White Gallery Bridal Fashion Shows

5 Star Wedding Directory Takes A Peek At What’s In Store for 2010/11

This weekend saw the elite of the bridal design industry and press descend on the first ever White Gallery held at the stunning Saatchi Gallery in London’s Chelsea. The event brought with it, an understated glamour enhanced by the magnificent setting and 30 of the finest bridal designers from around the world, showcasing their new collections.

As one of the UK’s top designers, Stewart Parvin opened the first show with a host of embellishment! Swarovski jewels, beads lace and bows peaked out amongst layers of ruched fabric and his signature ‘structured’ designs.

Stewart Parvin High Society
Stewart Parvin High Society
Stewart Parvin High Society
Stewart Parvin High Society

Amanda Wakeley’s 2011 collection was as luxurious as ever with new shapes and contemporary light fabrics such as the parachute hem giving a fresh twist on the traditional train and cord embroidered bodices adding youth to a satin gown.

Amanda Wakeley SPOSA
Amanda Wakeley SPOSA
Amanda Wakeley bridal dresses
Amanda Wakeley

The best of British design continued with Alan Hannah’s ‘English Romantics’ which saw big splashes of colour against modern, clean designs for contemporary brides.  Fabric gerbera’s and daisies sat prettily on hips and shoulders hinting at our favourite Sex and the City character.

Alan Hannah
Alan Hannah – English Romantics
Alan Hannah - English Romantics
Alan Hannah – English Romantics

There was a distinctive 1920’s air to the classic Suzanne Neville gowns which oozed dazzle and glamour for red carpet brides while Ritva Westenius challenged innocent brides with sexy low backs and whisping lace.  Johanna Heir reflected different eras in her look with full Parisienne skirts from the 50’s and lean bodies detailed with diamante reminiscent of the 1930’s.

It was, however, UK bridal wear designer of the year, Ian Stuart, who wowed us all with his ever theatrical style and diverse offering for eccentric brides.  His 2010 collection, inspired by Queen Elizabeth 1st, Debbie Harry and Les Folies Bergere, mixed tones of ivory, purple, gold, crocodile green, lavender, powder pink, lemon and lime with fabrics of silk taffeta and organza, crochet lace and chiffon. The Pièce de résistance was, nonetheless, a show stopping Marie Antoinette meets Punk Rock collaboration with floral couture designer Neill Strain, to craft one of Stuart’s 18th century gowns, purely out of a colourful array of flowers.

Ian Stuart Revolution Rocks!
Ian Stuart Revolution Rocks!

Our very own Rachel Simpson, Freya Rose ,Polly Edwards and Nicki Macfarlane were also at the show exhibiting their latest accessories and designs – for more information take a look at their listing on www.5starweddingdirectory.com