Harrogate Ramblings
Peta is on form, searching the rails in Harrogate for all things new, different and worthwhile
M
id the second lockdown I made the painful decision to sell the 10-year-old Micra. Its gaffer-taped wing mirrors, the window that didn’t open, and the wipers that shot off when the rain was too hard finally convinced me I needed to swap cars. I had a Toyota for three months but hated it so much I lost a small fortune, and then I invested in a
Smart car, four-seater obvs, and my goodness, was I relieved because the heated seats that I kept switched on all the way up to Harrogate did my back the world of good. Interestingly, I found there were a number of exhibitors who shared back issues but they soldiered on. We swapped histories and cures, and agreed that Voltarol should be on tap at exhibitions. Once out of the car with my copilot, Sara Groom from Hitched, I had a quick walk, well, walk then sigh, and we went straight into hall Q. I got instantly swept up in the moment with all the gorgeous dresses in there. As usual, the Alan Hannah stand was busy – too busy for them to chat, so I had to settle for a wave and a nod. It was great to see the talents of Love and Liberty and Freda Bennet, and then I spotted the models from Amsale – one was wearing a great one-shoulder dress, the other a lace square neck dress that was effortlessly charming. I know I was on the hunt for something new and different but I have to give a round of applause to Jesus Peiro, and put in a swift mention for Maggie Sottero, Justin Alexander, Watters, Romantica and Allure, all of who produce wonderful
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ranges of dresses . No wonder they are all so successful, their dresses are a joy to be seen plus with the occasional edgy surprise. Black dresses made an appearance on Maggie and JLM’s stands – the latter had their sparkly collection, which was beautiful. I’ll admit a slight crush on Allison Webb designs – it was interesting – the dresses with pearls were doing very well, will this be a trend for an evening wedding? I also like the way that Ellis has taken ownership of both sides of the exhibition hall, Ellis one side and Kelsey Rose the other. Ellis showed beautifully cut, well priced modern classic dresses, with enough of a fashionable twist to appeal to the most picky princess, and opposite them with their Kelsey Rose range made for the edgier/boho bride (who doesn’t want a fuss made, but really does, who wants to look like herself only better, yes I think we all know that B2B!). I also enjoy looking at the pieces from Indiebride. I guess it says what it is, so if you’re looking for traditional maybe this is not your first stop. However, all the dresses are pretty, wearable and stylish. I also spotted a new collection by Josephine Scott, her print dresses were light and airy, and she does great sleeves, too!
