Of all the bridal shows that take place, White Gallery has got to be the most prestigious. It’s always teaming with international buyers and features the most original crop of homegrown talent.
This year I discovered, to my delight, Claire Mischevani Bridal, together with her new 8-piece wholesale collection for Mothers-of- the-Bride. My favourite piece was a ‘swing coat’ that she not only offers in a variety of colours and materials, but an option of sleeve and hem lengths – so vintage looking and so practical…
I also managed to catch a word with Vivien Sheriff, flush from winning Drapers Accessory Designer of the Year. I really loved this gorgeous head piece that comes in different colours, and it’s certainly NOT just wedding material! Vivien promised to send me a picture of it on a high society American bride and I can’t wait! Oooh and whisper, whisper, there might be a straw collection next season for those of us in sunnier climes that want to wear her daily!
Sanyukta Shrestha is rising so FAST it’s hard to keep up. She is committed to her native Nepal where she keeps a workshop, and her excitement in using groundbreaking ethical fabrics like hemp, soya and organic silk is infectious. Her bridal collection takes its inspiration from the elegance of Wallis Simpson who once said, ‘I’m not a beautiful woman. I’m nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than anyone else’. The Bridal gown above was my favourite. It uses 11 metres of a milk fabric and feels to the touch like a muslin mousse. She is the only bridal company using this fabric, which is so special. Sanyukta, pictured below, is preparing to launch a ready-to-wear collection – hand-loomed in the Khokana Village of Nepal! I adore this woman for her hard work, professionalism and sheer TALENT.
On to Rachel Simpson whose shoe collection (above) is handmade in Spain. New this season are three unique shoe clips with matching hair grips – really cute. Trends for her bridal shoes this season include more suede, lace and colours including taupe and metallic silver.
