Retailers’ Talk

RETAILERS’ TALK… ON LBFW

Were suppliers on a high? What did you think of the newest trends? Did you buy more/less than you’d planned? Did you discover new names? Did you come away with a new sense of positivity? These were the questions we asked retailers after the Excel show

TDR

Birmingham

Rebecca: “London Bridal Week was the first show we have looked forward to since the start of the pandemic and it didn’t disappoint. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces and catch up with friends. There was a calm, relaxed vibe, which enabled us to focus on buying. “We are experiencing our best year yet at TDR Bridal Birmingham and we are extremely positive for a successful 2022.”

Collections carried

Badgley Mischka Elysee Enzoani Blue Etoile Justin Alexander Lillian West Love Madison James Morilee Rebecca Ingram Ronald Joyce Signature Sottero and Midgley Wilderly

New arrivals

Casablanca Ellis Sassi Holford

CREATIQUES BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Southsea

Andrew and Rob: “Firstly, it was great to be back in London seeing everyone. Planning was the main focus of this show for us; having had two seasons of disruption, we felt like a new business attending the hall, but with the power of our knowledge knowing exactly what we needed, we were not going to be persuaded any other way.

We had already discussed the plan moving forward with designers, and none failed to deliver on that count. What was a forefront runner was the new trend for the ‘lingerie look’ in bridal with boned exposed corsets, nude panelling with beaded boned sections, the walking split, and new satin fabrics, with ruched detailing bringing back the 80s and 90s vibe.

“Mark Lesley’s new beaded bodice covered in pearls, style 7595, was a favourite from the show alongside Scarlet in red from Maggie Sottero, and jumpsuit style 11225 from Adore by Justin Alexander.

“It was lovely to finally meet up with friends again, not only to have a good old catch up about business but to take time out and see a West End show .

Collections carried

Adore by Justin Alexander Justin Alexander Lillian West Maggie Sottero Mark Lesley Sincerity Bridal Sottero and Midgley Sincerity Bridal, New arrivals: Donna Salado, Rebecca Ingram Occasionwear: Ella Boo, Labella, Lizabella

PURE BRIDES

Norwich

Anna: “It was great to be back and it felt like I’d never been away as soon as I walked into the hall. It was just lovely to catch up with so many industry friends and suppliers. It was also brilliant to be back in amongst the dresses again, as virtual buying can be so hit and miss, and there is absolutely no substitute for seeing a style in the flesh to give you more confidence in your buying decisions.

“It was disappointing that some of the bigger designers had chosen not to exhibit, and having been away for so long I felt that they were letting their stockists down by not committing to a trade show in the UK.

“In general, I felt the show seemed quiet and although most of the big bridal names were there, and apparently busy on their stands, there were less of the smaller labels exhibiting; White Gallery in particular felt more subdued than it has in the past.

“I went with the intention of seeking out a new label to give us something a little different, but didn’t find a designer that really excited me, so I spent less than I would have been happy to. However, overall I did enjoy the show, and was really happy with the gowns I ordered from my existing suppliers – I felt the new Evie Young and Etoile collections were particularly strong.

“I’m very positive about the future in general but would have loved to have seen more effort on the part of our designers to demonstrate their efforts to support more sustainable production. This will certainly be issue for retailers in the next few years as Gen Z brides become more aware of the impact that their gown has on the environment.”

Collections carried

Ellis Bridals Essense of Australia Etoile Evie Young Maggie Sottero Rebecca Ingram

WEDDING BELLES OF FOUR OAKS

Sutton Coldfield

Mel: “We took all of our team to the London Bridal Show, so it was a non-stop whirlwind for 24/48 hours! We didn’t look at any new designers but instead we spent time with our existing and much loved labels.

Maggie Sottero had a beautiful stand; it was evident that Jenny and her fabulous team worked hard to put it together. They were constantly busy, which created a great buzz, and their fabulous catwalk show was on the main stage this year.

