Last month I headed down to London (on 4 hours sleep!) for bridal expo White Gallery with amazing wedding photographer, Amy of Amy Faith Photography . We were off to get a first look at the very latest in Bridal Fashion for the coming seasons. We were joined on the journey by lovely Siu of Liberty in Love who was on a buying trip for her award winning online boutique. There was quite a bit of wedding chitter chatter on the train down, although all three of us were slightly quieter on the way back. Poor Amy was pulled here there and everywhere by me, capturing amazing images as she went, from stand to stand to catwalk and back!  So after a full day wedding dress ogling, we were shattered!

White Gallery is a huge international bridal wear industry trade event, showcasing all the upcoming collections from some of the best UK and international bridal designers. Hundreds of bridal boutiques attend the event in order to choose which designers to stock in boutique and to choose the dresses.

White Gallery Trends and Inspiration

The strong trends coming through are that boho lace from very trend led hippie seventies lace through to more formal subtle and delicate cotton lace are big news still.

There were lots of gorgeous bows, big bows on the back of dresses, little bows on waistbands and ribbon tied waist bows too. Where florals were popular in recent years and still present, the colour trends seem to be moving back to blocks of colour. There were gorgeous dusky pale pinks and peach tulles on show, but in particular lots of blues.

We saw blue slips under beaded lace at Theia, hand painted blue hydrangeas on 1950’s style silk at Alan Hannah, gorgeous contemporary duck egg blues at Sabina Motasem, blue lace at Katya Katya Shehurina and Zetterberg too . So my pantone predictions for wedding colour in 2018, is definitely blue!

Pretty applique details, statement backs, side bodice detailing, dresses with pockets, separates, beading, pearl beading and polka dots and dot lace were making a strong show to. It made me very happy that there is a huge amount of tulle with lace being used as well as with just gorgeous simple silk strapy tops, just perfect! There was also some strong authentic retro styles coming through based on classic styling from the 40’s, 50’s 60’s and 70’s, Louise Bentley in particular is of note with their beautifully tailored dresses and jackets reminiscent of Jackie O, very sophisticated.

Its very hard to pick a favourite but here are some of what I think were the very best bits of White Gallery this year. Huge thanks again to Amy of Amy Faith Photography for these beautiful images;

JESUS PEIRO

I always love the designs by Jesus Peiro, they are elegantly classic whilst at the same time having a very contemporary edge. On show were bows, dresses with pockets (god I love a dress with a pocket) statement backs, polka dots and amazing cotton lace detailing. The new collection for 2018 METROPOLIS, is basically divine!  Perfect for the bride seeking something fashion led but timeless.

Lovely Marion showed us the collection and in particular I adored these two designs. The lace shoulder details on the dress below contrasting with the delicate polka dot sheer is perfection. The silhouette of the dress and statement back is so beautiful, I get the feeling it’s going to be a favourite. You may recognise the lovely girl modelling it for us, talented model Chloe Keenan, the winner of Britain’s next top model. She was joined by the stunning Maria Garrido who modelled the cotton lace polka dot dress, I love the shape of this dress, such a fun contemporary feel with the stunning skirt and cute cut of the neckline and detail panels at the sides.

If you like the look of these be sure to check out this recent blog post on Adored Bride featuring Jesus Peiro.

See more at www.jesuspeiro.com

SAVANNAH MILLER

Savannah’s stand at White Gallery was beautiful. Avalon’s Song is Savannah Miller‘s second  bridal collection and draws on her inspiration from classic vintage style combined with modern fabrics and embellishments such as the gorgeous pearl beads and sequins. They are exceptionally made, with amazing lines and stunning silhouettes. Perfect for anyone looking for a timeless look with a bit of an edge.

If you were after something a little different, I particularly loved the star lace sheer overlay caplet ‘Edith’, pure boho rock star behaviour!

See more at www.savannahmiller.com

CHERRY WILLIAMS LONDON

A stunning new British label, it was a real pleasure to meet designer Cherry Williams and her team. This, her stunning debut collection of bridal wear is inspired by her love of Hollywood glamour and the decadence of art deco fashion. To me the collection felt fresh and young and was really well received on the catwalk. The dresses are effortlessly classy, featuring gorgeous fabrics, with designs that play with the layering of luxurious and tactile fabrics, including contemporary laces, elegant sequins, ethereal tulles, and unique appliques.

