest collection captures all
the allure and glitz of Hollywood glamour.
Featured in the range is a selection of satin
headpieces, which are overlaid with ne
lace and tulle and nished with sparkling
rhinestones to catch the light. Emily Jean
has also designed a suite of stuning bridal
belts, each made from a silk grosgrain
ribbon, embellished with Swarovski crystal
rhinestones and freshwater pearls. Expect to
see art deco references, and the introduction of
subtle shades of blush and nude.
F R E Y A R O S E

At White Gallery you will be among

the rst to discover the newest
collection from this amazing award-
winning designer who has moved bridal
footwear into a whole new spectrum.
Look out for Adore by Freya Rose, a
debuting selection of classic, dyeable
satin shoes with a range of gorgeous shoe clips, retailing
at 145-165, as well as the newcomers in the Freya Rose
Couture collection which feature the prettiest and most
extravagant embroideries. Brides today, says Freya, are
looking for something dierent and want opulence, detail
and unique designs.
G A L I A L A H A V

Galia Lahav was born in Russia and educated

in Israel. Involved in art and teaching for 15
years she moved on to designing couture bridal
and evening dresses. At White Gallery she will
introduce her St Tropez collection of body-
hugging silhouettes that softly embrace each
curve, imperial ballgowns, and statuesque red
carpet dresses, all with a wink at the
sizzling 60s. Silk satins, chions,
and French laces, tulle and dotted
net, mixed with hand-embroidered
details using crystal and pearl are
part of the glamorous mix.
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This Exclusive Designer Collection is only available at selected Bridal Boutiques.
Please contact Sebastian Diniz for an appointment.
Tel. +31 74 267 0033 Fax +31 74 267 2977 sales@sebastians.eu
2-4 MAY 2013
Exclusive Show
Barcelona
Spain
19-21 MAY 2013
White Gallery
London
United Kingdom
Please contact our
agent for details.
Invitation only.
23A75<3@<=B3A
H T H E A D W E A R

Lace is a key feature in Helena Talbots

latest collection. Working vintage
inuences into her eclectic head-
pieces, she mixes lace with other
ne fabrics and introduces beautiful
beadwork motifs to create a look that
is distinctly dierent. Favouring the
glamorous styling of the 40s and 50s,
Helena has produced a collection with
many a variable so that design details
can be mixed and matched and changed
according to taste. Also at White Gallery will
HT Headwears stunning new mother-of-the-
bride range a leap away from the traditional
hat or fascinator options.
H O L L Y W O O D
D R E A M S

Designer Marina
Adamou moves
eortlessly from
the grand, romantic
ballgowns for which
she is best known,
to red-carpet glamour that demonstrates her
ability to interchange silhouettes from the
opulent to the underplayed. Her amazing
signature beadwork, however, retains the same
condence through her main collection and
also her diusion label, Chic by Hollywood
Dreams. This year, celebrating 30 years at the
top of British bridal design, a special star gown
is expected.
H A R R I E T W I L D E

Think shoes. Think metallic brocades
and gold and silver lam fabrics,
pretty lace, soft kid suede in muted
pastel shades of pink, mint, sky and
lemon and youll be thinking Harriet
Wilde. Points with and without
platforms, a new square toe shape
and heels that range from cute and
kittenish to low block, to towering
tell the shape story while detailing
comes from fringes of ostrich feather,
metallic overlays, jewelled accents
and art deco inuences. The brand is
introducing some pretty new ats
essential extras for brides who cant
wait to get up on the dance oor.
H A L O & C O

White Gallery is the chosen

exhibition platform for this trend-
setting, marketing-leading collection
of accessories. The 2014 range,
described as feminine, classic and
full of charm by sister act Nicola and
Stephanie Ball, features never-seen-
before pieces that boast the fantastic
quality and design innovation that
have made Halo & Co an award-
winning company with a reputation
for product excellence. There is
already a buzz in the industry about
the forthcoming look that will be
unveiled at the show from Halos
intimate, new-look stand. Prepare to
be dazzled.
H A R B R I D G E & B O W E N

The launch collection from this new label

master-minded by bridal entrepreneur Diane
Harbridge and designer Sharon Bowen,
promises to be a real treat. Whats in store are
big, glamorous silk duchess satin 50s-inspired
gowns with bold repro embellishments,
slinky vintage-style gowns with exquisite
embroideries, plunging dcolletages and
backs and some stunning nishing touches
in headdresses, veils and shoes. And there
is a dreamy palette of four soft-aged tones
reminiscent of a bygone era.
Isoline Hickman and Rachel
Farrimond had a clear vision
from the start: to create a
collection that oered
alternatives so that a bride
could personalise her big-day
look. Trained in theatrical
costume design, the duo
have built a reputation and
a real following among top
retailers based on choice;
from any four dresses in
the Hazaar collection up to
12 dierent styles can be
created with the addition of,
for example, an over-skirt,
or the removal of sleeves, or
layering that adds texture.
Vintage styling, back
detailing and a refreshing
hint of colour personalise the
2014 collection.
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H A Z A A R O F L O N D O N
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I A N S T U A R T

What can you say? This

multi-award-winning
designer, who has the
catwalk at White Gallery
rocking every time, will be
delivering his best-ever
collection with extravagant
silhouettes, innovative sculpting
techniques, a breath-taking colour palette
and a play with fabrics and textures that
creates nuances of line as well as brave
decoration. For the contemporary
bride to whom a modern take on
tradition is important, Ian has created
a group of elegant, understated
gowns of outstanding quality and
luxurious fabrication
I L O V E G O R G E O U S
When you combine aah-factor with
wow-factor, you get something to
make you smile. I Love Gorgeous is
the work of owners/designers Lucy
Eneld and Sophie Worthington
who make gorgeous dresses for
little girls (and beautiful baby
bridesmaids, too). The newest
fabrics are in soft, neutral tones and
include glitter tulle and faux fur
all very grown up with texture
and sparkle. The range includes
waisted dresses for slightly older
girls and there is a fabulous style
with a full, nely-pleated skirt.
J E S U S P E I R O
The 2014 collection from Merche Segarra
is based on the traditional principles of
dressmaking, focusing on volume, rich fabrics,
rened lines and graphic detailing. Brocade
and damasks are embellished both with and
without beaded embroidery. The trims are
more discreet in this collection than previously,
giving prominence instead to the fabric. Waists
are emphasised with combined ribbons and
subtle linear embellishments; the collection also
incorporates large owers creating a pretty and
whimsical nishing touch.
J E N N Y P A C K H A M

The celebrated Jenny Packham has

invested the same passion into her
accessories collection as she does
in her award-winning occasionwear
and bridal collections. The trend
continues, she says, either for
statement, stand-alone pieces or,
conversely, for the very delicate. Look out for the Navette
Collection, with its dramatic use of the extra long navette
crystal fanning
out across the
head; the Lava
Collection with
its ve-cracked
sparkling stones
and the Button
Collection
using opals and
Swarovski buttons.
The labels best-
selling designs,
Stellina and Jewel,
will be introduced
in warm golden
tones such as light
topaz.
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I V O R Y & C O

Expect fabulous 1920s-

inspired gowns in silk
charmeuse and silk
chions with
hand beaded
detailing, chic
1950s styles with
owing silk organza
skirts, and opulent
pieces in lush Italian silk and French corded lace.
Many fabrics are unique to the label including a
magnicent peacock feather design with sparkling
illusion sequins. In accessories you will nd regal
tiaras, Grecian style headdresses, hairvines which
can be worn as a tiara, forehead embellishment,
choker or belt and jewellery, often matched up to
the detail on a gown
Tel: 0208-801-9797 | www.chicbyhollywooddreams.co.uk | enquiries@hollywooddreams.co.uk
To view our exquisite 2014 collection please call or email our ofce for an appointment
We look forward to seeing you at Stand 106
Tel: 0208-801-9797 | www.hollywooddreams.co.uk | enquiries@hollywooddreams.co.uk
To view our exquisite 2014 collection please call or email our ofce for an appointment
We look forward to seeing you at Stand 106
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L O U I S M A R I E T T E

Stocked by many of the worlds

most prestigious shops, and with
an unparalleled reputation for
elegant but exotic design, Louis
Mariettes bridal collection is a
rarity completely individual and
always striking. The 60 handmade
pieces stunning headbands , clips
and combs that will showcase at White
Gallery feature gleaming clear Swarovksi
crystals with highlights of rich colour
such as deep blue, amethyst and jet and
plating in palladium and gold. A bespoke
service is available in which pieces can be
tailored to a brides specic requirement.
K A T Y A K A T Y A
S H E H U R I N A

The inspiration behind this dramatic
brand lies in the dynamic of the
contemporary world, speed of
movement and blurred boundaries.
Feminine lace gently repeats the curves
of the body while the under dress,
crafted from contemporary micro-
bre, allows freedom in movement
and change of mood through colour.
Detachable silk collars embellished
with crystals allow a casual dress to be
transformed into a stunning evening
outt and vice versa.
J U L I A
K O N T O G R U N I
An exciting addition to White
Gallery 2013 is the Bulgarian
luxury label Julia Kontogruni.
Co-founded by Aleksandar
Tanchev and Kremena Gineva
(after whose mother the collection
is named), the look is opulent and
extravagant, using the highest
quality natural material and superb
embellishments. The t is perfect,
the workmanship exceptional and
the emphasis on detail impressive.
Denitely one to watch out for.
L I N E A R A F F A E L L I
A true European collection, using stunning
Italian, Spanish and French fabrics, Linea
Raaelli attracts a huge following. In the
latest collection silhouettes move from
body-hugging and irtatious to traditional
and voluminous with carefully planned
detailing that becomes the design highlight.
Special attention is paid to the needs and
tastes of individual markets, which no doubt
contributes to the brands escalating success.
The labels accessories shoes, bags and
stunning jewellery are irresistible.
K I S U I

Inspired by African costumes and

ctional space travels, Kerstin
Klarges is presenting a great
variety of breathtaking styles.
From pure and architectural to
ligree and heavy embellished
gowns, with silhouettes from
slinky to ball gown. Soft owing
silks are contrasted by leather
applications and romantic fabric
treatments. The styles have
the natural grace and elegance
combined with the fashionable
appeal Kisui is loved for. Kerstin
trend indicators? Fishtail
silhouettes, owing silks, heavy
embroidery and cut-out detailing.
L I T T L E B E V A N

This quintessentially
English collection
designed to make all
children look adorable, is
showing at White Gallery for the very
rst time and adding to its kiddies
classics with an enchanting selection
of dresses, Little Bevan Angel, with
that little bit extra detailed fabrics,
special trims, or a sprinkle of crystals.
Bella Bevan for teens and adults now
oers oor-sweeping gowns in all the
matching colours pretty pastels and
elegant naturals all made in London.
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N I C K I M A C F A R L A N E

The new collection from Nicki Macfarlane

features exciting new designs, fabrics and
colours. Romantic vintage lace, sumptuous
duchess satin and embellished organzas,
all with luxurious styling details such as
pearl and bead-encrusted collars and belts,
make this collection her best ever. New for
this season is a range of less-structured dresses for more
informal occasions that includes shorter bias-cut dresses
in oaty fabrics. The colour palette includes exciting jewel
colours as well as muted, natural tones.
N A O M I N E O H

Naomi Neohs new collection will continue
with her signature chion skirts, but this time
round o with the addition of incredibly light
Chantilly lace, and full lace dresses. The new
designs have taken on a softer, antique peachy
tone which is really attering and, as well as
lace details, expect subtle beading that has an
art deco feel to it. These are classic silhouettes
with quirky updates, slimmer lines and straps
and sleeves, perfect for the modern bride.
L Y N A S H W O R T H

New silhouettes and
a dreamy colour
palette of buttery
tones, pale pinks
and uttering sky
blues are adorned
with velvet and
satin ties in Sarah
Barretts 2014 Lyn
Ashworth collection. There are the
prettiest of belts and jackets with a
lustre of ne silk owers and a hint
of the most delicate sparkle and
bodices complemented beautifully
by sweeping skirts and delicate
pleats in the most exquisite of silks,
laces, crepe satin and organza,
while graceful sleeves and belts
accentuating ballgown waists are a
special feature.
L U S A N M A N D O N G U S

Across the world, this label is

gathering accolades from
happy retailers and joyous
brides. Elegant, glamorous
and sophisticated, it is an
accomplished collection,
beautifully cut, perfectly
nished, and wonderfully
detailed with stylish fabric
treatments and clever
embellishments. The vintage
references in the 2014 range
which will premiere at
White Gallery includes
crew necklines, the lace
sleeves, and peplums
in sumptuous silks,
organza, tulle
and chion
interwoven
with French lace,
crystal appliqus and embroideries.
M A L I S H E N D E R S O N

This is unquestionably one of the most

exciting accessory collections today.
Designed by Elen Henderson, who has an all-
encompassing passion for detail, elegance, and
things of beauty, it brings together a level of
craftsmanship, superior materials, and original
thinking that would be hard to surpass. Every
piece in the range be it a veil, headdress or
piece of jewellery makes its own statement
of femininity. Elen uses the nest materials
laces from France, Swarovski crystals and
pearls; the end result it stunning.
M A D E L I N E
I S A A C J A M E S

According to designer Natalie

Gladman: In 2014, brides will be
looking for beautiful silk fabrics,
excellent t and the exibility to adapt
and create new styles from one dress
with changeable elements such as
sleeves, trains, belts and corsages. Her
new collection features an abundance
of silk tulle, silk organza and silk
charmeuse in unusual silhouettes
that, however dierent, still retain
the Madeline Isaac-James signature
style, be it in full skirted formal
gowns or slinky red carpet numbers.
Embellishments are key and in
addition to touches of unusual Guipure
laces, youll see Swarovski with silk
organza and silk tulle oral elements.
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O Z L E M S U E R

