Imagine looking back on your wedding day – wonderful moments captured on film, printed on parchment and bound in a white leather book. A book which is to be cherished – memories to be treasured. These are the moments which inspired this season’s Catwalk Show at The National Wedding Show.
From the pre-ceremony photo-shoot to behind the scenes preparations, the first dance and the procession down the aisle; the gowns, accessories, groomswear and everything in between. The Catwalk Show took the audience on an emotive journey to entertain and inspire.
The vintage trend remained prevalent, with designers including Qiana Bridal, Terry Fox and Candy Anthony taking inspiration from the roaring 1920's through to the 1950s and 60s. Fairytale glamour also proved to be popular, with beautiful ballgowns gracing the Catwalk featuring layers of tulle and sparkling embellishment.
For several designers this season, it was all about the back, with simple and elegant wedding dresses featuring statement keyholes, detailed backs and daring low backs from the likes of Allure Bridals, Alexia Designs and Love Marley, while brides looking for a splash of colour were inspired by the pretty pastel hues and jewel tones from the likes of Alfred Angelo, Jarlo Wedding and Ghost.
Returning to the Catwalk, Qiana Bridal showcased key styles from their Classic Rose and Love & Romance collections. Inspired by the romance of the 1950’s, Qiana Bridal's signature gowns feature full flowing skirts with organza overlays and fitted bodices.
Ghost presented their new collection of exclusive ‘Dye to Order’ dresses. Inspired by vintage glamour, the new collection features classic Ghost designs, including the slip dress and the bias cut dress with a choice of floor length gowns, stylish midi-length dresses and shawls.
Mode Bridal made their debut on the Catwalk, with collections from British bridal designer Terry Fox and Italian designer Anna Tumas. Styles from the Terry Fox collection Siren Song were full of vintage inspired British fairy-tale charm, while the stylish demure collection from Anna Tumas brought perfect silhouettes, femininity and effortless elegance together resulting in truly elegant designs.
Jarlo Wedding showcased a diverse collection of contemporary bridalwear together with bridesmaid dresses in a palette of pretty pastel shades, while Candy Anthony made a comeback to the Catwalk with their beautiful 1950’s-60’s inspired tea-length gowns.
Also taking centre stage on the Catwalk was Diane Harbridge, whose gowns featured feminine silhouettes, soft romantic laces and tulles, along with the hand beaded embellishments which complete the stunning 2015 collection. As a UK based company, Diane’s design ideas are traditionally British. Prim high necklines, long elegant sleeves and fine laces are just some of the features that make up her collections.
Presenting their new SS15 Bridal Collection at Manchester Central, Alexia Designs introduced styles which are very original to the label. New colours such as Blush, Sky and gold have been introduced to the bridal colour pallet, with illusion backs and silky organza fabrics also featuring in the stunning collection. New colours to look out for in Alexia Designs’ new bridesmaid collection included Amethyst, Mint Green, Lemon, Pistachio and Blush.
The ever-theatrical Allure Bridals presented new designs from key collection Allure Bridals Timeless and Romantic Collection, Allure Couture: Dramatic Elegance and Madison James: Fashion Forward. Each design featured exquisite detail, from a sprinkling of Swarovski crystals to rich lace appliques. As well as exceptional quality, Allure Bridals is known for its patented corset construction, providing every bride with a fabulous fit.
In Birmingham and Manchester, the regions’ finest bridal boutiques including Bolton based boutique Because I Love You Bridal Centre, Solihull based boutique Lisa Rose Bridal and The Dressing Rooms in Halesowen showcased the latest designer collections from the likes of Enzoani, Sophia Tolli, Watters and many more.
Debenhams once again provided inspiration for the entire wedding party, with their affordable yet stylish bridal range together with collections of bridal lingerie, bridesmaids dresses, groomswear and Mother of the Bride attire. With sophisticated bridesmaid dresses in all colours of the rainbow, styles included designs from Jenny Packham No.1, as well as high street favourite Coast. Inspiration for the groom was provided by Young’s Hire at Debenhams and not forgetting the Mother of the Bride and Groom, Debenhams showcased an extensive range from Top Hat by Stephen Jones, J by Jasper Conran, Phase Eight and Jacques Vert.
Berketex Bride also returned, with their signature collection of traditional wedding dresses featuring stunning hand-worked beading and layered, full skirted designs.
Bringing fairytale magic to the Catwalk, Alfred Angelo showcased a selection of breath-taking designs from their Bridal Collection, Modern Vintage collection and the magical Disney Fairy Tale Collection, which features gowns inspired by Disney's most iconic heroines and princesses, including Frozen's Elsa, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Ariel and Belle.
Providing inspiration for the Mother of the Bride and Groom, Nigel Rayment showcased elegant styles from Condici, Ian Stuart and John Charles together with his very own signature range of hats.
The latest groomswear trends were presented by the likes of Burton’s, Slaters and Moss Bros, with suave suits for all styles from their ready-to-wear, hire and bespoke collections. Moss Bros also presented highlights from the Tails of the UnexpecTed collection By Ted Baker London. Blue remains a dominant trend for tailoring, with an emphasis on brighter shades for weddings, and this is echoed throughout Moss Bros’ styles this season.
The show’s Glam Squad created cutting edge bridal hair and beauty looks to complement the looks on this season’s Catwalk, with experts from bareMinerals, Essie and Fudge Professional presenting the latest trends.
Confetti.co.uk provided fabulous finishing touches to complete each scene on the Catwalk, with props and accessories from veils, parasols and fans to birdcages, pocket watches and garlands
Autumn 2015 Diary Dates –
25-27 September, London Olympia / 2-4 October, Birmingham NEC / 24-25 October, Manchester Central
