A fabulous showcase
We were delighted to be media sponsors for the UK’s largest and longest running bridal trade show – The Harrogate Bridal Show – earlier this month. We loved seeing the new collections and can’t wait to share some of the new and upcoming trends with you!
The show welcomed over 3000 bridal retailers, with the halls buzzing from the opening day of the event, until doors closed three days later. Over 350 collections featured, from a mix of long-established brands and new, independent designers, offering retailers a vast choice of silhouettes, fabrics and price points. All members of the bridal party were covered, from suits and dresses to shoes and accessories, as well as childrenswear, evening and prom attire and bridal lingerie.
Colour featured heavily, with pastel blue, grey and pink tones dominating eveningwear – seen prominently in the new collections from Angel Forever by Elegancia UK and Veromia. The trend continued through to bridalwear, with pale rose gold, champagne and light blonde tones featuring heavily in the collections from The Story…by Jason Jennings and Jack Sullivan Bridal.
Light-weight, heavily patterned lace and intricately decorated fabrics were the stand out styles from many designers. Le Papillon by Modeca, Besides Couture by Gemy and Bianco Evento all featured inspiring gowns with complex lace detailing, some with a boho-style simplicity. Laser-cut 3D embroidery remained prominent with floral detailing seen in Casablanca Bridals and Demetrios’ collections.
Tattoo-effect backs were everywhere, with Donna Salado, Enzoani, Dando London and Eternity Group taking the lead. Beaded embroidered appliques, silver and pearl embellishments, cascading floral designs and satin and crystal buttons dominated many designs, particularly those of Eliza Jane Howell, Morilee and Alexia Bridal.
Sleeves remained in focus – everything from illusion, seen in Mark Lesley’s 2018 collection, to full length and statement. Embellished cap sleeves were a big part of Sottero & Midgley’s collection, while shoulder-baring, boho-style sleeves were a prominent part of Brides Desire by Wendy Sullivan’s 2018 offering. Crepe long sleeves were significant for Justin Alexander and Pollardi.
In the accessories department, silvers and golds and floral statement pieces took centre stage. Linzi Jay Bridal Accessories and Miranda Templeton showcased delicate head jewellery, while Rainbow Club and Perfect Bridal Shoes introduced lace, satin and metallic fabrics in their vintage inspired heels, featuring soft piping detailing and peep toes.
As for menswear, tweed remained in style while beautiful Asian silks dominated the jackets and waistcoats, as seen in the collection from Wilvorst. More elaborate ties and pocket squares showcased how male bridal fashion is moving into the spotlight, with the collection from Knightsbridge Neckwear and L. A. Smith providing vivid colours and impressive fabric choices.
Bridal Buyer Awards
On the Monday night after the show, the annual Bridal Buyer Awards brought the industry together to celebrate bridal successes. Almost 600 esteemed guests attended the event, hosted by Anna Morris, the comedian behind the viral web blog series, Georgina the Bride.
After a drinks reception and three-course dinner the winners were announced. Just some of the evenings’ winners include House of Snow for New Bridalwear Retailer of the Year, Ian Stuart for Best Occasionwear Manufacturer and, for the second year in a row, Tony Mentel of Justin Alexander was named In-House Designer of the Year. Further winners include Marguerite Hannah for Alan Hannah, who was named British Bridalwear Designer of the Year, while Eilidh Morrison of Grays School of Art was crowned Student Designer of the Year. The award for Wedding Dress of the Year went to Essense of Australia for Style D2174, rounding up another year of fantastic industry wins.
Harrogate once again proved itself to be an essential part of the industry calendar, both for the designers showing their latest collections and for the retailers sourcing them.
We loved it – can’t wait to see some lovely brides and grooms wearing these stunning creations at their special days soon.