The majority of the fabrics in this avant-garde collection

are specially woven and designed by zlem Ser, which
makes each gown important. The personality of the label
relates to the spectacular draping methods that are key
to the design ethos the aim here is to create never-
to-be-forgotten pieces of art, perfect in every detail. For
2014, apper-girl chic, extraordinary embellishments, and
colour are essential ingredients.
N O V I A D A R T
A long-established family business that
is run today by sisters Marta and Theresa
Raich, this is one of Spains best-loved
labels, and one that always manages to
deliver something extra special. The
2014 collection that you will see at White
Gallery is all about owing silky tulle
skirts that give a dress movement, and
snug-tting, semi-transparent bodices.
Inspired by the 20s, there are Chantilly
and blonde laces, beautiful Swiss
embroidery on silk organza, and shiny
Swarovski beads.
P A T R I C K C A S E Y
Award-winning Irish designer, Patrick Casey is
delighted to be exhibiting at the White Gallery
for the rst time. Following the success of his
previous collections, he continues to create
exquisite gowns, exceptionally unique in
design. From A-line cuts to full-circle designs,
he incorporates high-quality silk fabrics with
hand-crafted detail using both embroidered
pearls and Swarovski crystals. Trends for
2014, he says, include back focus from low to
keyhole, illusion or simply naked; and lace in
all its forms and applications.
N I C O L A
A N N E
The ripple eect of the Royal
Wedding still continues, says
designer Nicola HarveyRowley,
who believes that it has been
great for the genuine British-
designed and manufactured
couture dresses. Nicola herself is
a proponent of the English look
it is one that has characterised
her own work over the past ten
years. For the new season she has
chosen fabrics, embellishments
and laces that enhance her
distinct style and add a new layer
of interest to her classic designs.
P O L L Y E D W A R D S

In addition to her breathtaking 2014

core collection of headpieces and
jewellery, British designer Polly
Edwards will debut a new label
in her eclectic portfolio at White
Gallery. Called Headdress Heaven,
and inuenced by high fashion and
contemporary art, it features strong
modern shapes, sweeping curves and
stylish lines. Diamant and pearl are
the stars, on Pollys famed exible
and covered bases, and prices for this
diusion label reect the move to
service a wider customer base.
N Y M P H I D E S I G N S

As a newcomer to White Gallery,

Nymphi will make a big impact.
From the rural setting of southern
Greece, designer Varvara Dimitrea
has fused her inuences into a
collection of accessories that
includes adventurous shoulder
pieces and statement cus and
collars in delicate lace and matte
silks, with intricate beading and
oral accents. Hers is a look that is
edgy and modern while maintaining
a nostalgic, ethereal quality.
POLLY EDWARDS
Tiaras & Headdresses
White Gallery Stand No. 614
Tel: 01980 629886
E: info@pollyedwards.com
W: www.pollyedwards.com
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R A C H E L S I M P S O N
S H O E S

Rachels toe-tapping collection oers

the usual qualities of wearability and
understated elegance which brides expect
from this trend-setting label, but theres a
denite sprinkling of fun and individuality
for 2014! Beautifully cut 20s and 30s
silhouettes are updated in silvery greys and
warm rose golds, giving shoes a rich antique
feel. For those with
a passion for quirky
touches theres even
a cute pop of colour,
with sneaky detailing
in peach and mint,
stunningly combined
with antique metallics.
Q I A N A
The discerning bride looks for
impeccable styling, attention
to detail, luxurious fabrics, and
comfort, says Wendy Peddlesden
of the design duo behind the
new Qiana label. Handcrafting
every gown here in the UK, Qiana
is focused on classic looks and
couture detailing; the companys
Rose Collection of 20 pieces uses
the nest silk, organza and lace
and introduces exquisite full multi-
layered skirts with beautifully
structured bodices a look that
suggests the best of 50s inuences.
R A I M O N B U N D O
Once again this highly-regarded house will
present its four collections, Raimon Bundo
(classic with a twist), Ir by Bundo (boho), Kiss
(contemporary) and Victorio & Lucchino (avant
garde). Buyers can expect to see brocade and
antique laces, voluminous but lightweight
skirts and structured bodices evoking the
dierent periods of history as well as more uid
dresses in the companys signature ever-so-soft
silk tulle and lace combinations. Watch out for
some very subtle prints and vibrant accents
that can be customised.
R I T V A
W E S T E N I U S

Unquestionably the doyenne

of British bridaldesign, Ritva
Westenius, in conjunction
with her daughter Chenca
Williams, continues to thrill
audiences across the world. She
never stops, never stands still, always
innovates, always adds a sense of
magic to the design equation. For 2014
Ritva and Chenca are using marvellous
textured fabrics and unusual macram
lace be wowd by their draped silk
satin gowns, batwing sleeves and
bodices with ow. The hand-cut organza
overlays are an example of the nest
craftsmanship.
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S A D O N I

Sadoni is a family-run Norwegian company

founded by designers Trude and Hamid
Sadoni in 2003 when they returned to Oslo
after having studied and worked for several
years in Paris. In 2006, the twosome launched
their rst complete bridal collection, inspired
by their own wedding. For them, 2014 is all
about nostalgic lace with crystal details and
their signature fabric soft silk tulle that
drapes smoothly
and skims the
body. Says Trude:
Expect to nd
modern cuts,
lace and unique
detailing in 20s
and 50s- inspired
wedding gowns.
S T E P H A N I E
A L L I N

I think we will start to see a

lot more daring shapes and
unusual fabrics used, says
Stephanie Allin. I always love
experimenting with fashion-
forward designs and am pleased
to see that brides are embracing
this. Colour will be strong again in
2014 as will softer corsetry, sleeves
and lots and lots of embellishment.
The luxury sector always has a lot
to oer but this year in particular
there are the most exquisitely,
beautiful fabrics to choose from.
S A S S I H O L F O R D /
S O S A S S I
Winner this year of a clutch of
awards, including the coveted
Bridal Buyer Awards Best British
Bridal Designer title (voted for
by a clutch of top designers, the
media and industry luminaries),
Sassi Holford has much to
celebrate and her opinion is
valued on future trends. 2014, in
her eyes, is about emphasising
the beauty of the female form
by creating strong silhouettes,
pairing dened bodice shapes
with dramatic skirts. Both the
Sassi Holford and So Sassi
collections will feature a
cosmopolitan mix of gorgeous
fabrics, stylish detailing and
creative accessories.
T E R R Y F O X
Simplicity with electricity is how award winning-
designer Terry Fox describes her Jet Deco
collection. The fabrics are created by cleverly
piecing together French, beaded, Chantilly and
corded laces and combining them with rich
heavy silk satin, crepe and tulle, all layered in
varying shades of ivory with a hint of dip-dyed
pink and nude. The latest styles are shapely
from low-line shtails, to bias cuts to rustling
circulars and slinky A-lines. Terry Fox always
adds beautiful nishing touches, this time
round with a hint of deco personality featuring
elaborate belt clasps, dress clips and stunningly
dierent padded beadwork.
S T E W A R T P A R V I N

White Gallery is a must-visit for any

retailer in the luxury sector. That is the
view of Royal couturier
Stewart Parvin who
recently celebrated
the rst anniversary
of his new salon
in Londons
Beauchamp Place. His 2014
collection which will launch
at White Gallery do not
miss his opening catwalk
show on Sunday 19 May is chic,
condent and utterly luxurious with
stunning textured fabrics and bold
silhouettes leading the way. On
the catwalk you will see elegant
ballgowns, beautifully-worked
sleeves, statement straps and
some delicious twists on cover-
up options. This promises to
be a year of dierence for
this talented designer, as
he raises the bridal bar
further.
T I M E L E S S C O U T U R E

Astra Slater and Rachel Bulls Timeless

Couture collection encapsulates a
vintage-inspired modernity. Designed
and produced in their Derbyshire
Studio, every gown from their
trademark 1950s silhouettes to their
delicious play on 1920s glamour shows
the most intricate attention to detail. At
White Gallery, Timless will showcase
its template range, a collection of
structured shapes from which a bride
can create the dress of her dreams, from
classic to glitz or delicate to dramatic.
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W A T T E R S B R I D E S

Vatana Watters has been designing

gorgeous gowns for some 27 years
and has created her own niche in the
international market. Her high-end
collection, Watters Brides, is romantic,
exciting, lavish and thoroughly
contemporary. Colour is a key word
here, and Watters Brides sees reections
of pale pink sunsets and exotic lush
gardens in gowns that combine
vintage highlights with superb modern
silhouettes. Luxurious satins, exquisite
laces and soft organzas are the fabrics of
choice for the new season.
V I L L A I S
Spain is widely recognised as a
leader in luxury bridalwear and
the Villais label, designed by
Sarah Villaverde, is a favourite. In
the 2014 collection you will nd
romantic gowns with bohemian
inuences, where dierent fabrics
and laces come together to create
layers of texture, and details such
as brooches, bejewelled sashes,
crystal belts and embroidered
bridal cus show uncompromising
attention to detail. This is the
perfect combination of feminity
and sex appeal.
Y A R W O O D W H I T E
Yarwood - White oers high quality bridal
jewellery using recognisably luxurious
components that brides truly appreciate. The
new Vintage Pearl collection mixes glamour
and vintage style, and is created using a blend of
pearl, marquise and round rhinestones with tiny
crystals. This mix-and-match collection of hair
accessories, necklaces, earrings and bracelets
means each bride can create an individual
look and gives retailers plenty of options to
oer their customers. Glamour, luxury and style
are what 2014 is celebrating.
W E L O V E , Y U

Singaporean designer Ee-Lyn Tang worked in the banking

industry before pursuing her life-long passion of fashion
design. Driven by a desire to pursue her dreams, she
enrolled and graduated from the Parsons School of Design
in New York, embarked on her dream and started the label
Love, Yu in 2009. Already successful in the US and Canada,
Ee-Lyn is showing
her collection for the
rst time in the UK.
Love, Yu bridal gowns
are simple, timeless
and chic. They marry
modern silhouettes
with ne silk, French
laces and tulle. Soft,
feminine, owy silk
pieces with lace details
is what you will see at
White Gallery.
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Y O L A N C R I S

YolanCris presents a new

collection of varied styles, with
highly detailed designs and
rich handcrafted applications.
Keeping the hippie-chic and
vintage lines that have become
the brands hallmark, for this
upcoming season the Catalan
designers, sisters Yolada and
Cristina, have incorporated XXL
volumes, lingerie-inspired
romantic dresses and
overlapped shirts. Every
YolanCris creation is
hand-crafted in the
companys atelier
in Barcelona, where
every detail is
executed with true
passion.
Alan Hannah 109
Amanda Wakeley 301
Annasul Y 203
Anoushka G 204/305
Astral Sundholm
Circa Brides 100
Augusta Jones 402
Babe 701
Blue 510
Charlotte Balbier 501
Charlotte Casadjus 500
Chic by Hollywood Dreams 106
Cymbeline 104
Eliza Jane Howell 309
Elizabeth Stuart 403
Emily Jean 600
Emma Tindley 505
Freya Rose 702
Galia Lahav 502
Gemy Bridal 107
Halo & Co 612
Harbridge & Bowen 408
Harriet Wilde 708
@756B63@3
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Novia DArt 409
Nymphi 400
Ozlem Suer 504
Patrick Casey 606a
Polly Edwards 614
Qiana Bridalwear 706
Rachel Simpson 613
Raimon Bundo 102
Ritva Westenius 208/308
Sadoni 211
Sassi Holford 310
So Sassi 210
Stephanie Allin 410
Stewart Parvin 304
Terry Fox 404
Timeless Couture 200
Victorio &Lucchino Novias 102
Villias 101
Watters 509
We Love Yu 300
Yarwood White 703
Yolan Cris 105
where the
stars are
M
A
D
E
L
I
N
E

