Already established as one of the leading international bridal trade fairs – and the only designer-exclusive event – White Gallery London will open its elegant doors this year at the stunning Battersea Evolution, 22-24 May.
With some 40 key names, including top designer houses from Spain, France, Portugal, Australia, the USA, Canada and the Middle and Far East as well as the UK, White Gallery is the essential hunting ground for the finest bridalwear collections. As such, it is positioned to attract the world’s most exclusive retailers and media from across the globe.
The designers This May, the impressive line up of collaborating names includes: Alan Hannah . Amanda Wakeley . Anoushka G . Babe . Blue . Claire Pettibone . Cymbeline . David Fielden . Gemy Couture. Halo & Co . Hollywood Dreams . Ian Stuart . Ivory & Co . Jesus Peiro . Johanna Hehir. Katzi Jewellery . Lea-Ann Belter. Lusan Mandongus . Lyn Ashworth . Matthew Williamson . MKarin . MyLady . Nicki Macfarlane . Olivia Couture . Penrose . Pepe Botella . Polly Edwards . Rachel Simpson . Ritva Westenius . Sassi Holford . Sharon Bowen. Stephanie Allin . Stephanie Browne . Stewart Parvin . Ugo Zaldi . Vivien Sheriff. Yolan Cris .
Recognising new names
In addition, this year, White Gallery London is introducing hand-picked talented young British designers who are poised for critical and commercial acclaim: Elizabeth Stuart . Sarah Janks . Sanyukta Shrestha . Terry Fox . The Vintage Wedding Dress Company . Tobi Hannah .
The fashion shows
White Gallery London programme of individual, own-name fashion shows is a special attraction, for it is here where retailers and the press can see the collections come to life, styled by the very designers who created them. There will be invitation-only catwalk shows (tickets are available through each designer) from: Alan Hannah . Ian Stuart . Matthew Williamson . Stephanie Allin . Stewart Parvin
White Gallery London will also stage the Designers’ Preview Show 2011 featuring key pieces from the collections of Blue Bridalwear, Hollywood Dreams, Johanna Hehir, Lea-Ann Belter, Lusan Mandongus, MKarin, Sharon Bowen and Yolan Cris. New Talents Preview Show. Visitors will not require a special invitation to these shows.
The White Gallery London 2011 Fashion Shows, sponsored by Condé Nast Brides, will take place during the 22 and 23 May at the same venue and will be preceded by a short reception in the White Gallery London ‘Kissing Room’.
Above: Matthew Williamsons bridal collection is big news in the wedding industry
So what will be unveiled by this supremely talented group of trend setters? One thing we can be sure of is that the new looks will set the direction for bridal design for the years ahead. Here is a taste of what some of the big names have planned for White Gallery London:
Amanda Wakeley Sposa will preview the new collection for 2012, presenting a supremely luxurious range of dresses, injecting fresh new shapes and contemporary fabrics. Amanda Wakeley Sposa designs celebrate a bride that is timelessly chic and utterly modern. Contrasting the drama of crisp double satin and silk mikado through to softest silk georgettes, tulles and jerseys; the collection caters to a variety of weddings from Cathedral to beaches at sunset. Embellishment, folds and drapes compliment the silhouette. Emphasis on enhancing the body comes from clever draping and contoured panelling. Shapes are defined but not confined, always with a luxurious use of fabric, perfection of cut and attention to craftsmanship.
David Fielden is widely regarded as one of the most creative bridal designers on the international stage and his gowns have been chosen by celebrities including Julia Roberts, Kate Moss and Kelly Osbourne to name a few. David creates feminine, classical yet playful dresses that the fashion-aware woman craves. David Fielden will be showcasing both his bridal and eveningwear collection. Expect to see signature gowns that are structured yet soft, romantic and floaty in slinky satins. Cut-out work and soft, fuller skirts with embellished bodices will be key features.
Gemy Couture designer Gemy Maalouf takes values of the modern woman who is extremely driven and ambitious and translates this into contemporary fashionable wedding dresses. The collection debuts distinct styles with modern silhouettes, gorgeous fabrics, top-of-the-line fit and finish, soft embellishments, and crystal beadings. The beautifully designed gowns are focusing on bringing style and luxury through the use of different fabrics such as lace, silk, chiffon, silk organza, silk georgette, silk satin and special embroidery.
Cutting edge, multi award winning designer
Ian Stuart will once again present his new collection at White Gallery London. Inspired by leading ladies of iconic musicals, with a collection that epitomises the unique dramatic style Ian Stuart is renowned for. A variety of silhouettes and shapes will be shown in fabrics such as silk taffeta, silk tulle and silk organza with unique embroidery and decoration. “Guests at White Gallery London can expect an emotional catwalk show that celebrates the true romanticism of the bridal gown.”
Jesus Peiro’s 2012 collection is inspired by The Orient Express and a journey from the East to the West. Expect to see different silhouettes including big skirts with ruffles of tulles and gauzes, A-lines with high waists to enhance the figure, to pencil-slim lines with minimal draping and fitted sleeves. Halter necks and embroidered belts add definition but it is the detail that creates the real personality – scissor cuts, zig-zag finishing and the partial overlapping of fabric that is synonymous with the Jesus Peiro handwriting. The colour palette is highly specialised with luminous tints over clear, camellia-white. Jesus Peiro comments, “White Gallery is a growing and very important fare because it focuses in a high quality product in a suitable setting. I am sure that it will continue to grow in importance internationally.”
