BRIDAL WEEK LONDON 2023

The London Show in March, which again incorporated White Gallery, raised many questions – from exhibitors and visitors alike – as to

time for a change in the long-standing formulation

We asked organisers Ocean Media for information regarding their strategy that will take the UK’s key bridal events –Harrogate and London – to a new level, but as they are in the discussion/planning stages the company would not issue detail. They did, however, provide the following press release as an official summary of the March show. These are their words:

“From 19-21 March, brands and buyers were reunited in the UK’s fashion capital as Bridal Week London and White Gallery opened its doors once more. Across three days, the industry came together for a true celebration of bridal fashion, presenting a host of leading lines in the bridal sector and exciting features. From show-stopping live fashion shows to insightful and impactful seminars hosted by our industry experts, visitors got a glimpse into the hottest upcoming trends and took home useful business advice, all whilst buying new collections for their boutiques.

Buying

“Thousands of buyers travelled to London to be amongst the first to view the latest collections from bridalwear, accessories and occasionwear brands from all over the world at Bridal Week London. Visitors were spoiled for choice with so much to discover: over 350 collections adorned mannequins, and our innovative and inspirational stands truly brought the venue to life across the three days. Luxury buying event White Gallery promoted a bespoke buying experience, offering cutting-edge collections from some of the most well-established designer labels from across the globe, as well as dress debuts from some newer names on the scene.

The Fashion Shows

“The multi-cultural and diverse capital has long been celebrated for being a hub for the world’s most searing fashion talents, and a source of inspiration for up-andcoming designers. London’s reputation as a distinctive fashion centre means it was only right that visitors were able to sit alongside the runway and get up close and personal to the latest designs from world-renowned brands and designers at the Fashion Shows.

“Maggie Sottero Designs hosted private Fashion Shows, allowing buyers to get a better look at this season’s gowns and watch the fabrics move on the models. The Bridal Week London preview shows cemented their position as a top hit with visitors as nine brands hit the catwalk, including Calla Blanche, Colby John, Dando London, Ellis Bridals, Evie Young Bridal, Jeune Bridal, Kelsey Rose, L’amour by Calla Blanche, La Perle, Madi Lane Bridal, Rachel Allan Bridal and The Perfect Bridal Collection by Kay Heeley.

“This year, White Gallery hosted its own dedicated luxury runway, where buyers could discover the fabrics, craftsmanship and expertise that goes into each and every creation. White Gallery’s runways were a true fashion hotspot for bridal professionals, with designers, stockists, press, editors and influencers attending from all around the world. This year, we featured the finest selection of UK and international labels, including 29 Atelier, Freda Bennet, Josephine Scott, Lalunah Bride, Louise Bentley, Maria Pia, Michèle Weiten, Natalya James and Seren Moda. Special thanks to MG Hair & Makeup, The Perfect Bridal Company for providing veils and shoes, Jupon Limited for providing petticoats, Poirier for providing headdresses and Propress Steamers for steaming all runway dresses. We would like to extend our thanks to Vicky and the SKIN London team for putting on another fabulous catwalk.

Bridal Retail Success Academy

“This year, we welcomed back the Bridal Retail Success Academy to host both seminar sessions and one-to-one tailored appointments. Free to attend and open to all visitors, these educational sessions covered a range of topics from sales and finance, to marketing and social media to help visitors tackle the issues that mattered to them the most. Speakers included Maria MusgroveWethey, Christine Skilton, Megan Garmers and Kelly Mortimer, who were a great success and enabled visitors to get free actionable take-aways to implement in their bridal businesses. Some of the best and brightest in the business, including Abi Neill, Diana McMann, Grace Bunk, Kelly Mortimer, Megan Garmers and Get Savvy offered 1-2-1 tailored advice on taking your business to the next level. We would like to thank all of our experts for spending three days at Bridal Week London and for sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with our visitors.

“White Gallery also ran a luxury panel, featuring Jemma Palmer (Halo & Wren), Ella-Louise Gaskell (P.S Bridal) and Ellie Sanderson (Ellie Sanderson Luxury Bridal), to aid high-end bridal businesses in creating and elevating the luxury buying experience. We would like to extend our thanks to our lovely line-up for being an integral part of our panel and a guiding light for our visitors.”

Exhibitor Comment

“I thought the show looked lovely but it was too quiet, the footfall was not good enough.”

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“No one is ever happy! Ocean Media worked really hard and put on a good show. I’m confident they will react accordingly and improve where they need to – it’s important that they listen to everyone’s experiences.”

Retailer Comment

“Shop owners are buying in a new way today. They see collections online, they have a rep come out with collections and then, aside from Harrogate in September, which is always a great show, they are generally going to Europe or the USA in search of something different.“

TIME OUT

Away from the madding crowds with time to really consider what to buy