I
S
A
A
C

J
A
M
E
S
Hazaar of London 610
Hollywood Dreams 106
HT Headwear 704
I Love Gorgeous 705
Ian Stuart Bride 110
Ivory & Co Bridal 602
Ivory & Co Tiaras 602
Jenny Packham Accessories 603
Jesus Peiro 401
Julia Kontogruni 503
Katya Katya Shehurina 608
Kisui 209
Linea Raaelli 508
Little Bevan 606
Louis Mariette 707
Lusan Mandongus 202
Lyn Ashworth 303
Madeline Isaac-James 201
Malis Henderson 601
Mia Mia 108
Naomi Neoh 607
Nicki Macfarlane 611
Nicola Anne 605
Alan Hannah
t 0208 804 1444
e info@alanhannah.co.uk
w www.alanhannah.co.uk
Amanda Wakeley
t +44 (0)20 7376 3739
e sposa@amandawakeley.com
www.amandawakely.com
Annasul Y
t +852 2851 4828
e candy@lusanmandongus.com
w www.annasuly.co.uk
Anoushka G Couture
t +44 (0)20 7432 7656
e george@anoushkag.com
w www.anoushkag.com
Astral Sundholm Circa Brides
t +44 (0)20 7998 9005
e info@circabrides.com
w www.circabrides.com
Augusta Jones
T +44 (0)1273 491066
e info@augustajones.co.uk
w www.augustajones.com
Babe
t +8252 2527 0035
e wendy@babe.com.hk
w www.babe.com.hk
Blue Bridalwear
t +44 (0)29 2062 4477
e info@bluebridalwear.co.uk
w www.bluebridalwear.co.uk
Charlotte Balbier
t +44 (0)161493 2700
e charlotte@balbier-wyatt.com
w www.charlottebalbier.com
Charlotte Casadjus
t +44 (0)7814 146 577
e charlottecasadejus@gmail.com
w www.charlottecasadejus.com
Cymbeline
t +33 164 785650
e info@cymbeline.com
w www.cymbeline.com
Elizabeth Stuart
t +44 (0)1159 583211
e Elizabeth@elizabeth-stuart.com
w www.elizabeth-stuart.com
Eliza Jane Howell
t +44 (0)20 7436 2882
e info@elizajanehowell.com
w www.elizajanehowell.com
Emily Jean
t +353 91 530207
e info@emily-jean.com
w www.emily-jean.com
1=<B/1B:7AB
E538EEEE67B35/::3@G1=;
Emma Tindley
t +44 (0)1342 321514
e emmatindley@yahoo.co.uk
w www.emmatindley.co.uk
Freya Rose
t +44 (0)845 371 4466
e freya@freyarose.co.uk
w www.freyarose.co.uk
Galia Lahav
t +972 3 5273075
e info@galialahav.com
w www.galialahav.com
Gemy Maalouf Bridal
t +961 689 948
e contact@gemymaalouf.com
w www. gemymaalouf.com
Halo & Co
t +44 (0)1745 859730
e sales@haolandco.com
w www.haloandco.com
Harbridge & Bowen
t +44 (0)1829 752192
e info@harbridgeandbowen.co.uk
w www.harbridgeandbowen.co.uk
Harriet Wilde
t +44 (0)207 682 2316
e ruth@harrietwilde.com
w www.harrietwilde.com
Hazaar of London
t +44 (0)7952 235 947
e enquiries@ hazaaroondon.com
w www. hazaaroondon.com
Hollywood Dreams
t +44 (0)20 8801 9797
e marina@hollywooddreams.co.uk
w www.hollywooddreams.co.uk
HT Headwear
t +44 (0)7891 819933
e info@htheadwear.com
w www.htheadwear.com
Ian Stuart
t +44 (0)20 8761 6302
e enquiries@ianstuart-bride.com
w www.ianstuart-bride.com
I Love Gorgeous
t +44 (0)1748 837075
e wholesale@ilovegorgeous.co.uk
w www.ilovegorgeous.co.uk
Ivory & Co
t +44 (0)1684 564310
e info@ivoryandcobridal.co.uk
w www. ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk
Jenny Packham Accessories
t +44 (0)20 7428 1395
e acc@jennypackham.com
w www.jennypackham.com
Jesus Peiro
t +31 742 670 033
e sales@sebastians.eu
w www.jesuspeiro.com
Julia Kontogruni
t +359 895 412457
e sales@juliakontogruni.com
w juliakontogruni.com
Katya Katya Shehurina
t +44 (0)20 7788 722296
e marina@shehurina.com
w www.shehurina.com
Kisui
t +49 303 450 6800
e mail@kisui.de
w www.kisui.de
Linea Raaelli
t +32 1377 1476
e info@linearaaelli.com
w www.linearaaelli.be
Little Bevan
t +44 (0) 20 7821 9499
e info@littlebevan.co.uk
w www.littlebevan.co.uk
Louis Mariette
t +44 (0)20 7730 3050
e sales@louismariette.com
w www.louismariette.com
Lusan Mandongus
t +852 2851 4828
e candy@lusanmandongus.com
w www.lusanmandongus.com
Lyn Ashworth
t +44 (0)1580 761948
e sarah@lynashworth.co.uk
w www.lynashworth.co.uk
Madeline Isaac-James
t +44 (0)7976 959725
e info@madelineisaacjames.com
w www. madelineisaacjames.com
Malis Henderson
t +1 514 344 2254
e info@mhtiara.com
w www.mhiara.com
MiaMia
t 0208 804 1567
e alan@alanhannah.co.uk
w www.miamiabridal.co.uk
Naomi Neoh
t +44 (0) 20 8670 7070
e info@naomineoh.com
w www.naomineoh.com
Nicki Macfarlane
t +44 (0)1892 891 988
e charlotte@nickimacfarlane.com
w www. nickimacfarlane.com
Nicola Anne
t +44 (0)1455 250151
e info@nicolaanne.co.uk
w www.nicolaanne.com
Novia dArt
t +34 932 378 015
e info@noviadart.com
w www.noviadart.com
Nymphi Design
t +30 698 141 0311
e clare@nymphidesign.com
w www.nymphidesign.com
Ozlem Suer
t + 90 212 210 2599
e info@ozlemsuer.com
w www.ozlemsuer.com
Patrick Casey
t +353 86 8575339
e tara@tlmarketing.ie
w www.patrickcasey.ie
Polly Edwards
t 01980 629886
e info@pollyedwards.com
w www.pollyedwards.com
Qiana
t +44 (0)1323 741419
e enquiries@qianabridal.co.uk
w www.qianabridal.co.uk
Rachel Simpson Shoes
t 0121 428 2698
e info@rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk
w www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk
Raimon Bundo /
Victorio & Lucchino Novias
t +44 (0) 20 7241 4107
e anton@raimonbundo.com
w www.raimonbundo.com
Ritva Westenius
t 0207 706 0708
e enquiries@ritvawestenius.com
w www.ritvawestenius.com
Sadoni
t +47 99 60 36 29
e post@sadoni.no
w www.sadoni.no
Sassi Holford
t +44 (0)1823 256400
e info@sassiholford.com
w www.sassiholford.com
So Sassi
t +44 (0)1823 256012
e info@sosassi.co
w www.sosassi.so
Stephanie Allin
t +44 (0)1792 361477
e stephanie@stephanieallin.net
w www.stephanieallin.net
Stewart Parvin
t +44 (0)20 8838 0888
e enquiries@stewartparvin.com
w www.stewartparvin.com
Terry Fox
t +44 (0)1284 752191
e terryfoxhautecouture@btinternet.com
w www.terryfox.co.uk
Timeless Couture
t +44 (0)1629 825974
e info@timelesscouture.co.uk
w www.timelesscouture.co.uk
Villais
t +34 893 300644
e villais@villais.com
w www.villais.com
Watters
t +44 (0)1792 564710
e rachel@watters.com
w www.watters.com
We Love Yu
t +65 96269345
e eelyn@weloveyu.com
w www.weloveyu.com
Yarwood White
t +44 (0)7718 291415
e discover@yarwood-white.com
w www.yarwood-white.com
YolanCris
t +34 93 296 94 68
e info@yolancris.com
w www.yolncris.es
directory
J
E
S
U
S

P
E
I
R
O
4/ABB/:97<5
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The jewellery designer who thinks big and positively sparkles
Did you set off in life to be a
jewellery designer?
No it was about fashion for me
and I wanted to be Christian Dior.
So what attracted you to bridal
was it all that sparkle?
It was being able to work in a 3D
way that I liked and of course the
all the pretty things.
What was your rst job?
Proper job? Well, I worked as a
nurse in a Geriatric hospital. I
loved it
Describe the rst headdress you
ever made?
It was covered in limpet shells
that I painted gold and beaded
around. Oooooh how things have
changed.
How would you rate it now?
I wouldnt!
How many pieces do you sell a
year and how many stockists do
you have?
1,200 pieces and 55 stockists.
How many new pieces will you
be showing at White Gallery?
About 30 give or take 20!
Whats the starting point
for each collection do you
on the phone to...
EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;37
instinctively know the direction
you are taking or does it evolve?
It is both. I know where I am
going to start and then it grows
and forms into new things.
Tell us about the new line you
are introducing at White Gallery
in May.
Headdress Heaven is modern and
sparkly hitting the 90-150 price
point but made with the PE base
and t exability on your head.
What are your own, very
favourite materials?
Big shards of Swarovski diamant
that frighten everybody else.
Have tastes changed a lot since
you started?
Hugely for the better. 10mm
pearls are just toooo big!!!
How much was the most
expensive piece you have made?
Mega crystal huge thing for
1,800.
Whats your favourite colour?
Electric blue
And perfume?
Its a secret weapon thats not the
name!
And ower?
Gloriosa Lillies - they are
fabulous.
Who would you most like
to make a headdress for?
Paloma Faith
38 EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
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8
AVID BOWIE NEVER LOOKED SO COOL
as when he danced with the microphone
in the video for his 1979 hit single Boys
Keep Swinging. Stick-thin and dressed
in an immaculate, close-tting charcoal
grey suit, all four limbs oscillating to the
beat, he sung from beneath a huge
quiff about the joys of dressing smartly:
Clothes always t you/ Life is a pop of the cherry
when youre a boy/ When youre a boy you can wear
a uniform/ When youre a boy, other boys check you
out, you get a girl/ These are your favourite things
when youre a boy.
And then, just in case you fear the worlds
most notorious androgyne might be
getting a bit too macho for his own good,
suddenly, onto the screen strut three more
characters, all played by Bowie in drag. Theres
the beehive-haired drag queen with attitude,
the ginger, long-haired drag queen and the OAP
drag queen with a walking stick.
Its classic Bowie, messing with ideas of fashion
and gender. You could argue that this short lm
encapsulates the pop stars attitude towards fashion as
a whole: most of the time he looks super-cool and way
ahead of his era. The rest of the time hes completely
bonkers.
Any analysis of David Bowies fashion style needs to
consider these two extremes. Hes simply too much of a
chameleon to pin down sartorially. As Mark Paytress,
author of the excellent 2000 book Bowie Style, writes:
An impeccably groomed Mod and Millennium Man
technophile. A riot of sexual confusion and a tanned,
uncomplicated symbol of Eighties wealth. For four
decades, David Bowie has been rock musics most
conspicuous mannequin and creator of fabulous fads
and fashions and outlived them all.
H<9
KCK=9
:57HCF
Not only was David Bowie one of the
most important musicians of the 20th
Century. He also had a massive inuence
on fashion, especially in the eld of
formalwear. Dominic Bliss visits his new
V&A exhibition and assesses his sartorial
impact on the world of menswear
EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;39
16/<57<5/BB7BC23A
On display right now at the David Bowie Is exhibition
at Londons Victoria & Albert Museum are the most
unforgettable of those fads and fashions. Some of them are
as much a part of Bowies identity as his music: the 1972
Ziggy Stardust jumpsuit, designed by Freddie Burretti; the
1973 Aladdin Sane striped bodysuit by Kansai Yamamoto;
the man dress by Michael Fish for 1971 album The Man
Who Sold the World; the 1980 Pierrot costume by Natasha
Korniloff for 1980s Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).
2@3AA7<5B63>/@B
Put aside for a minute, if you can, these weirdly wonderful
creations. That was the early 1970s. Either side of that
period Bowie dressed much more snappily, much more
smartly, much more like a straight man. Look at his
early career, in the 1960s, pre-Ziggy Stardust, when he
was a Mod and in a band called the Kon-rads. But not a
pill-popping, scooter-riding, parka jacket-wearing Mod.
Bowie was much too sophisticated for all that. As he later
reminisced, These werent the anorak Mods on scooters.
They wore very expensive suits;
very, very dapper. And make-up was
an important part of it. Lipstick,
blush, eye-shadow and out-and-
out pancake powder. It was very
dandied.
Even then, Bowie was desperate
to break away from his
drab suburban roots in
Bromley, in south-east
London. I liked Italian
stuff, he said. I liked
the boxed jackets and the
mohair. You could get some
of that locally in Bromley
but not very good. Youd have to
go right up to Shepherds Bush
or the East End.
He shared a tailor with Marc
Bolan, lead singer of T-Rex, well
before either man had become a household name. For
an early appearance on live TV, on the pop show
Ready Steady Go!, Bowie had a tweed, double-
breasted suit specially made by Burtons. Granted,
he wasnt yet collaborating with world-famous
designers, but it was a start.
Fast forward through the Ziggy years and
Bowie enters the mid-1970s wearing outts much
more palatable to the mainstream world. (Just
about.) In 1974, off-stage during the Diamond Dogs
tour, he sported a feminine double-breasted mustard-
coloured Freddie Burretti suit that, 37 years later, had a
direct inuence on Phoebe Philos autumn 2011 collection
for the Celine label.
On stage during the same tour, Bowie took on the Puerto
Rican look with boxed jackets and pegged trousers. Later
that year he wore a beautiful Yves Saint Laurent suit with
his hair layered and parted to the side. 40 years later you
can see this look still inuencing Yves Saint Laurents
creative director Hedi Slimane, especially in her 2013
spring-summer womens collection.
I like to keep my group well dressed, Bowie said at
the time. Im out to bloody well entertain, not just get up
on stage and knock out a few songs. Im the last person
to pretend Im a radio. Id rather go out and be a colour
television set.
Bowies Thin White Duke character, in 1976, looked like
he had stepped straight out of 1930s Weimar Republic
Germany. Flirting with the politics of the far right, it
combined slicked back hair with tight trousers and shirts
a precursor to the heroin chic look of the 1990s. At the
time, Bowie had a few drug problems of his own.
AB/@B7<5/4/A67=<;=D3;3<B
In 1980, with the release of his
Ashes to Ashes video, he unleashed
his most inuential fashion style of
all. Costing 250,000 to produce (at
the time the most expensive music
video ever made), it featured Bowie
in his Pierrot costume and members
of Londons Blitz nightclub scene as
extras.
The look of the video was so
different, so revolutionary, that it
spawned the British sub-culture
known as the New Romantics which
would dominate the fashion scene
in the early 1980s. You could argue
that this New Romantic movement
might never have happened without
Bowie.
I was amazingly gratied with
the white trousers which were
cut like Jacobean trousers, Bowie said of his Pierrot
costume. I couldnt believe Id just changed the shape of
what everyone was wearing. All the Futurists and New
Romantics came from that.
It was around this time that Bowie really started to make
an impact on formal menswear, too. The pastel-coloured
suits and shirts, the ties and the braces of his stage outts
for the 1983 Serious Moonlight Tour were emulated (in a
much more sober way, of course) by the stockbrokers and
yuppies of the City of London and Wall Street. And you
cant go to an evening do nowadays without spotting some
precocious teenager in black tie with his bowtie undone
and draped nonchalantly about his neck, just like Bowie
in the early 1980s.
I like to keep my
group well dressed,
Bowie said at the time.
Im out to bloody well
entertain, not just get
up on stage and knock
out a few songs. Im the
last person to pretend
Im a radio. Id rather
go out and be a colour
television set
>
Even as he entered the 1990s, and his fth
decade, Bowies sartorial inuence continued.
Tempered by middle age, his suits and jackets
tended to outnumber the outrageous costumes.
There were the Thierry Mugler suits, Hermes
shirts and Jean-Paul Gaultier glasses he wore
with his new band Tin Machine in the early
1990s. And the Alexander McQueen
brocade coats, the distressed frock
coats and tailcoats and, most famous
of all, the Union Jack frock coat
that Bowie wore on the cover of
his Earthling album later that
decade. That look denitely had an
inuence on the wedding suits of
certain British bridegrooms in the
late 1990s and early 2000s. Few of
them pushed the envelope quite as
far as Bowie did but some of them
got pretty close.
I wanted to recontextualise
Pete Townshends jacket of the
1960s, Bowie said of that Union
Jack number. But then I got a
bit carried away and thought it
would look rather nice as a frock
coat. Then Alex got even further
carried away and cut bits of it up.
/2;7@32
Virtually everyone in the industry has
praised Bowie as the perfect clothes
horse. As Annie Lennox, who obviously
once fancied herself as a bit of a Thin
White Duchess, said: Thank God for
David Bowie who lifted us from the
drabness of suburbia.
Fashion designer Tommy Hilger
admitted he had been inspired by the
boy from Bromley: Its not just the
mass marketers who make fashion,
its the stars. Bowie and Madonna are
geniuses at this. They are the ones
who make us all try harder.
Film director John Landis admired
Bowies suits so much that he suggested
the singer was better dressed than any
man since Fred Astaire.
But when you have the skinny frame
and angular cheekbones that Bowie
was born with, isnt it easy to look
great in any outt? Bowie was in fact
much more than a hanger on which
to suspend beautiful costumes. It was
An outt is much more
than just something to
wear. Its about who you
are, its a badge and it
becomes a symbol
the way he wore them, the way he moved
in them, the way he sang in them, the way
he danced in them. The Guardians fashion
editor, Jess Cartner-Morley, says that what
rst made her realise the importance of
Bowies contribution to fashion was his
instinct for line, silhouette and pose, an
innate understanding of how to shape his
body for effect.
In 1980, at the start of the decade
during which he would revolutionise
mens formalwear, Bowie released a single
called Fashion. Read the lyrics and youre
not quite sure whether he is admiring or deriding
the fashion industry. Fashion Turn to the left/
Fashion Turn to the right/ We are the goon squad/
And were coming to town/ Beep-beep. Beep-beep.
Other song lyrics are equally ambivalent. In 1971s
Queen Bitch he spits: Shes so swishy in her satin
and tat/ In her frock coat and bipperty-bopperty
hat/ Oh God, I could do better than that.
In Space Oddity, his 1969 breakthrough single,
he correctly predicted how his future audiences
would obsess over which clothing labels he
preferred: This is Ground Control to Major
Tom/ Youve really made the grade/ And
the papers want to know whose shirts you
wear/ Now its time to leave the capsule if
you dare.
As you exit the David Bowie Is exhibition
at the V&A theres a huge collage on the
wall ashing photos and lm clips that
illustrate the mans massive inuence
on fashion and visual art. Its a catwalk
of just about everyone whos anyone
in the fashion industry, with Bowie-
inspired designs from the likes of
Jean-Paul Gaultier, Balmain, Miu Miu,
Lady Gaga, Victorias Secret, Dries van
Noten, Lanvin, Kate Moss in Vogue and
Givenchy.
Bowie obviously knew, right from the
start of his career in the 1960s, that the
music on its own wasnt enough. The
visual side of his art, and especially
the fashion, was just as important to
the overall effect.
An outt is an entire life
experience, he once said. An outt
is much more than just something
to wear. Its about who you are, its a
badge and it becomes a symbol. 00
David Bowie Is exhibits at Londons
V&A until 11 August 2013.
40 EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
16/<57<5/BB7BC23A
Rosa Couture
www.rosacouture.com | info@rosacouture.com
01189 885344 07713 278352
42EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
bYk
fYhU]`Yfg
Being shortlisted for an award is a real
achievement, and the six Best New
Retailer nalists at BBEH this March were
absolutely thrilled with the accolade. We
caught up with them to discover what
caught the judges attention
THE BEST OF THE