Lea-Ann Belter has been committed to elegant simplicity in design since her beginnings. Sophisticated lines and understated details distinguish her gowns from the ordinary. Lea-Ann Belter is quality conscious and oversees the workmanship herself. Expect to see hand-sewn pearls, Austrian crystals and soft delicate embroidery for seductive elegance. Beautiful silk brocades and softly coloured dupioni silks designed by Belter herself will dominate the collection.
Lusan Mandongus is a name synonymous with classical elegance and has been creating gorgeous bridal gowns since 1991 with a passion to design every girl’s dream for her wedding day. Catering especially for women with an appreciation for high fashion style and couture-esque finish. Designs will reflect the romance of the day and the feminine spirit of the bride.
After the success and appreciation
MKarin has received from bridal buyers all over the world, her new collections will be unveiled at White Gallery London which will confirm her position in the bridal market today. Her creations will branch into three different segments: Maria Karin Couture – sophisticated trendy bride with extreme attention to detail. Maria Karin – romantic chic with precious laces, sumptuous silks, embroidered with pearls and Swarovski crystals.
Patrizia Ferrera - focuses on a young dynamic bride with a strong attention toward the price.
Matthew Williamson will launch his first bridal collection which will be showcased in a glamorous catwalk show. The inspiration for this range comes from the designer’s previous ready to wear lines which translate beautifully into bridal wear. Expect to see long and short corset column gowns that create lean structured silhouettes and are softened with artfully draped overlays of soft ivory tulle. Jewel embedded mink and rabbit fur cropped shrugs have been designed to compliment the stunning look and add a real sense of luxury.
Sassi Holford has returned to the 1940’s with fabrics that are unashamedly romantic and very much about luxurious texture, such as slipper satin, vintage lace and silk georgette. Dramatic skirt shapes are very important; fit with a very full flare, fishtail and ball gown, all these silhouettes emphasise the beauty of the female figure. Holford states, "The creativity of British bridal design has long needed the right platform to be recognised internationally. White Gallery London delivers the time and the place for this to happen."
Stewart Parvin’s bridal collection features fantastic corseted structure, clean silhouettes and the best quality fabrics. All Stewart Parvin gowns are created in England by a team of bridal specialists ensuring the highest quality of construction and fit. The collection encapsulates Stewart’s aesthetic which is understated, modern and chic. Stewart comments "The 2012 collection is a sumptuous selection of covetable gowns – princess line skirts, and waist-cinching ruching ensure the perfect silhouette for the modern bride. Also on the catwalk this year will be dramatic fishtail silhouettes in sequined lace and tulle.” Always glamorous and always contemporary, the collection from royal couturier Stewart Parvin has been inspired by Café Society from the glamour of Boulevard de Paris in the late 60’s to the late 70’s with the disco chic of Studio 54.
Ugo Zaldi’s 2012 collection carries 5 themes: Hollywood Glamour, Romance, Bohemian Chic, Haute Couture and Rock'n'Roll. Dresses are constructed entirely from silk using floaty mousseline, draped crepe, French lace and slinky silk satin with embellishments of Swarovski crystals and pearls. Ugo Zaldi’s untraditional approach to bridal wear makes his dresses perfect for city, beach or church weddings.
Hot Spanish designer
Yolan Cris will present an array of stunning bridal gowns and accessories this weekend at White Gallery London. This season’s collection is inspired by the hippie-bohemian movement that emerged in New York in the early 1970’s. The post Woodstock years were highly influential to fashion, and the 70’s became a decade that coined timeless style and consequently enthusing Yolan Cris to create his latest collection in homage to this era. Expect to see luxe materials including macramé crochet, crochet and organza pleats creating a fresh and innovative approach. Accessorize dresses with hippy-esque headwear including ivory and white coloured headbands along with a selection of beautiful hats.
Babe, Halo & Co, Harriet Wilde, Ivory & Co, Katzi Jewellery, Penrose, Polly Edwards, Rachel Simpson Shoes, Stephanie Brown Australia and Vivien Sheriff Millinery are some of the fine accessories designer labels exhibiting at White Gallery London 2011 – some of them will produce a limited capsule collection for this event’s select audience.
Penrose is the first Italian lingerie designer to produce a collection dedicated exclusively to the bride. Invisible and soft bodysuits, corsetry, bras, slips, hosiery and sets, made of precious fabrics and styled by exquisite tailoring in sophisticated white and ivory colours. A combination of classic and modern styles co-existing in unique collections of fashionable undergarments created to ensure each bride embraces a young and modern look for their wedding day. Penrose will also be previewing their bridal footwear collection featuring a selection of luxurious silk and satin creations.
With over 20 years experience in creating some of the world’s most exquisite couture bridal jewellery Stephanie Browne has a reputation for unsurpassed craftsmanship and creativity. She will present a range of elegant couture jewellery from her signature line, including stunning necklace and earring sets, with delicate bracelets and brooches to match. Stephanie Browne will also present bejewelled fascinators and tiaras; the collection extends to the most intricate detailing on divinely styled hair combs and slides, and the final finishing touches of the most beautiful cuff links and buckles. Highlights of the range include head turning feather hair accessories and bejewelled headbands, with each design reflecting originality and beauty and each piece ensured to become a treasured possession.
