The first catwalk of the day saw Stephanie Allin give a lively, upbeat start to the day’s schedule with a guest appearance from Natalie Lowe from BBC Strictly Come Dancing who added great movement to the collection. Deceptively simple beaded lace and fluid, bias cut satin was cut to create perfect elegant columns punctuated with details highlighting the shoulders and waist. A clever use of gloss and matt saw a play on textures adding further interest and subtle contrast whilst bolero style lace jackets and hints of delicate pastel colours in lilac, oyster, peach and old rose brought an extra contemporary dimension to the designs.
The Ian Stuart show was second of the day and once again offered the audience a feast for the senses. Accompanied by operatic arias, the full and flamboyant dresses wowed the audience with their breath-taking beauty. Layers of silk, tulle and lace were embellished with overblown flowers, oversized bows, ruching and draping to create a star-studded collection of dresses that are sure to set the standard for the season to come. Most dramatic of all was a dress of epic proportions featuring festoons of floral print and a flower embellished parasol.
In the afternoon, the British Talents show opened with Johanna Hehir who focused on a long, sleek silhouette defined by a clever use of pleating and intricate lace and fine bead detailing. Mia Mia’s simple, pared down look was complemented with intricate shoulder detailing and a clever use of ruffles and ruching. Hollywood Dreams/Chic by Hollywood Dreams presented a classically inspired collection featuring fitted bodices and contrasting billowing skirts highlighted layering and asymmetric detailing. Hazaar of London’s designs delighted with their understated style statement and unique twist on traditional bridal wear which sees adaptable dresses with removable over and underskirts, transforming the brides look from day to evening.
Blue Bridalwear’s modern retro range hinted at the 50’s and 60’s with strong simple shapes in crisp clean fabrics contrasted with boxy lace jackets and Jackie O style bows. Highlight of Naomi Neoh’s collection was the structured bodices giving way to floaty voluminous layered skirts. Madeline Isaac-James added a tailored twist to some of her designs with neat collars and cuffs framing billowing sleeves whilst soft lace trains added fluidity and movement. A selection from The Vintage Wedding Dress Company saw soft draping, antique lace and a number of romantic empire line styles. Closing the show was Terry Fox who played with colour introducing the audience to baroque inspired pieces featuring structured corsets and full skirts embellished with rock-style jewels in delicate gold, pistachio green and pastel pink.
Sanyukta Shrestha’s simple lace coat dress was embodied the long and lean silhouette whilst the showstopper came from an intricately pleated creation using original 1980’s newspaper, with the design visible through layers of pleated organza and tulle.
Kisui’s designs featured intricate seaming detailing combined with soft textured jacquard fabrics producing a pure and understated contemporary collection. Victoria Kyriakides showed a comprehensive understanding of clever pattern cutting with layer upon layer of origami style shapes, pleats and ruffles creating a very future forward collection further enhanced by paper origami gladiator inspired headdresses.
The final show for 2012, International Flavours, commenced with Lusan Mandongus/Annasul Y showing a serene collection of intricate crystal encrusted soft lace with structured strapless styles and flirty fishtail skirts.
Elizabeth Stuart brought an infusion of colour with delicate honey tones and layers of organza petals and handkerchief hems adding body and movement.
The Yolan Cris look was defined with a dramatic use of trims and embellishments – heavily beaded fringes, ornate lace and macramé, festoons of beaded tulle and an abundance of flowers were all combined to full effect.
Closing the White Gallery London catwalk until next year was Victorio & Lucchino Novias/Raimon Bundo with an eclectic collection, which included a dramatic flamenco-inspired style in soft panelled satin edged in delicate lace and a design featuring a computerised graphic organza print.
With visitor numbers up by 18% on last year, the second day of White Gallery London 2012 proved a resounding success for the 60+ top name bridal exhibitors at London’s most glamorous bridal trade event. Organisers, sponsors, exhibitors and guests celebrated in style with an after show party in association with Brides magazine at The Collection in Brompton Road.
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