`
I am contactable 24/7 and brides
know they can trust me to deliver on a
promise. Many of them have
become friends
a
The Bridal Room
Reigate, Surrey
Opened: March 2011
Opening hours: 9-3 Mondays to
Saturday; evenings and Sundays
by appointment
Collections: Sincerity, Justin
Alexander, Jasmine Bridal, White
Rose, Venus, Christina Rossi,
Sweetheart
Formerly a management
accountant, Sharon Bradford fell
into bridal when her youngest
child went to school. After
managing a shop for a couple of
years she was ready for her own
challenge and when the premises
became free everything fell into
place. She did all the decorating
herself, living at the shop for
weeks to get the look she wanted.
A lovely location and rst-
class customer service are what
make The Bridal Room special. I
believe that every bride should be
treated to a wonderful experience,
regardless of size or budget. I am
contactable 24/7 and brides know
they can trust me to deliver on a
promise. Many become friends.
Whats hot? Lace has been very
popular this year. Brides are loving
the gure-hugging silhouettes and
the great designs. Elegance and
sophistication are key!
Most memorable sale? One bride
bought a dress in just 25 minutes!
Another, who owns a local coffee
shop, brings me cakes every time
she passes fantastic cakes but not
so great for the gure!
What made you enter for the
award? My husband encouraged
me. Hes seen how hard Ive worked
to make the shop a success and
wanted this to be acknowledged.
Future plans? To continue
stocking great designers and
offering something for everyone.
I also intend to take on some staff
and perhaps offer some mother-of-
the-bride outts!.
:=D3A7B3A
EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;43
Stourbridge, West
Midlands
Opened: February 2011
Opening hours: 9-5 Monday
and Wednesday; 9-8 Tuesday
and Thursday; 9-5.30 Friday
and Saturday
Collections: Bridal So Sassi,
Madeline Isaac James, Martina
Liana, Paloma Blanca, Mon
Cheri, Augusta Jones, Lou Lou,
Marylise, Rembo, Impression
Bridal
Bridesmaids LouLou, Alexia
Designs, True, Impression
Mother of the Bride LAtelier,
Mascara, Paul Vasseur, Sarah
Danielle
Shoes Rainbow, Diane Hassell
Accessories Richard Designs,
Ivory and Co, Miranda Templeton,
Nieve
Tracie Homer had previously
run a venue-dressing company
but her real love is bridal fashion
and it was a natural progression
to open her own store, while
keeping her hand in the original
business. Our philosophy is that
everything about getting married
should be enjoyable. Whether or
not brides end up buying from us
they always recommend our store
as a must visit. We offer a really
wide range of gowns something
for everyone instead of the
standard similar gowns offered by
many other bridal stores. Being
able to co-ordinate the rest of the
wedding stationery, owers and
venue dressing makes us one
of the most diverse stores in the
country.
Whats hot? Everyone is lace
mad at the moment! Short vintage
gowns are also popular.
Most memorable sale? A man
phoned from South Korea who
`
Whether or not
brides end up buying
from us, they always
recommend our store
as a must visit. We
offer a really wide
range of gowns
something for everyone
instead of the standard
similar gowns offered
by many others a
wanted a dress for his sister. He
said that no other shop would
speak to him. He ew in and we
found lots on our sale rail to meet
the requirements. He bought ve
gowns and spent over 5,000.
What made you enter for the
award? We are proud of what
we have achieved in such a short
space of time and we wanted to
shout about it.
Future plans? Cementing our
position and expanding our
storage area to give more sales
space.
Georgina Scott Bridal
>
Royal Tunbridge Wells,
Kent
Opened: September 2011
Opening hours: 10-5 Monday to
Friday; 9-5 Saturdays; late nights
by appointment
Collections: So Sassi, Paloma
Blanca, Charlotte Balbier, Enzoani,
Nicola Anne, Martina Liana,
Sophia Tolli, La Sposa, the LM
Collection by Lusan Mandongus.
Soon after searching for bridal
accessories for her own wedding,
Rebecca Doyle launched Chez Bec,
the multi award-winning bridal
jewellery and accessory brand and
soon began to dream of owning
her own bridal boutique. One of
our rst brides coined the phrase
The Isabella Grace Experience
to express that we had given her
the ultimate shopping experience
and this is our aim. We believe
that choosing a wedding dress is
a girls most important shopping
decision. We listen, advise and
reassure both the bride and her
guests we not only go the extra
mile, we outstrip it! We tripled in
size within a year of opening.
Whats hot? Our brides want
chic, classic and elegant soft
laces, tulle and silks are the order
of the day and denitely no frills!
Most memorable sale? One
morning a bride was waiting
outside the shop with her mother,
both in oods of tears the
wedding was that Saturday and
the dress she had bought from
another boutique had been ruined
by the seamstress. We made it our
mission to nd her a new dream
dress and we let her have one of
our favourite samples, which she
fell in love with. We received a
case of Champagne the following
Monday as a thank you!
What made you enter for the
award? We are utterly passionate
about what we do and would
absolutely love to be recognised
for our outstanding service and
shopping experience.
Future plans? We have big
expansion plans but were
keeping them under wraps until
everything has been signed.
Isabella Grace
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Shefeld, South Yorks
Opened July 2011
Opening hours: 10-5.30 Tuesday
to Saturday; brides can make
evening appointments and early
morning ones too
Collections: Bridal Sassi Holford,
Jenny Packham, Stephanie Allin,
Claire Pettibone and Cymbeline
Accessories HM Veils, Polly
Edwards, Jenny Packham, Debbie
Carlisle, Sasso
Shoes Rachel Simpson
When Chloe Curry was studying
for a psychology degree and
planning her own wedding
she became interested in the
wedding industry, in particular
the psychological and emotional
effects of marriage, including the
White Room Bridal
search for the perfect gown. The
White Room is my interpretation
of how bridal should be done
for the bride of today creative,
innovative and inspiring. As
a lover of music, individuality,
people and fashion, I blended all
my passions together in creating
the shop. The styling we offer and
the designers we champion set us
apart locally; we pride ourselves
on being a fashion boutique that
specialises in bridal. Styled shoots,
social media presence, statement
window dressing and strong
branding make us stand out.
44EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
Newcastle Under Lyme,
Staffordshire
Opened: in January 2011
Opening hours: 10-5 Tuesday
to Friday; 9.30-4.30 Saturday;
Wednesday evenings by
appointment; alternate Tuesday
evenings for ttings and
alterations
Collections: Bridal Amanda
Wyatt, Benjamin Roberts, Justin
Alexander, Kay Mason Bridal,
Mark Lesley, MGNY by Madeline
Gardner, St Patrick by Pronovias,
Veromia Couture by Jason
Jennings.
Bridesmaids Dessy
Accessories Emmerling, Amanda
Wyatt, Richard Designs, Paradox,
Rainbow Club
Elle Hallam has a background in
customer service and retail but
missed the customer connection
the higher she progressed. When
a local retailer was closing down
her bridal business she took it
over. We strive to go that extra
mile and we treat every bride
with the same honesty, care and
respect regardless of her budget,
size or needs. Our passion for
customer service makes our brides
feel that they will get cared for
from beginning to end. We are
regularly complimented on our
window displays and our lovely
atmosphere and we have free
parking right outside.
Whats hot? Lace, sleeves and
Whats hot? Slimmer cuts,
steering away from strapless.
Lace is huge. The 1920s and
1930s inuences are really
apparent too.
Most memorable sale? One bride
fell in love with Stephanie Allins
Hayworth, which we paired with
Jenny Packham statement head
pieces and cuff. She just got the
White Room concept the fashion
take on bridal and worked with
me all the way through. Her
Elle Louise
`
We strive to go that extra mile and we treat
every bride with the same honesty, care and
respect regardless of her budget a
`
As a lover of music,
individuality, people
and fashion, I blended
all my passions
together in creating
the shop a
:=D3A7B3A
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Opened October 2011
Opening hours: 10-4.30
Tuesday to Friday; 9-6
Saturday;evenings by
appointment
Collections: Bridal Stewart
Parvin, Caroline Castigliano,
Lusan Mandongus, Sanyukta
Shrestha, Sarah Seven, Ivy &
Aster plus capsule collections
from Belle & Bunty and
Reddoll.
Bridesmaids Two Birds
With their combined skills of
fashion styling and graphic
design, Nicole Stillman and
Helena Truett had the perfect
foundation on which to open a
boutique. They had clear ideas
on what they felt the bridal
industry needed and were
excited to create something for
a more fashion-forward bride.
We bring a new approach to
the bridal industry. Froufrou
has a distinct style and offers
bridalwear that is refreshingly
original or sympathetically
vintage. Every aspect of the
experience from the interior
design to the cupcakes
and Champagne, plus our
outstanding professional and
Froufrou
personal attention makes us
different. Froufrou Bridal is not
only about the gowns it sells
it also encompasses a creative
approach to life.
Whats hot? A-line and relaxed,
oaty styles. Lace is still very
popular and we are seeing lots of
straps, little cap sleeves or full-
length sleeves.
Most memorable sale? A bride
whose father was very ill had to
bring the wedding forward and
had just six weeks to organise
it! Despite the circumstances she
father then died suddenly before
her wedding and she walked
down the aisle alone with such
poise, I was so proud.
What made you enter for the
award? We wanted to show that
we are here to be noticed and that
bridal in the North is strong,
modern and current.
Future plans? To continue to
grow and develop The White
Room brand to be one of the top
names in the UK.
was the most smiling, relaxed and
happy bride weve had! She found
a sensational Sarah Seven gown,
and a few fabulous accessories and
she looked stunning.
What made you enter for the
award? We wanted to gain
recognition for offering brides
something more than the
stereotype of a traditional bridal
boutique.
Future plans? To continue
to offer the best experience we
can with the best selection of
handpicked dresses.
straps. Full skirts and romantic
layers of tulle and organza.
Natural waists and bridal belts.
Most memorable sale? A bride
who chatted to our team at a
wedding fayre about a dress on
display came into the shop that
afternoon and put a deposit down
straight away. She came back in
that evening to try the dress on,
loved it, and placed an order for
her gown, accessories and shoes
and even chose her bridesmaid
dress because she loved how
special we made her feel. She
had only booked the venue that
morning!
What made you enter for the
award? A little curiosity and
a huge amount of passion. We
thought it would be a nice way to
show our customers how much
their complimentary feedback
means to us.
Future plans? To provide more
changing areas. A new website is
also under way.
`
Froufrou Bridal
Boutique is not only
about the gowns it
sells it also
encompasses a creative
approach to life a
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For the rst time, there will be a mid-season bridal show in London where you will
be able to see the latest collections from a select group of manufacturers, months earlier than
usual. Olympia is the venue; 19-21 May is the date; autumn is the promised delivery
Where and when
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Accommodation
Contact Reservation Highway for
accommodation bookings and take
advantage of great deals like these:
Burns Hotel Kensington:
from 99/night
Hilton London Olympia:
from 174/night
K West Hotel & Spa:
from 153/night
Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa:
from 239/night
Sloane Square Hotel:
from 253/night
Wyndham Grand London:
from 222/night
+44 (0) 1423 525577 /
bookings@reservation-highway.co.uk
for further information
Shuttlebus
Every 30 minutes there will be a
special exhibition shuttle bus running
between the London Bridal Fair at
Olympia (at the entrance to Upper West
Hall) and White Gallery in Battersea, a
journey of just 15 minutes.
Eats
The London Bridal Show will
be serving delicious food
and drinks all day,
from the famous
Leiths kitchens.
Free self-serve
tea and coffee
will be available
throughout the
show.
Join us at the
London Bridal Show
party on Sunday 19
May for zz and nibbles to
celebrate a successful rst day.
ALFRED SUNG For 2014 Alfred Sung
has really pushed the boundaries in bridging
the gap to couture. Using some of the nest
fabrics, crystals and fresh water pearls, the
hand-stitched detailing is quite exquisite.
These designs are eye catching, and have
brought some much-needed fresh styles to this
season. The companys plus size collection,
Callista has done it again with breathtaking
designs previously reserved for smaller brides,
at the same time staying true to its principles
of ensuring comfort and amazing value.
BENJAMIN ROBERTS A big story here,
from a big and beautiful portfolio of brands.
Expect classic Benjamin Roberts elegance
from this award-winning label that features
rich fabrics with plenty of sparkle and that
all-important perfect t, and chic, feather-light
gowns from Tia by Benjamin Roberts, the
number one choice for destination weddings
and also a favourite with younger brides.
The fabulous ranges, from Watters, one of the
hot names in the US and Europe, covers the
contemporary Wtoo Brides collection designed
for fashion-forward brides working to a budget
and the lovely Wtoo Maids; Maids, known
for its luxurious silk fabrics, vibrant colours,
attering shapes and soft lace; and Seahorse,
The players
19 21 May 2013
London Olympia
Fast
track entry
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a collection of adorable dresses designed for
starry-eyed princesses. Do check out the other
two collections Collection 20 for mothers of
the bride and groom and stylish guests, and
Encore for perfect occasion and honeymoon
wear.
CRYSTAL VALLEY Crystal Valley London
is a specialist company designing jewellery
and accessories for brides, bridesmaids
and mother of the bride. With almost a
decade of experience in the eld, this
label has a pretty good idea of what
its retailers want and their customers
love. Swarovski crystals and pearls
are a key feature here and worked
beautifully into the newest
collection which includes plenty
of vintage avouring. Bird cages
and vine headbands are new to the
line up which you will see in full at
Olympia.
DEMETRIOS The look here is
romantic yet sophisticated,
playing with silhouettes and
illusion in a variety of fabrics
and surface decoration. Styles
range from the full-skirted ballgowns in
rich laces to the sleek sophisticated shtails
with waist detailing. Form-tting organza
rufes feature alongside slinky lace skirts
with illusion necklines. The classic Demetrios
beaded tulle is also featured a rm favourite
for the bride who wants to sparkle!
ELIZABETH DICKENS Leading veil
manufacturer Elizabeth Dickens have
joined the exhibitor list for the new
London Bridal Show. More than 20
lace-trimmed veils including beaded
and sequined statement designs will
be featured at the show, along with
the vast majority of their extensive
collection of classic styles.
ETERNITY GROUP This
seasons Art Couture collection
is full of romantic promise.
Delicate lace offers a vintage
feel, while cutting edge new
fabrics give the simplest dress
a designer feel. Silhouettes
include diaphanous slim gowns
that hint of a bygone era,
plus romantic full skirts.
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A selection of jackets, wraps and belts have
been introduced to accessorise to the max.
As expected of this label, value for money,
beautiful construction and intricate detail
prevail.
Meanwhile, Eternity Bridal is introducing a
fabulous selection of bridal dress accessories to
complement the stunning gowns. Lace jackets
are set off with diamante encrusted belts while
simple boleros add a touch
of class. The main collection
has strong handwriting
and fantastic silhouettes are
highlighted with beautiful
fabrics and eye-catching detail.
With the trend for vintage
and everything Downton,
Pretty Maids has kept bang
on trend with its latest
bridesmaid collection. Soft
chiffon dresses with capped
sleeves, soft corsages and
draped fabric not only offer
the period style, but will atter
the wearer. Pretty Maids also
encapsulates the modern
look, whether its short and
sassy or a full-length dress,
with a huge range of
colour and fabrics.
IMPRESSION BRIDAL Following
a small preview of Cristiano Lucci at
Harrogate, just enough to whet the
appetite, the label will be fully launched
at the London Bridal Show. Featuring
a mix of timeless staples and latest
trends the emphasis is on simplicity,
improved t (less construction and better cut)
and ground-breaking micro beading. Picked by
the press as a highlight at Harrogate, this one
is a real winner.
In the Impression range, expect to see tulle,
lace and illusion necklines, while
Davinci, the commercial mid-market collection
in the portfolio, promises some dazzling new
pieces that are price-accessible and utterly
want-able.
JASMINE The scene is set for Jasmines
strongest ever collection of bridal gowns from
top-selling lines Jasmine Couture
and Collection by Jasmine.
Timeless pieces will be showcased
with a strong classical signature
and a smattering of the retro.
Whats fab about these designs
is that the same attention to detail
is shown to the back as the front.
Theres an array of straps and
sexy keyholes that will take any
brides breath away. Stunning
lace, clever cuts and great detail
give the collections a slight
vintage couture look and yet
prices are keen.
At The London Bridal Show you
will also see Jasmines stunning
occasionwear collections, Jade
and Black Label, as well as
maids collections, Jasmine B2
and Belsoie both of which offer
versatility with every design available in child
sizes 4 to 16 years and a choice of colours
and fabrics; best sellers can even be cut as
maternity gowns, to order.
Also showcasing for the rst time will be a
new line designed to compete with high street
offerings.
JUPON Jupon will continue delivering
its new concept to the bridal shops across
the country, introduced at Harrogate March
and featuring a number of beautiful lingerie
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The industry says
The London Bridal Show is a necessity
in order for the British bridal industry to
evolve. Geographically, its ideal to balance
the demands of our stockists in the South.
Michelle ONeill, Alfred Sung / Callista
This show gives
southern retailers
the chance to
view the latest
collections. And
we can catch up
with stockists to
see how the season
is progressing.
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collections as well at petticoats, veils, head-
pieces and accessories. The body shapers line
is a real hit, helping create smoother lines
essential with the new seasons body-skimming
gowns but we reckon the pretty, bejewelled
bras and knickers are what every bride wants,
too, and every shop can sell with ease.
LILLIAN WEST Newly-launched Lillian
West enters the bridal fashion scene with a
fresh approach on classic gowns. The Spring
2014 collection features classic lines in rich
satins, re-embroidered ne laces and soft
romantic fabrics. Each style features stunning
details that create exclusive works of art with
chic illusion necklines,
plunging gowns
with low backs, and
beautiful classic
lace silhouettes.
MODECA Modeca
has been supplying
the nest bridal
boutiques throughout
Europe for over
70 years.
Imagination
becomes reality
with high-quality
fabrics, soft laces
and stunning
embellishments. Style,
grace and charm meet
perfect silhouettes and
great nishes in soft
tulles, satin and laces.
The magnicent
lace bridal gowns promise to be the
highlight of the collection with lavish
embroideries and embellishments making
each gown a showpiece.
NATRAJ Well-priced jewellery and clutch
bags can be found in the large and colourful
collection from this Harrogate favourite.
Look out for new textures that
add interest, and some lovely hair
accessories.
PERFECT BRIDAL SHOES This
value-for-money range, which never
compromises on quality or detailing,
is launching its latest collection
where youll nd must-have vintage
styling and plenty of bling for those
who want to positively sparkle.
Look out for trend-setting futuristic
styles and also the sister brand, VT
Collection, of prom and occasionwear
shoes.
SOPHIA & CAMILLA A new
name to the scene is Sophia &
Camilla, a private collection offering
great quality, cost and turnaround
times (standard delivery is eight
weeks). The unique A La Carte by
Sophia & Camilla gives brides the
opportunity to build their dress by choosing
from a great assortment of silhouettes,
multiple fabrics, two back options and a variety
of accessories.
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The London Show is good for our stockists in the South of the country.
Time away from their shops is difcult, so being south means it is
easier for them. Giles Turner, Eternity
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become a key daLe ln Lhe calendar lor
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The London Bridal
Show gives suppliers
and buyers a great
opportunity to get
in touch with each
other to concentrate
on business. The
bridal industry needs
a fresh business
platform in London
as this is the right
place to be at this
time in the season.
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AN INTIMATE MID-SEASON PREVIEW OF SPRING/SUMMER 2014
EXHIBITORS: ALFRED SUNG ART COUTURE B2 BY JASMINE BELSOIE BY JASMINE BENJAMIN ROBERTS BJEM LINGERIE CALLISTA CARNIVAL LINGERIE
COLLECTION 20 CRISTIANO LUCCI CRYSTAL VALLEY LONDON DAVINCI DEMETRIOS DESTINY ELIZABETH DICKENS ENCORE ETERNITY BRIDAL IMPRESSION
BRIDAL JADE BY JASMINE JASMINE BLACK LABEL JASMINE COLLECTION JASMINE COUTURE JUPON LILLIAN WEST MASTERHAND MODECA NATRAJ
PERFECT BRIDAL SHOES SEAHORSE SOPHIA & CAMILLA BRIDAL STICKY STRAPS TIA TWILIGHT DESIGNS WATTERS MAIDS WTOO BRIDES WTOO MAIDS
For stand enquiries please contact Georgia Pick on +44 (0) 1423 770 120 / georgia@bridal-uk.com
Register online today at www.bbeh.co.uk/london-bridal-show
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Get a FIRST LOOK of 2014 spring/summer collections!
Stay ahead of the game and dont miss out on this mid-season preview.
Over 35 new collections will be showcasing from the industrys biggest labels.
Can you afford not to be there?
E