Cherry also offers the opportunity of personalising your dress, offering a customisation service, where design details such as sleeves can be added and necklines altered. Always good to know.

I loved all of the Cherry Williams designs but particularly the playfulness of gorgeous “Annie” a separates ensemble, a delicate floral appliqué lace top with an open back and tiered pleated mikado skirt trimmed with a floral embroidered hem. I also loved  ‘Pearl’, it’s a modern silk satin short sleeve top which is accented with an almost sculptural draped bow feature at the back.

Absolutely beautiful designs and a must see for any brides and boutiques looking for new fresh classic styles.

See more at www.cherrywilliamslondon.com

CATHERINE DEANE

I absolutely adore Catherine Deane‘s styles, statement backs, amazing fabrics and outstanding details both bold and delicate but utterly feminine. It’s a really diverse collection. We walked past the stand about 5 times but couldn’t get in as it was constantly busy! Finally at the end of the day, we met with the lovely team and they showcased some of their latest design.

We were totally spoiled for choice with the styles on offer within the collection. I really loved the trousers and cami tops, but we chose these three. The first is a really young style with a cute waterfall skirt and delicate lace top. The second is an absolute show stopper with an amazing shape and gorgeous cut out back detail and finally the divine delicate lace utterly bohemian dress with those sleeves! Love it!

I really admire that the designer also supports a wonderful charity The Unlimited Child. For every Catherine Deane dress they sell they make a donation to the charity to supply equipment for the charity to continue their work.

If you love these dresses be sure to check out this recent post on Adored Bride featuring a real bride wearing a Catherine Deane design.

See more at www.catherinedeane.com

ZETTERBERG COUTURE

I haven’t got the words to explain how much I absolutely totally adore the dresses created by Swedish designer Therese Zetterberg. Zetterberg Couture is an utterly gorgeous collection, every piece timeless yet modern with Therese signature vintage tailoring style.

French lace, embroidered and embellished details, stunning eclectic textiles, pretty tulles in shades of white, creams,blues, peach, pinks and greens. Polka dot sheers, cotton lace…I just love it all! She has a collection of separates, dresses and accessories all available in her new Nottinghill boutique. Absolutely one to watch!

See more at www.zetterbergcouture.com

Valentina Gari at IR de Bundo

IR de Bundo has an array of simply gorgeous dresses, this one by Barcelona based designer Valentina Gari really caught my eye. I loved this design for its seventies vibe, the long cuff sleeves with the buttons, the split in the fabric, the neckline…perfect for a winter wedding. Valentina says she draws her style on simplicity and serenity from classic lines and fresh fabrics with movement. Sums up this dress perfectly.

See more at  www.raimonbundo.com

SABINA MOTASEM

Celebrating her 10th year in bridal fashion lovely, lovely Sabina Motasem shared a sneak preview of her 2018 Collection Siren at White Gallery.

Sabina and her team were starting to relax at the end of the very first day with a glass of bubbly, well why not!  We had a great chat and a bit of a giggle too. The collection is inspired by modern-day muses and is a beautiful array of feminine young designs. I really loved this new style the Valetti dress in duck egg blue satin. The Siren collection also includes slinky and bold separates, high low skirts, pretty silk cami tops and gold sequinned Studio 54 style dresses.

Sabina will be adding more styles to the Siren collection, launching the full collection in style at a special 10 year anniversary party later in the year. The Siren collection will be available at selected stockists to be announced. So keep an eye out on her instagram for the full launch, we are excited to see it.

See more at www.motasem.co.uk

CHARLOTTE BALBIER

A familiar face at White Gallery, was lovely Charlotte Balbier whose own amazing wedding I had the pleasure of being involved in a few years ago. It was lovely to see her and her gorgeous bump! Looking fabulous and still rocking a killer pair of heels even though she is pregnant. As always Charlotte and her team (including her lovely cousin Lucy and her Aunt) treat visitors to the stand with a stunning catwalk show. We enjoyed the show along with a bottle of her trademark pink lemonade with stripy straws, pretty branded love heart sweets and a very tasty pretty ribbon tied wedding cake biscuits by Forest Cake Crafts.

