TOP NOTES

Top notes from Halo & Co

Up there, in the top names in designer accessories in the UK, is Halo & Co, whose work is brave, bold and brilliant, and in demand by retailers across the globe, and brides to whom detail is desirable

Halo & Co is now in its 18th year. First established by mother, Barbara Ball, and daughter, Stephanie, it remains a family-run business today. Nicola, daughter number two, joined the company when it was four years into its journey, and the trio of women guided Halo & Co from strength to strength, while building a reputation for adventurous design and exemplary craftsmanship.

Barbara retired a few years ago, leaving Stephanie and Nicola at the helm; the duo work together on all aspects of the business, both creative and management, and it’s a dynamic that has proven to be the recipe for success and growth… the combination of the sisters’ talents are what makes the brand work.

Team talents Based in picturesque North Wales, the studio and workshop are nestled between the Snowdonia mountain range and the beautiful coast. It’s a peaceful, creative space where the sisters and their highly-skilled team can turn ideas into actualities that will go on to become statement-making best-sellers for the stunning bridal

collection, and the high fashion line that gathers praise from fashionistas, and the media, everywhere. “Our work takes us to every corner of the world,” says Nicola, “and we never fail to be inspired by what is around us – shapes, colours, lines, people, places and nature. We always return home with a myriad of ideas that we can’t wait to translate and incorporate into a new piece for the collections.”

The team of ten that form the core of the Halo & Co workforce is supplemented by a close network of outside specialists who can be called in when needed. “Each year, we create two bridal collections and two fashion lines, along with white labels for other companies, so it’s a whirlwind of new collections and orders on a daily basis,” says Stephanie.

“Our diary is action packed, every day. We work at high speed – everything is required yesterday – and designing creatively is ongoing. There is never an end or a starting point; it is a constantly evolving process.

“We have to stay ahead of fashion and be able to pick up on incoming looks and potential trends from the fashion catwalks, even before they are spotted by the wider market.”

In accessories, the quality of the component parts is vital to the end result, and for Halo & Co only the finest will do. “We work with some of the best and most valuable materials produced, and consistently seek out all things new to ensure that they are included in our portofolio, if they are appropriate and can add something special to our offering. There is an expectation of our products and nothing other than perfect will do.”

Spreading wings The sisters are justly proud of their network of carefully-selected stockists

– many of whom have represented the brand since its start. They also work with new entrepreneurs and see their exciting journeys beginning.

“It’s great to help assist and nurture them with our experience,” says Nicola.

Unsurprisingly, Halo & Co’s retail audience differs across their bridal and fashion lines, although a few products do work in both sectors.

It is some eight years since Halo & Co moved into the high fashion arena, and the brand was fast to become a favourite with VIPs, celebrities, and those all-important influencers who can send a label’s success sky-high. The collection is a feature at London Fashion Week and iconic stores are proud to carry it.

Wedding day winners But let’s go back to bridal – which is our own main focus – and Nicola’s early design involvement.

“I don’t know if it was the first piece I produced, but it was the first that took off and became a long-standing best-seller. It was a little delicate pearl and crystal flower band called Summer Meadows. It proved to be a true bridal classic. In bridal, we are known for headpieces, but brides love to have matching jewellery and that is a winning combination for us.”

The new season for Nicola and Stephanie, introduces big looks and a nod to tradition. “Covid has made people really want to celebrate life’s great occasions, and brides want to push the boundaries and have just what they want. After so much disappointment with dates shifting, everyone wants to throw caution to the wind and party! It’s about being the best you.”

Colour plays its part, too. “It’s a tool that helps individuals express themselves, and as a society you can celebrate everyone’s differences with colour. It is popping up in so many

glorious combinations, we love it! Twenty-five years ago we used to do well with emerald, ruby and sapphire stones that seemed to have been ignored over the past few years, but now we are seeing more and more brides wanting to bring some strong colours back. Blush and nude will always remain classics, so really it’s about the individual.”

Staying in touch Unsurprisingly, during these recent challenging times, social media has played a key role in keeping Halo & Co connected to its retailers and, ultimately, its brides.

“But we love doing a trade show,” Nicola confirms, “Harrogate 2021, after such a long gap, was like going home. After showing there every year, twice a year, for 20 years, it was part of our annual calendar and great to be back.” This year, Harrogate, London Bridal Week, and Barcelona are firmly marked in the diary.”

The collection prices at retail start at £50 and go right up to £1,500, and many are cherished as special keepsakes after the big day, taking up a lot less space that the gown!

Very recently, the girls heard from a customer who had bought a crystal bouquet from them more than 25 years ago and wanted another for her daughter’s forthcoming wedding.

“It was so wonderful to see the piece again after all this time and how beautifully they had kept it. We have a loyal base of customers and we actually work with many brides throughout their different life occasions. To know we have customers who want to come back to the brand again and again, that is a real reward, and makes us hugely proud.”

www.haloandco.com +44 (0)1745 403137 sales@haloandco.com