5
B63@756BMESSAGE
l entered the BridaI Buyer Awards Best RetaiIer
Website category but didn't make it to the
shortIist. l spent ages Iooking at the websites of
the hnaIists - aII of them are exciting and different
and professionaI-Iooking. l reaIIy need to start
from scratch. Are there ten top tips that you couId
pass on7 l'm pretty good on my PC and have a
good eye, but l don't know where to start. Can
l go it aIone, and if not, how do l hnd the right
company - and what sort of budget wiII l need7
First of all, stay positive with the right tools, anyone can
make their website look exciting and professional. Start
by thinking about your brand and how best to showcase
it online. If the USP is stocking
vintage dresses, your website will
need a vintage feel, or if youre
positioning your business as the
luxury bridal brand, your online
presence should feel and look
luxurious too.
Publishing tools like WordPress
and Wix are a great starting point to
design and create your own site for
little cost, but its worth investing
in your website as a marketing tool,
such is the power of the internet
today.
Theres no shame in taking
inspiration from other wedding
brands who you think have got
good websites, as long as you dont lift ideas directly from
them. If they paid a company to design and publish their
site, it should be listed in the footer of their pages, and if
you like that site it could be worth contacting the same
company to discuss your own ideas and budget. Costings
will differ from website to website, but the important thing
to remember is that your website should express the values
and message of your brand.
l'd Iike to get invoIved in some sort of
charity work via my business. Have you got any
suggestions of what l couId do on my website to
raise funds for a good cause, and can you advise
on the IegaIities pIease7
Using your website as a platform to raise funds for charity
is a great thing to do, and it can be done in one of two
ways: you could fundraise directly on your website, or you
could use your site to raise awareness and push visitors to
fundraising pages already established. If you want to do the
former, youll need to add a payment method to your web
page, which can be done using a service like PayPal. Then
you could run a charity event in your premises, perhaps an
evening of Champagne and nibbles where brides could see
McimcifkYVg]hY
Welcome to Victoria Joy, our new expert on all things online.
As the web editor ofYou & Your Wedding, she knows her stuff
and is ready to take on the challenge of your questions
new dresses on offer and even meet other local wedding
suppliers, with tickets available to buy through your
website and all proceeds going to your chosen charity.
If youd prefer to raise money through a recognised
online service, why not set up a JustGiving page for a
fundraising event (running a 10k race in bridal attire?)
and link to it from your website.
If you want to support a well-established charity, they
often provide Donate Now buttons and clickable logos
that direct users to their pages, which you can add to
your website. Smaller charities might not have this
option available, but theres no reason why you cant
create a web page to raise awareness of the cause youd
like to support, encouraging
visitors to its website to learn
more.
lf a potentiaI customer
emaiIs me via my website,
can l use her name and
address for future maiIings7
This is an issue of data
protection, the rules of which
are set out by the government
in the Data Protection Act 1998
and the Privacy and Electronic
Communications Regulations,
which are specic to email
marketing. Information like
name, postal address and email
address are regarded as an individuals personal data,
and so to store and use them you are what the Act refers
to as a data controller.
To use a customers name and address for mailings,
you would have to both ensure the customer is given
the option to opt out or unsubscribe and that their
data is held in a secure manner and not used for any
other purposes eg to send them information about an
unrelated matter or business. If you want to capture the
data of visitors to your website to use in the future, youll
need to make this clear to them and explain how you
are going to use their data, and give them the option to
decline most companies provide a tick box option where
customers can opt in to have their personal information
stored and used in the future. Youll also need to have
a privacy policy that clearly sets out what you plan to
do with the data, published on your website, and any
business that acts as a data controller needs to register
with the Information Commissioner otherwise it is a
criminal offence.
There is a small fee for registration and you can nd
more info about data protection and usage at http://ico.
org.uk/for_organisations / www.legislation.gov.uk. 00
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The most successful retailers play with the minds of
their shoppers in order to encourage them to spend
more. And the experts agree that, if you want to be
a successful bridal retailer, you need to do the same
BVIOUSLY THERE ARE NO HARD-AND-FAST
rules to parting shoppers from their cash.
Fifteen-year-old boys on the search for the
latest video games have radically different
psychological triggers to 65-year-old women
in the bakers shop. And in bridal retail, where
women are buying the most expensive item of
clothing they will ever buy, for the most important day of
their life, the psychological rules are very delicate indeed.
In high street shops where purchases are more
compulsive, retailers use all manner of Jedi mind tricks to
encourage us to spend. In clothing shops its now common
to display garments on central tables so that shoppers
rummage through them which in turn makes the clothing
seem more popular.
Supermarkets try to maximise impulse buying by forcing
shoppers to walk down as many aisles as possible. Thats
why they famously place everyday essentials such as bread
and milk at the back of the store. And in high-trafc areas
on aisle ends, for example they offer impulse buys such
as chocolate and packets of snacks.
Music, lighting and scent play a crucial part, too.
C
52EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
Researchers at Leicester University once conducted a
eld study into how stereotypically national music could
inuence customers wine selection in a supermarket. When
they played French folk music over the in-store speaker
system, the sale of French wine peaked. And when they
played German folk music, sales of German wine suddenly
outstripped all other wines.
A few years ago Next decided to replace light bulbs with
energy-efcient ones. The result was that sales dropped.
Part of the reason, they discovered, was that shoppers were
put off because many of the clothes took on a greenish
hue.
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Of course, the retail psychology used by bridal retailers
needs to be much more subtle since their customers are by
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`
What about a ower arrangement of the quality youd
expect at the reception? What about confetti scattered on
the oor of the shop window? a
reception? What about confetti scattered on the oor of the
shop window? All these individual elements, Peter says,
will persuade customers that a retailer has a thorough
understanding of the entire wedding experience.
Its a theory echoed by American brand strategist
Debbie Allen. Dont sell a generic product or service, she
says on her website www.debbieallen.com. Create your
own appealing picture. For example, do you sell evening
gowns for $500 and up? Or do you sell beauty, romance
and lifetime memories. The latter, she says, touches
customers emotions. This, in turn, makes them want to
own what you have to sell.
:756B4/<B/AB71
Once inside the shop, thats where bridal retailers really
need to turn on the charm. Lighting is one of the most
obvious effects. You dont need a huge amount of
lighting, Peter says. Retailers now realise less is more.
Look at Abercombie & Fitch, for example, or Hollister. Its
quite dark inside their shops. The best light is not always
the brightest.
Its far more effective, he believes, if only the dresses
are brightly lit, while the areas around them are lit much
more subtly. And in the dressing-rooms, the light should
be muted so that brides look more attractive when they try
the dresses on.
Mirrors are a crucial psychological tool, too. Its a myth
that retailers somehow install trick mirrors that make
customers appear slimmer. However, as Peter explains,
its quite normal to display full-body mirrors at a slight
angle. The top of the mirror is angled slightly further
back than the bottom of the mirror to make the customer
appear taller. This creates an illusion that she is also
slimmer.
appointment, never casual passers-by. Peter Cunningham,
partner at London-based design company Design CLD,
is an expert in this area. He has been designing store
interiors since the late 1980s, much of this work in retail
design. Clients range from jewellers Ernest Jones and
accessory retailer Claires, to convenience store 7-Eleven
and fashion retailer USC. Recently he turned his attention
to the world of bridal retail.
Peter has visited various bridal retailers around the
country: some large 1,500 square foot stores, some small
ones of just 500 square feet. His research enabled him to
conduct a presentation on bridal shop design to the trade
last year at Harrogate.
He baulks at the idea that bridal shops should employ
some sort of Freudian retail psychology to increase
sales. Its more about a practical understanding of your
customers, he stresses.
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The obvious place to start is the bridal shop window,
where all potential customers receive their all-important
rst impression. Customers are seeking reassurance
that you know what youre talking about, he says. Your
shop window needs to look very authoritative.
Peter thinks the window display should include objects
that symbolise the entire wedding day rather than simply
focussing on the dress. The beautiful dress needs to take
centre stage, of course. But what about a dressing table
to symbolise the time a bride spends beautifying herself
on the morning of the wedding day? What about a framed
photograph on that dressing table of her handsome
groom? What about a beautiful mirror? What about a
ower arrangement of the quality youd expect at the
54EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
The other human senses play a major part in successful
retailing. The music that is played over the shop sound
system, for example. It makes sense to go for classical
music, Cunningham says. Nothing too strident. It should
be subtle. The music should get brides in the wedding
mood. By that he means the wedding ceremony rather
than the wedding reception. So Purcell and Bach would be
more effective that Rihanna or Lady Gaga.
Customers sense of smell can be worked on, too; very
lightly scenting the bridal dresses is a subtle way of
converting sales.
It seems simple scents are far more effective than complex
ones. Last year, Washington State University College of
Business, in the USA, and the University of St. Gallen,
in Switzerland, carried out research on Swiss shoppers,
exposing them to various scents while they were browsing
in a home dcor store. It turns out they spent more money
when a simple scent of orange was wafted throughout the
store; 20 per cent more, in fact, than when a complex scent
or orange, basil and green tea was wafted, or when no scent
was wafted at all.
The simple scent was more effective, says Eric
Spangenberg who led the research. He explained how
simple scents are processed more easily by the customers
brain, freeing their minds to focus on shopping. Complex
scents, on the other hand, confuse customers and prevent
them from performing cognitive tasks as effectively.
The important thing from the retailers perspective is that
a pleasant scent isnt necessarily an effective scent, he
added.
What about more obvious retail design such as how you
display the dresses and accessories? Its important to place
the accessories in amongst the dresses, Peter suggests.
That way, when a customer is looking at the individual
dresses, she has accessory options.
Richard Sheppard works for Essex-based shop t-out
specialists Morplan Ltd. He has worked on the design of
many bridal shops. Use big, well-lit glass cabinets to display
jewellery, fascinators and tiaras, he says. The use of clear,
white, black and mirror acrylic surfaces will really add to
the sparkle of the jewellery.
Peter says its far more effective if dresses are displayed
face on rather than side on. Of course it means theres room
for fewer dresses on the clothes rails, but too many dresses
make for a cluttered look anyway. You only get a sense of
the shape of the garment if it is hanging face-on, he says.
Even small details such as the type of clothes hangers
used can make a difference to eventual sales. Polished wood,
brass or stainless steel all make a statement about whether
the dress is fashionable or traditional. And if they are high-
quality they give the dress more dimension.
Richard Sheppard suggests quality wooden hangers with
the shop logo printed on them. This will further enhance
your brand, he says. Wooden hangers are hard-wearing
and can support the heavy weight of the gowns.
And if none of this works, retailers can always resort to
alcohol. Nothing short of Champagne will work, however.
Champagne, the experts agree, is part of the equation. It
makes brides feel special... and it gets them thinking about
their eventual wedding day. 00
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Peter Cunningham of Design CLD, offers advice on
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Exclusive distributor UK & Ireland for:

Jupon Ltd.
Phone 01753-622922
Fax 01753-622933
E-mail info@Jupon.com
www.jupon.com
Visit our website or contact us for
our catalogue.
See us at the London Bridal Show
May 19 21 stand 101 at London Olympia
ODATEX is one of the premier events in the bridal
buying year. For the ninth year the German city of
Essen will be hosting this hugely-successful event,
offering everyone in the business the chance to network
with colleagues and friends old and new, source the
latest trends and be inspired by browsing hundreds of
new and exciting collections.
5SbbW\UBVS`S(The venue is easy to reach by car or
public transport and is only a 20-minute drive from
Dusseldorf International Airport, which is Germanys
third largest. The Fair area in Essen is easily accessible
from the A 40 and A 52 motorways. Dusseldorf Airport
is serviced by many airlines including British Airways,
Lufthansa and Air Berlin. The telephone number is
0049 (0)211 4210 and the website www.duesseldorf-
international.de
Modatex visitors can make use of the free shuttle bus
service from the airport to Essen which runs every half
hour and also between the hotels and the Exhibition
centre. There is a regular train service from Essen Hbf
(main station) to the Fair area, Messe Essen. Details and
timetables can be found at www.deutschebahn.com
Essen is a city which is proud of its Green credentials.
If you are driving, check whether an environmental
badge is required for your car on the website www.
unwelt-plakette.de Information is available in English.
EVS`Sb]AbOg( Many of Essens top hotels offer
special rates to Modatex visitors and this year there are
even FREE nights (see opposite page). Modatex works
with its elected partner, the HRS Hotel Reservation
Service, who can be reached by telephone on +49 (0)221
2077 7320 or by email at events-online@hrs.de
The details:
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This important annual fair northern Europes
largest has taken on a real international avour,
with key manufacturers and designers from across
the world. For UK retailers Modatex is a real treat,
with many brands you wont see elsewhere
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One of the key new features at Modatex is the elegant
and stylish new Designer Suite in Hall 3 which will have
its own separate registration procedure, special catering
and decor designed to complement the designer
collections that will be shown there. The very special
addition to Europes biggest bridal show has been
planned for years and 2013 sees it coming to fruition
with exhibitors including Antonio
dErrico, Le Rose Spose, Fio
Couture, Jillian, Pastore, Tosca
Spose and Suzanne Ermann.
Designer Fashion Shows will run
on a daily basis in Hall 2 so that
buyers can see the collections
come to life on the catwalk, styled
by the designers themselves.
One designer show, one
exclusive Sincerity show, and one
multi-brand peformance are
planned for each of the four days
of Modatex 2013.
/0=CB3AA3<
Part of the metropolitan Ruhrgebiet
district, the city was once the heart of
Germanys coal and steel industry but has
re-invented itself as a centre for high-tech
industry, public art and environmental
awareness. The Tourist Ofce opposite the
main station can give you details and
theres plenty to see and do, from the art
exhibitions at the Villa Hugel to the citys
blue stone-marked Culture Trail leading to
must-see architectural highlights,
sculptures and art installations. You can
shop till you drop on Kettwigerstr
Germanys very rst pedestrian precinct
or perhaps more surprisingly, make the
most of the citys many green spaces. Visit
Lake Baldeney, with its Seaside Beach and
14km running trail. Relax with friends over
a glass of world-famous German beer or at
one of the citys top restaurants.
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In addition to the Designer Area,
new features at Modatex include
more relaxation areas giving the
foot-sore more space to unwind
and assimilate what they have
seen in what can otherwise be a
frenetic environment. Take
advantage of the Champagne
Lounge where bubbly will be
served all day alongside delicious
canapes; the show also boasts two
separate restaurants.
4@33/11=;;=2/B7=<
In another rst, Modatex Europes largest
and longest-standing bridal trade event has
raised the exhibition bar with the offer of free
visitor accommodation.
For the rst time, the many hundreds of
Modatex exhibitors now have the opportunity
to nominate their key customers those
whose business they value most to take
advantage of this generous offer, the cost of
which will be undertaken by show organisers
Ocean Media.
Messe Essen, one of the top purpose-built
exhibition venues in Germany, located in the
Ruhr metropolitan area, naturally boasts
excellent hotels, designed with convenience
and luxury in mind for the business traveller.
Ocean Media has partnered with the leading
hotels to make any visitors trip a quality
experience.
Said Event Director, Siegrid Hampsink-
Gosso: Hospitality has always been
important to us. When you invite friends to
stay with you, you make every effort to
ensure their comfort. We are doing exactly
the same, but with a few more rooms in the
equation. And we have made the
administrative process easy once we receive
the nominated names, we take over and make
all the necessary arrangements and
conrmations.
For more information, contact the
organisers at info@modatexfair.com
16319=CB
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G
TATISTICS FROM THE NATIONAL
Association of Pension Funds published in
December 2012 indicate that many in their 50s
are sleepwalking into their old age. The self
employed and business owners in particular
need to think about how
theyd maintain themselves if income were
to drop or if they want to retire.
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A pension is a tax-efcient method
of deferring income that, through
investment, should grow.
Clearly, smaller amounts paid regularly
over a longer period of time will be more
rewarding and less painful on the pocket
compared to the efforts required of late
starters. Hargreaves Lansdown offer the
example of a 22-year-old saving 10% of
their 26,000 salary. With 6% growth in
the investment, theyll realise a pension pot of 523,000.
Starting at 30, the pot would only be 313,000 and starting
at 40 the pot would be a paltry 156,000.
Both employers and employees need to be aware of pension
auto-enrolment. Its a change in the law that is being rolled
out over the next ve years that affects those over 22 earning
(at present) more than 8,105 a year. Those affected will
be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension where
employers will need to contribute at least 3% of employee
earnings. Employees can opt out if they want to.
Pensions are tax efcient employee contributions
are given tax relief at the employees highest tax rate and
businesses can offset contributions against corporation tax
and the pot will grow in a fund that is largely tax-free. In
retirement individuals can take 25% of the pot as a tax-free
lump sum. The remaining balance must either be used to
buy an annuity a guaranteed regular income for life or
they can leave the money invested, at the whims of the stock
market, and make regular withdrawals.
7A/
An alternative to a pension is an ISA in which money is paid
in without any tax relief, but the investment grows and is
paid tax-free. Further, it can be tapped into for an emergency
quickly. There are two types of ISA cash and stocks and
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shares. At present you can invest up to 11,520 per year in
an ISA of which no more than 5,760 can be held in cash.
Any unused allowance in each year is lost.
;=@B5/53
Depending on the rate of interest on any mortgages you have,
it may make sense to make overpayments. For someone with
a 125,000 repayment mortgage over 25 years on an interest
rate of 5%, an extra 100 per month will clear the mortgage
ve years and four months early saving some 22,384 in
interest. On the same mortgage, an overpayment of 500 per
month will clear the mortgage 13 years and 11 months early
saving 43,084 in interest.
A6=@BB3@;
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Sadly, interest rates arent great right
now. Nevertheless, savingschampion.
co.uk offer tools to help you get the best
rates for your cash.
Other options include opening a Lloyds
Vantage current account (you can have
up to three of them). Paying in at least
1,000 per month will earn you 3% on the
full balance if the account holds between
3,000 and 5,000; and Santander 123 not
only pays interest of 3% on the full balance
if the account holds between 3,000 and
20,000 but also pays varying amounts of
cashback on certain direct debits.
47<2/5==2/2D7A=@
On 1 January 2013 the market saw the
introduction of the Retail Distribution
Review (RDR) by the FSA. Simply put, the
RDR aims to reinvigorate trust in nancial
advice by ensuring that independent advice
is just that; that investors can identify and understand
what theyre being offered; that commission-free bias is
removed from the system with advisors not inuenced by
their commission; and that investors can see precisely what
advisors are being paid.
This means that you will be paying for advice through an
upfront fee and so should have condence in the products
recommended as the advisor is not getting any commission
(except for mortgage and insurance advice where the old
system still operates) on any recommendations.
To nd a good advisor ask around for recommendations
but make sure that you look for an Independent Financial
Advisor its a legal term with a distinct meaning.
Alternatively, unbiased.co.uk will help you nd someone you
should be able to trust.
Lastly a government-backed organisation, the Money
Advice Service, offers free and independent advice and
guides. http://bit.ly/PBrjMc is well worth a root around. 00
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Our latest round-up of advice to keep you well informed
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ONTRACTS ARE AT THE HEART OF ANY
business from contracts with landlords
to terms with suppliers, dress makers
and staff and they set out the legal
relationship between, and the obligations
on, the relevant parties. To form a contract
under English law, ve elements need to
be present: an offer; acceptance of that offer; consideration
(what each party gives to or does for the other); an intention
to create legal relations; and certainty of terms.
The contract does not need to be in writing. An oral
agreement or a series of dealings between parties may also
form a legally binding contract.
7<4=@;/:/113>B/<130G3F16/<53=4
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Its so easy to informally enter into a contract. Consider the
case of Nicholas Prestige Homes v Neal [2010] where the
Court of Appeal conrmed that an email exchange that
fullled all ve of the elements referred to above formed
a binding contract. In this case terms were set in
an email that the seller accepted by replying to
the email with Hi Mark, thats ne. Looking
forward to the viewings. Sally. The court
concluded that the seller was bound by
the terms of the contract she had made
by email; it is easy to bind oneself into a
contract by email; and it is no defence to
say that the emails or attachments had
not been read or did not reect what
was intended.
In Immigration Storage Company
Ltd v Clear plc [2011] the Court of
Appeal held that a fax quotation that
was signed and returned as an email attachment
created a legally binding contract, even though
the fax stated that the formal contract would
follow. The emails failed to make it clear that they
were not intended to be legally binding.
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Where a bridal shop regularly deals with the
same party it is easy to build up a chain of emails going back
and forth. A lengthy email chain could start with a simple
enquiry (say over the lead time to order a dress) but quickly
develop into a legally binding contract.
The case of Green (Liquidator of Stealth Construction Ltd)
v Ireland [2011], involved a dispute over the terms of a loan to
a company that soon after became insolvent. The High Court
held that the parties had signed the emails by inserting only
their rst names at the end of the emails; responding to an
email was the equivalent to sending a signed hard copy letter
countersigned by the recipient, in circumstances where the
second email is sent as a reply and so creates a chain, as
opposed to creating a new email; and a chain of emails could
constitute a single legal document.
E6/B7A/AC447173<B3:31B@=<71
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Since the coming into force of the Electronic Communications
Act 2000, an electronic signature has been admissible as
evidence if it is incorporated into, or is logically associated
with, an electronic communication, but there has been some
debate as to what sufces as an electronic signature.
In Lindsay v OLoughnane [2010] the judge suggested
that email needs to include a written indication of who is
sending the email, suggesting that an automatic appearance
of the senders name or email address in the from eld and
an automatically generated email signature block would
sufce as an electronic signature. The more prevalent view
is that there must be some voluntary intention to add the
signature.
>@/1B71/:1=<A723@/B7=<A
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A string of cases suggest that binding legal contracts
can inadvertently be formed by parties
through pre-contract emails. If the
intention is to negotiate terms
before entering into a formal
contract, it is important that the
emails make this very clear, eg
by prominently stating in the
header or at the top of the
email in bold or underlined
text subject to contract.
The inclusion of a subject to
contract statement creates a
presumption that the emails
are not intended to create a
legally binding contract, but this
presumption can be overturned by
other statements or by the conduct
of the parties. Including a disclaimer is
unlikely to work as it is insufciently specic,
