As always I’m here to talk wedding dresses. Today it’s about wedding dress buying as a boutique owner. I’ll be honest, it’s one of the most scariest parts of the job. Predicting next season’s trends, what the next big thing will be and most importantly what brides want to see on the rails of Perfect Day Bride. It can be quite a stressful job and one I have to get absolutely right. Each year I head to London, the fashion capital for the annual trade shows. Here I meet designers, see dresses and make some big decisions on what I might bring back to the boutique to add to our collection.
Originally launched in Australia followed shortly after by New York, bridal trade show ‘One Fine Day‘ has become hailed as the must-visit destination for the bridal industry. This year they decided to pitch up at a super cool location in shoreditch to bring bridal buyers, like myself a fresh new, pretty Instagramable boutique buying experience. Obviously I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, as you do.
So very early Sunday morning, I gave up my weekly lie in (that’s dedication for you) and headed to trendy Shoreditch to see One Fine Day.
Firstly lets talk about this venue JJ Wimborne. I’d ventured here before when we took part in a photo shoot ‘back in the day’ with the fabulous Coco & Kat duo. JJ Wimborne does not disappoint. It is utterly beautiful, boasting period features, yet modern studio offerings. A super calm and cool environment for a city wedding – check it out!
After Instagraming the life out of every little detail it was time to check out the talent. Filled with fashion forward bridal designers this place was a dream, and completely my scene.
I headed straight to Alexandra Grecco. Already hanging on the rails here at Perfect Day Bride, I just had to get my hands on her new collection. Alexandra Grecco dresses balance modern elements with effortless style. The clean lines and chic silhouettes contrast perfectly with soft ethereal details throughout each gown. Her collections tend to stray from tradition, while featuring high-quality fabrics and intricate hand-embroidery – just everything I love.
It was good to see a familiar face, and one of my favourites, Cathleen Jia. I have personally met her before and it reminded me why I fell in love with her pieces the first time round. Brides not only get the ability to build their own look with her separates concept, but Cathleen’s eye for soft details and effortless beauty ensures the pieces are wearable beyond the big day.
Rocking it for the British-bridal-scene had to be Bon Bride. Promoting an awareness of sustainability.
Clean cut lines, striking yet understated. Designer Pippa Cooke created this collection to offer alternative options to evolve with a new generation of modern women. Proving less is most definitely more. It was a big hit for me.
To compliment any beautiful dress are those accessories. London based designer AM Faulkner was on hand with her divine display of veils and head accessories to complete the look. With the emphasis on simple forms and beautiful materials, AM Faulkner sensitively combines contemporary and innovative textile design with traditional British millinery techniques to produce her signature pieces. Designed for the fashion forward bride who wants a modern look made with all the love and care of a traditional artisan.
Now with a glass of bubbles in my hand it was time to take a seat and reflect on the dresses I had seen that day and let the decision- making commence.
Photography One Fine Day
Words & Boutique Perfect Day Bride
Venue Wimborne House