Head for Casablanca

An all-American brand, born and raised in California, Casablanca has grown to be an international name with a portfolio packed with high-fashion winners

There are four labels in the highly successful Casablanca Bridal stable and each has a distinct personality that appeals to a particular type of bride. Knowing your audience and their tastes is a real bonus, and one that makes this house a real winner. “Our privatelyowned factory allows us to ensure all phases of production from start to finish are to our exact standards. Every Casablanca gown is made to order, one at a time,” says the company’s Michelle Kim.

“We take great pride in the fact that we do not mass-produce our bridal gowns. Each gown is unique from the hand-beaded designs and exquisite laces, to the fit and customization for every bride’s specific needs.”

Of the four in the award-winning stable, Le Blanc (RRP £680–£1,100) is a real point-scorer, a thoroughlymodern statement-maker where the cut is sleek and the style story is free of adornment.

The eponymous Casablanca Bridal (RRP £1,284–£3,525) is the classic one of the foursome, with quality, design originality and attention to detail the key priorities. Fashion-forward brides fall in love with Beloved, (RRP £1,197–£2,274) a range known for its hand-crafted gowns that use the finest quality fabrics and laces, shimmering Swarovski crystals and glorious hand-sewn embellishments that add another dimension of detail. And then there is Amare Couture, a magnificent collection with a special handwriting that spells luxury and exclusivity.

There are two collections per label per year, with dazzling newcomers under the spotlight, as well as the proven best-sellers that every retailer wants, knowing they are sure-fire winners that will bring in the business.

The new season’s presentations start in Paris, 12-13 March, then move to London Bridal Week, 19-21 March at London’s Excel where the entire 2024 collection will be showcased, and European Bridal Week in Essen, 1-3 April, that for the first time incorporates Interbride, making it northern Europe’s biggest bridal expo with 500+ exhibitors.

In the USA, Casablanca Bridals has a permanent showroom at the Atlanta Mart and will be exhibiting at the VOW show, the National Bridal Market Chicago in March and August, and at regional pop-ups in Dallas, Salt Lake City and New Jersey.

So what can retailers expect in the months ahead? “Our key fabrics for the 2024 collection include stretch mikado, neoprene, shimmer tulle, glitter tulle, floral overlace, soft tulle, crepe organza, Chantilly lace, stretch georgette, stretch crepe, French stretch lace, Italian duchess silk and fringe. Embellishments include 3D and lace appliqués, beading, sequins, crystals, pearls and eyelash trim,” says Michelle.

With a network of 800 prestigious retailers across the globe, 150 in the UK alone, Casablanca is always soliciting opinion in order to deliver what their stockists want. “Right now,” says Michelle, “they are asking for detachable accessories, including sleeves, capes, straps, gloves, skirts and Watteau trains so that a bride can truly have two looks in one. They also love that we offer a matching veil in every length for every dress in our collection. Also in demand are clean, modern designs, driving exponential growth for our new Le Blanc collection. Soft A-line styles continue to be super popular, providing brides with a romantic look for their big day.”

And those two, have-to-be-asked questions… does the company feel we are over the challenging times for recent years? “Casablanca Bridal is excited to see its global retailers successfully rebounding and growing post-pandemic due to a record-breaking number of brides in 2022 and projected for 2023,” says Michelle. “However, with an increase in COVID cases in China, some manufacturers could continue to see sporadic disruptions to the supply chain in 2023. “We are lucky. Owning our factory provides us with greater control and an advantageous response to any unforeseen supply chain issues.”

And the aftermath of Brexit? Again, Michelle is happy to report that it has not had a negative impact on sales in the UK. “We are offering a higher level of delivery duty-paid service to our retailers to eliminate some of the challenges they face due to Brexit,” she reports.