and not noticeable.
/CB6=@7BGB=3<B3@7<B=
1=<B@/1BA
While bridal shops tend to be small, a single member
of staff (or family) could potentially enter the shop
into a legally binding contract by adding their
names to, or by voluntarily adding to, or omitting
to remove their email signature block from the end
of an email before clicking send. If it is reasonable
for the recipient to assume that the member of
staff had authority to enter into the contractual
negotiations, the emails are likely to be binding even though
the member of staff may not have actual authority to do so.
B3FBBE7BB3@:7<9327<4/130==9
Logically there is no reason why contracts cannot be formed
using text message, instant messaging or forms of social
media such as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter, particularly
where social media are being used for messaging. There is
likely to be case law on this issue in the future, particularly
as social media becomes a more established mechanism for
conducting business. 00
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MRC NOW HAS POWERS TO FINE BUSINESSES
for poor record keeping before any tax
returns are sent in. Called in-year Business
Record Checks, businesses do need to be
aware of this development.
In November last year (2012) HMRC
restarted its in-year Business Records
Checks on taxpaying businesses. The cost underpinning
the policy drive to avoid mistakes in small business
records is around 6 billion per year its what the state is
losing every year to simple errors and mistakes in small
business tax affairs.
HMRCs Business Records Checks programme has had
a somewhat rocky history since its pilot. Its a completely
new departure for HMRC that in the past has only ever
looked at business records after the event. In many cases,
this means after an accountant has had a chance to help
tidy things up at year-end.
Theres a lot of concern that this approach, which works
well on tax enquiries, really isnt suited to analysing in-
year records, especially when HMRC believes they have
the power to impose penalties for problems with those
records, just as they would for problems in the nal
signed tax return. The legal basis for in-year penalties
is by no means clear-cut, and the tax and accountancy
professional bodies have been lobbying hard on behalf of
small businesses to get them denitively ruled out.
6;@1:3BB3@
Bridal shops that get an inspection letter from HMRC
should talk to a professional to get good advice. HMRC
visits are still, in theory, voluntary, but of course no one
knows what risk ags will go on the taxpayers le if one
is declined. On a positive note, HMRC
may be able to help the taxpayer save
money.
47@ABAB3>A
A few days after the letter arrives,
HMRC will call the taxpayer and run
through some 15 questions, each
designed to nd out if the business has
adequate record keeping processes in
place. The process will end if HMRC are
satised at this stage.
However, if the ofcer still has
concerns they will state that the
taxpayer needs a face-to-face visit, and
will seek to make an appointment.
Visits are supposed to last around two
hours, though in practice the taxpayer
is likely to spend time preparing for
it ahead of time, especially if they are
worried that their records might not be up to scratch. The
visit is probably best held away from customers at home
if the boutique doesnt have anywhere private.
B63D7A7B7BA3:4
The purpose of these visits is not so much to check on the
books, as it is to look at the underlying information used
to create the tax returns. The visiting ofcer will want to
understand how the business captures information about
sales and expenses, and how it is stored and retrieved, and
will typically look at the last four months of records.
HMRC want to know if the business has mechanisms in
place to identify things like capital expenditure (equipment
with an expected life of over two years say a till), and can
prove that theyve worked. In particular, can the business
point out in the tax return where it has claimed for any
major pieces of equipment (say sewing machines) that the
ofcer will see on their visit?
HMRC will also be particularly interested in how a
business records income and reconciles the takings with
bank accounts. This is especially important if most of
the takings are in cash, which is of course one of the key
initial risk indicators for them.
E6/B74B63@3A/>@=0:3;-
HMRC will give advice on how they think the business
should improve its record keeping and make an appointment
for a further follow up visit. A failure to improve could be
the trigger for HMRC to impose a penalty, typically 500,
250 for businesses in their rst year of trading. The most
severe penalty is 3,000, although that is to be reserved
for cases where businesses have deliberately destroyed
records to assist tax fraud.
Since the professional accounting bodies are still
challenging the whole area of penalties, businesses should
speak to a qualied professional before the visit to minimise
the risk of any penalty.
2=<B75<=@36;@1
There isnt room here to go into
detail about HMRCs new Connect
database mining tool, but readers
should look it up; its frighteningly
powerful. Inspectors are checking
Facebook and Twitter as well as the
local press for clues that
people are spending more
than theyre telling HMRC
theyve earned.
Not everyone goes to the
lengths of the participants
in Channel 4s My Big
Fat Gypsy Wedding to
draw attention to their
activities, but HMRC
are on the lookout, and
if taxpayers havent got
the records to back up
their tax submissions,
HMRC will show a strong
interest. 00
See http://www.hmrc.gov.
uk/sa/rk-bk1.pdf for more
information.
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A
ANY WEDDING SUPPLIERS PRODUCE PAPER
items such as invitations, service sheets and place
cards themselves, using inkjet or laser printers.
But now it is possible to make items that used
to require prohibitively expensive machinery and
operators with the proper training, right there in
the back room in your shop.
Craft cutters, for example, can cut out sheet materials including
paper, card, plastic and fabrics to create boxes, folded paper art, stickers,
magnets, iron-on clothing transfers and lots
more; the cutter moves over the sheet to cut out
the shapes sent to it from your computer.
Learning how to programme the machine
with the shapes you need is not difcult but
practise is needed. The process is made easy
with step-by-step tutorials downloaded from
the manufacturers website, and lots of ready-
made projects are available online that can be
either used as-is or adapted for individuals.
The material is placed on a sticky cutting mat
that runs through the machine while the cutter
moves from side to side, to create the cutouts
you want. Sheets of contrasting colours can be
used to great effect. Very complex shapes can
be easily cut, for lovely lacey doilies or bon-bon
trays.
A typical craft cutter is the Cricut Mini,
which can cut sheets up to A4 in size. It is
cheap to buy at 230 and can handle a wide
variety of materials including iron-on fabric
and sticky plastic. The drawback is that designs
for download can be expensive - up to 30 for a
rather limited selection. However, there are a
lot of free designs on the internet and creating
your own designs using the Cricut software is not difcult.
For would-be home manufacturers, the next step is 3D printing,
allowing you to create almost any small item in plastic from wedding
cake ornaments, table items such as napkin rings to fun jewellery.
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A new generation of robots makes it possible to produce customised favours
and accessories for your brides. Chris Partridge sees the sales potential
E6/BA<3E
Until very recently, 3D printing was the preserve of professional
engineers who used it for making prototypes, but the latest generation
of machines cost from as little as 300, making them affordable for
making small production runs of highly personalised items for wedding
organisers.
The most common type of 3D printer has a movable head with a nozzle
that squirts out a plastic onto a base plate, tracing out a cross-section of
the item. The head then moves up and traces out the next cross-section,
and so on to build up a complete item. The plastic then either hardens
chemically or is heated to harden it.
A huge range of shapes can be created
in this way, though the method does have
limitations. Because each layer has to be
supported by the layer beneath, you cant
create overhangs easily unless you include
supporting structures that have to be removed
afterwards.
The quality obviously depends on the size
of the nozzle, and the cheaper machines leave
visible layers in the nal shape that can look
very naff.
Another method is to use a liquid plastic
that hardens under ultra-violet light or a laser
beam. The item is built up in a tank with just a
little liquid resin in the bottom. The light beam
scans over it, hardening a cross-sectional
shape. The liquid is then topped up, ooding
over the rst shape, and another layer laid
down. Eventually the nal shape emerges as
the liquid is drained off.
One of the most popular 3D printers is the
Printrbot. It is incredibly basic, with a wooden
base, exposed gears and a general home-made
appearance which is hardly surprising as
you have to assemble it yourself. But for 300 it is an ideal introduction
to the world of the factory at home.
The Printrbot uses a low-melting point plastic so it cant be used for
anything that requires enormous strength, and the quality of the nish
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can be most charitably designated fun, but with a bit of
creativity the machine can churn out some very acceptable
items such as little gifts with the names of the happy couple
entwined in the design.
One of the strengths of the Printrbot is that it is open
source, so any geek with the technical skills can programme
it. The result is that geeks around the world are creating and
sharing designs, so there is a rapidly expanding catalogue
of ready-made items that can be adapted for specic events.
For professional quality nishes and items that require
some structural strength, step up a notch to the Makerbot
Replicator. This machine builds
up 3D items by melting a
lament of ABS, a very strong
plastic, into layers. It can achieve
very high precision but at a cost
of about 1,500.
The British-made Sumpod
Basic is another 300 machine,
but in kit form so you have
to assemble it yourself, which
may be a killer for the IKEA-
challenged. Its stand-out feature
is that the extrusion nozzle can
be replaced by a Dremel, a tool
like a dentists drill that can be
used to smooth off the surface
and drill out detail that cant be
created by the printer nozzle.
The internet is already awash with designs that can
be downloaded and entered into a 3D printer, including
jewellery, accessories and tableware. It has to be admitted
that most of it is dross, but the technology has only been
available for a couple of years and standards are rising very
fast as designers come to grips with the challenges.
The latest (but expensive) machines have the ability to
create multicoloured surfaces and to use a wider range of
materials including metals, so the day when really high-
class jewellery can be created at home is not far away.
One very interesting application for the bridal industry is
food. Cutters such as the Cricut and many 3D printers can
be adapted to form complex pieces in sugar, icing, chocolate
or even dough. The possibilities are endless, from simply
cutting wedding greetings and lovely lligree patterns in
icing for personalised wedding cakes without having to
employ a professional patissier, to creating custom-made
wedding cake ornaments using a 3D printer, say with the
bride and groom in their classic sports car.
Add a 3D scanner and you can take personalisation to its
ultimate conclusion. Recently, a team of researchers used a
3D scanner to create digital images of a bride and groom.
They fed them into a 3D printer which created moulds in
the shapes of the happy couples heads, which were then
used to make chocolates that were placed in bowls at the
wedding breakfast. A witty idea and, apparently, the happy
couple were perfectly recognisable. 00
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For more information
Tel: 020 8417 0660
Use your smartphone to scan the QR code and go
directly to our website www.propress.co.uk
We love fabric
Professi onal Steamers
Why do so many bridal
manufacturers & retailers use and
recommend Propress Steamers?
Simple - because there is no faster
and safer way to make stock and
window displays look their very best.
8
OES A SHOP OWNER HAVE THE RIGHT
to refuse to serve someone? A girl came
in with a copy dress that she had bought
over the internet in fact it was a copy
of a dress from a collection I sell. She was
quite loud and went to great lengths to
tell my manageress (and the customers
who were in the shop at the time), how
much she saved. She wanted alterations to the dress
and my staff told her this was not possible. She got
very aggressive and rude and said that as we offered an
alteration service she was within her rights to demand
that we alter this dress. By the time my manageress
talked her into leaving, she had successfully upset several
other people in the shop. What is the legal situation here?
We do have an alterations available sign in the window
but of course that applied to goods purchased from us.
Customers have an implied invitation to enter your shop;
however, this can be revoked at any time by the owner or
their representative. You would certainly be within your
right to refuse service to a threatening or abusive customer.
Going forward, you should ensure that your business
complies with the relevant equality legislation namely not
to discriminate when providing goods (or services) to the
public on the grounds of sex, race, gender, sexual orientation
and religious belief. Regarding the alterations, you are not
obliged to provide alterations regardless of whether the
goods were purchased in your store, unless a term of the
sales contract stipulated that you would provide the same.