The latest collection by Charlotte Balbier Bohemian Blush is an eclectic and pretty array of dresses, I particularly loved the statement pink tulle dresses, the applique lace bodices, the trademark separates collection and the beautiful shapes. My absolute favourite was a design called Romy, a stunning slim fit lace dress with a cute lace cape…love a dress with a cape!

If you love these designs, check out this recent real wedding on Adored Bride featuring a bride in her gorgeous Charlotte Balbier dress.

See more at www.charlottebalbier.com

ALAN HANNAH

I absolutely loved the collection from Alan Hannah, the trend for big bows wereon show and in particular I adored this stunning statement dress, a beautiful silk dress with hand painted hydrangeas. The stand was exceptionally busy but Alan kindly took the time to tell us that every year they try to do a hand painted design for their stunning catwalk show at White Gallery.

The Bridal brand was established in the late eighties. The husband and wife team Alan and Marguerite are really passionate about ensuring the independence and quality of their label and have invested in modern production and training techniques to enable them to continue making the gowns here in London at their bespoke headquarters.

See more  at www.alanhannah.co.uk

LOUISE BENTLEY

This stand was gorgeous! True, authentic vintage styling by  Louise Bentley.  Christine and Jane the designers behind the brand create gorgeous classic vintage style pieces, tea length dresses, dress and jacket ensembles and sophisticated dresses with sixties styling, forties and fifties influences. Using lace, corded lace, beading and luxurious fabrics. Total elegance. Think Priscilla Presley and Jackie O!

See more at www.louisebentley.com

KATYA KATYA SHEHURINA

The Katya Katya Shehurina collection was just full of delicate beautiful dresses. I totally loved this blue lace and tulle number and its cute ribbon waist.  All of their vintage inspired wedding gowns are skillfully made under the watchful eye of designer Katya Shehurina in her Riga studio in Latvia.

The dresses are crafted using the finest of materials, modern and vintage inspired French laces, Italian Silks and handmade embellished detailing using Swarovski elements. Their catwalk show was really gorgeous and my favourite was a gown called Chantilly.

See more at www.shehurina.com

ANNE BARGE

Anne Barge is an Atlanta USA based designer and has a collection of very sophisticated dresses. Classic and sexy lines, gorgeous silk and lace applique, satins and tulle. I really loved this dress, it  has a really elegant feel, an amazing figure hugged outline and features the trend for cut out side details, really beautiful.

See more at www.annebarge.com

ANNA KARA

I have to mentioned Anna Kara bridal in our White Gallery round up, this wonderful Polish brand is full of exquisite fabrics and boho designs, feminine lines and pretty shapes. In particular I loved the butterfly fabric.

See more at www.annakara.com

THEIA

Theia is a fantastic brand from New York City, an array of perfect fashion led dresses.Very cool, edgy lines, key hole backs, fitted silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, sequins, beaded overlays and coloured slips. Tulle shirts, silk cami tops, really stunning. The collection combines sophisticated and elegant styling with luxurious silks,  brocades, laces, exquisite beading and embroideries. Each piece is meticulously stitched together to create exquisite gowns and I really love this brand. I loved these designs in particular.

If you enjoyed these, take a look at this shoot featured on Adored Bride with Theia gowns.

See more at www.theiacouture.com

SAIID KOBEISY

Dazzled by the pretty, we were drawn to the Saiid Kobeisy stand, stunning applique, amazing beading, luxurious fabrics and big statement dresses and sparkle. An array of proper luxurious couture. It struck us as being very different and for the bride who wants to make a real entrance!

See more at www.saiid-kobeisy.com

ELIZA JANE HOWELL

The Eliza Jane Howell dresses are unlike any other. Designer Gill Harvey named Eliza Jane Howell after her grandmother, who was also a fashion designer. Her gowns are works of art, show stoppers, theatrical, beautiful, the shapes, the intricate beading, the fabrics, all basically amazing! Inspired by fashion of the golden age, her designs are complete heirloom pieces. Her catwalk show was breathtaking and Amy’s favourite.

See more at www.elizajanehowell.com

What an amazing day we had at White Gallery, I cannot wait now to see these gorgeous dresses in some real weddings. Thanks again to Amy Faith Photography for these perfect images and for her fab company on the day,

with love