“We loved that they embraced women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicity with their models, their collection offers such a wide range of styles that it’s easy to pick dresses that you know will sell well and our brides will love.

“Allure Bridals/Abella had a fabulous stand with their own catwalk show; Tim and his wonderful team always ensure a great welcome as well as refreshments, and fabulous Allure merchandise to take home! We were really impressed with the Abella collection offering the modern bride a couture European look which is so on trend right now.

“We were blown away by Savin’s latest collection. We were just sad we missed their catwalk show on Sunday as we did not arrive until Monday afternoon. Their fabrics and their unique styles were breathtaking, we are very excited to have these new arrivals in the boutique very soon.

“We didn’t have time to attend any of the seminars, but we did find time for a one to one session with Wendy from Do you Speak Bride. We have been part of Wendy’s training programme for nearly five years now, and we would recommend any bridal boutique to take a look and embrace Bride Country.

“Overall we enjoyed our time together as a team and left feeling very excited and positive about our new dress arrivals and beautiful new accessories.

“We felt the show was quiet and lacked a bit of a buzz, not sure London will ever have the same feeling as Harrogate! “

Collections carried

Abella Allure Bridals Essense of Australia Evie Young Maggie Sottero (all labels) Martina Liana Savin London

YAP

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Danni: “The return of LBFW and White Gallery has been the highlight of our trading year so far. Being able to connect with our industry face to face and see the new season collections in person once again has been such a positive step. Watching the bridal catwalks and seeing our designers creations flourish, really brings such a sense of pride, and the atmosphere at the shows was certainly filled with that bridal buzz.

“This season we have been really focused – we’ve ensured that we have covered all bases when buying our latest edits and really chosen the stronger styles that each of our designers is renowned for. Detachable accessories such as bold puff sleeves and pure smooth statement-making fabrics in fuller silhouettes have really come through from every label along with the contrast of head to toe glitter creating shimmering gowns. It’s been inspirational to also visit a few new labels showing at LBFW and see new talent emerging in the capital.”

Collections carried

Aire Barcelona Madi Lane Bridal Maggie Sottero Rebecca Ingram Savin London

EMMA HARTLEY BRIDALWEAR

Colne

Emma: “We were buzzing on the way to the show. There was a party atmosphere as soon as we got on the train and met some lovely people also going to Excel for a trade fair. I think everyone was excited to be back out in civilisation and looking forward to a change of scene.

“It was highlights all the way for us. We hit the ground running with the Wendy Riviera Do You Speak Bride seminar, followed by refreshments in the Platinum Lounge. Then off to meet our suppliers. We saw some amazing new collections by Randy Fenoli , Allure Bridals, Casablanca bridals and Elysee Etoile, but I felt the mood was slightly less buoyant than September Harrogate when I think we had all assumed 2022 was going to go crazy with new brides.

“Chatting to our suppliers, it seems we are all still trading through difficult times dealing with the backlog of two years’ worth of cancelled weddings, and the shortage of wedding venues and dates this has caused. But most of us who have been in the industry a while have seen hard times before and feel confident the glory days will be back, although it might just take a little longer than anticipated.

“On Day 2 we got totally carried away on the Poirier stand, ordering the most amazing hair accessories. I think we were craving a bit of sparkle in our lives and they certainly delivered, We saw a lot of dresses with sleeves so its looking like sleeves are back in a big way. There was an abundance of dresses with very sparkly glitter fabrics contrasted by a wide range of simple styles without any beading or lace, so plenty of options to choose from. And we attended Megan Garner’s masterclass and have finally found our Tik Tok feet.

“I took my boutique manager Rachel with me on this trip as she has been my rock during the past two years, and I wanted to be able to spend some quality time with her and give her the appreciation (and cocktails) she deserves. All in all it was a fantastic event and we came back feeling very positive and ready for whatever the rest of 2022 may bring.”

Collections carried

Allure bridals Casablanca Bridal Etoile by Elysee Nicola Anne bridal Randy Fenoli New arrivals: Poirier accessories