I am having cash ow problems but feel that these will be
a thing of the past by June of this year. A local magazine,
that I advertise my shop in, has been sending me nasty
letters (that sound like they come from a solicitor),
because I am several months behind in payments. I
simply dont know what to do as any phone calls I have
made to the person I normally deal with have failed to
get a response and I feel they have deliberately put the
matter into someone elses hands. How do I approach this
the publication does deliver results for me and there are
no other similar journals in my area?
It is always preferable to settle invoices expeditiously but in
practice this may not always be possible. As the magazine is
delivering results for your business then you will want to
maintain this relationship with them. You should put this
in writing, citing your reasons for late payment and invite
them to discuss this matter with you. You could also consider
agreeing an alternative payment structure, including the
possibility of paying in advance or on account.
I plan to start interviewing for a new manageress
shortly. Can I legally approach a member of staff from
a competitors shop and if so, what is the best way to
do this? Also, I read a little while ago in Bridal Buyer
that references from previous employers cannot give an
in-depth opinion about an individual so how can I nd
out if someone is trustworthy? The job I am looking to
ll will entail taking sole charge of the shop for several
days a week, every week, and although we rarely deal
in cash transactions, the merchandise that I carry
both gowns and accessories is of considerable value.
You can legally approach a competitors staff but you should
consider the practical implications that may arise should
you do so. Your competitor may be offended by your actions
and this could cause some tension. Should you wish to
do so you should consider instructing a search agency to
approach this individual discreetly.
You will also need to consider any contractual provisions,
such as restrictive covenants in the existing employment
contract which could bar a potential employee from accepting
employment. With regard to references, an employer is not
obliged to provide a reference, unless the employee has a
contractual entitlement to one. If an employer agrees to
provide a more detailed reference then they must ensure
that it is true, accurate and fair and should consider the
duty of care owed to the employee and employer and the
potential legal consequences should this duty be breached.
Can you please explain the workings of the small claims
court and how/when it can be used to recoup bad debts?
The small claims track, more commonly known as the
small claims court, is a branch of the civil court system
that deals with less complex claims of a smaller value.
Generally speaking if the value of a claim is 10,000 or
less then it will usually be allocated to the small claims
court. You are encouraged to try to settle a dispute prior to
commencing legal proceedings.
To commence proceedings you would need to le and
serve a claim form (including details of the claim) at
court and on the defendant. A hearing will then be heard
(usually) within 4 months from the date of issue. By its
very nature litigation can be uncertain, time consuming
and stressful so the small claims court should only be used
as a last resort. 00
:35/:3/5:3
5eiYgh]cbcZ`Uk
Raj Dhokia of solicitors Freedman Green Dhokia looks at the issues that
may be affecting your business. Questions will be answered in the rst
possible issue of Bridal Buyer and shown online at www.bridalbuyer.com
EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;65
To consult privately with Raj Dhokia
call Freedman Green Dhokia on +44 (0) 20 7625 6003 or
email r.dhokia@fgdlaw.co.uk
T. +44 (0)161 476 8600
I. +44(0)161 480 5385
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5
-HEM A-HEM. ARE YOU
sitting comfortably? Once
upon a time, in a land far away,
there lived a happy bridal shop
owner (slightly grey but very
happy). Eager girls ocked
to her special bridal shop
to buy beautiful wedding dresses. Often, it
was a wonderful occasion, the brides were
happy and the bridal shop owner was happy
too. But one day things started to change;
LOTS of people wanted to own a bridal shop
which meant the brides were now spoilt for
choice. Then came along mind-bending media
and a wicked television programme called
Secret Shoppers which encouraged brides to
haggle for the best deals on everything from
toothpaste to tiaras! The internet had given
brides wisdom and naughty unlawful copy
sites gave brides even cheaper dress options.
Brides had less pennies to spend, department
store bridal ranges were growing and brides
on chat forums were chatting and WAM BAM
suddenly it wasnt as easy for the happy bridal
shop owner to be happy any more, infact, she
was buying more Loreal hair colour than ever
before!
Story sound familiar? Well unfortunately
anyone whos been in the industry for more
than a few years will understand rst hand
that the bridal consumer landscape has
changed drastically. The newsash for this
little tale is that economically its tough out
there and evidently, as brides are becoming
more deal-savvy, the work required in order
to gain a sale has become tougher.
Lets be honest folks: sometimes being in
this business is just plain frustrating! Last
week we, too, met brides who needed to think
about it including brides getting married
this summer, brides who just couldnt possibly
make a decision (its only their fourth shop),
brides who telephoned for our best price
(which is always RRP, by the way) and brides
who said they were a size 14 who actually
measured a 22! Almost certainly I suspect that
this somewhat challenging retail landscape
is here to stay. So heres a few thoughts to
help us battle it out:
Serial shoppers Some brides seem to be
suffering from BCA (Bridal Choice Anxiety),
the latest pandemic. Theyre visiting too many
037<563/@2
Customer service For me this area is absolutely
key its one of the few things that will stand
your shop head and shoulders above your
competitors during tough trading conditions.
Get it right and your business will
shine, get it wrong and it will
be your gradual undoing. The
great news is that this area
is completely within your
control; the bad news is that
as a nation we are becoming
more difcult to please
and more demanding
which means that the
customers expectations
are higher and we retailers have to
try harder to impress.
Listen to your customers If youre lucky
enough to get feedback (good or bad) from
your customers then listen to them. Let the
information shape your business accordingly.
Are they wanting dresses cheaper? Faster?
Bigger? Blingier? If they dont buy from you
then nd out what they are buying and from
where. Information is power; tune into what
your customers are saying, use it to your benet
and move to meet their growing demands.
Ill let you into a secret I have an
annoying middle name. Its PMA (strange
choice, I know, Mother was a tad eccentric).
So, despite fabulously healthy competition
and the changing demands of my customers,
were still doing really well and I know of
other shops who are continuing to ourish
too. Whats the reason? Well in my case its
an unwavering passion for my business,
my staff and our customers. Another is my
unquenchable thirst to stay in business,
and thrive. But it is hard work owning any
business in any industry these days so roll
up those sleeves because if you want a fairy
tale ending then your customers will require
your full attention. Throw at them every
ounce of passion and enthusiasm that you
can muster. thank goodness we at Abigails
Collection have it by the bucket load! 000
Abi Neill owns the award-winning
Abigails Collection & The Grooms Room
in Colchester. You can follow her tweets@
AbigailsColl or contact her on +44 (0)1206
574575
70EEE0@72/:0CG3@1=;
shops with too much choice which becomes
confusing and stressful; some brides are
literally obsessed about keeping their dress
options open for as long as possible. Keep the
faith and be patient theyve got to part with
their cash and place an order sometime so if
it really is the one theyll be back.
Reinforce all of the reasons
why your dress is the
dress of their dreams and
where possible give them
more reasons to buy from
you. Become their favourite
retailer and best friend if you
have to. Above all else focus on
nding their favourite dress and
making them look a million dollars
and the sales will come.
Discounting If you feel you have to give a
discount then do so when asked. Offer it with a
conditional time limit so that it helps close the
deal sooner rather than later and dont throw
discounts around as though its the norm. Be
selective or soon it will be expected by every one
of your customers and for everything that you
sell especially as brides are socially networking
to the max! If you gain the reputation for being
a cut-price discounting store, that is exactly
what you become and reduced margins will
cripple you.
Price matching A controversial game and one
to be played at your peril! Okay, sure, if its a
few pounds to clinch the deal then no
problemo but do politely ask for a brides (so
called) competitive quote in writing and dont
go getting yourself a reputation as a business
who sells at any cost and for little prot or
a business who contributes to the devaluing
of our industrys best brands by offering silly
price matching policies.
Off the peg sales Get ready for more off-
the-peggers especially for the brides who are
leaving it later and later or for the brides who
are budget-restricted. Apply some exibility to
the way you manage your stock in-store and
dont stockpile a shop full of samples that have
been repeatedly tried on and whose condition
is now so bad that they have completely lost
their fresh appeal. You dont want your best
sellers to become skankier and tattier.
5bYkW\UdhYf
Sit back and listen to a tale of the way we were and the way we are
now. Forget galloping off into the sunset, says Abi Neill, in bridal
there are no knights in shining armour or fairy godmothers with
magic wands. It is time to start living in the real world
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