Bridal Week Harrogate / Ones to Watch

With Bridal Week Harrogate only three weeks away, here are some of the hottest bridal labels we will be seeking out. Take an exclusive sneak peek at what’s in store for brides and boutiques for 2024 and find out what to expect from these brilliant brands at the UK's largest buying event and trade show….

Dessy

What we know: The team at Lark Bridal will be on stand C18 at Harrogate with their new collection for 2024, which Alan Dessy claims is their “best yet”. We are so happy to be welcoming this global brand back to the UK after an extended Covid-enforced break.

What’s in store for ’24?! Simply the complete range of fabrics, shapes, sizes and styles for girl gangs the world over. Get ready for bridesmaid beauty! Read more on the Dessy Group here.

Romantica of Devon

What we know: World-renowned but proudly British brand Romantica of Devon is celebrating 40 years in business this year. We can’t wait to see the team and the new collection of gowns, which we had a sneak peek at when we visited them at their Devon HQ.

What’s in store: Bold 3D floral laces, blush tones and just the right amount of sparkle. Exposed corsetry is also a firm feature! Read more about Romantica's plans for the upcoming year here.

They will be showcasing all of their own-name collections, alongside Martin Thornburg, Sophia Tolli and Mon Cheri, for the first time, and you will find them at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate.

Gaia Bridal

What we know: Known for their exemplary customer service and for really caring about their boutique stockists, Gaia have been quietly smashing it at the forefront of British design.

What’s in store: “At Harrogate we will be presenting our designs, which are, as always focussed on being very sellable and made for brides to feel like the best versions of themselves on their wedding day. It’s all about fit and fabrics!” Read the full interview with Maria Ryan here.

Visit the Gaia team on stand Q8 at Harrogate.

Josephine Scott

What we know: After the incredible reception to Josephine’s Debut Collection, which launched just last year, we can’t wait to see more from this exciting new British designer!

What’s in store: “Having spent the past months working with our boutiques and understanding our market and brides in greater depth, there are lots of exciting gowns that have evolved from our best sellers, keeping the luxury modern romantic feel, yet lighter and more refined.” Josephine will be launching the new Robes de Reve collection at Harrogate. Read the full interview with designer Josephine Parkhill here.

See her stunning new collections at Harrogate on stand Q22.

Sophia Tolli

“Our latest collection has already been launched in at both the Chicago and Las Vegas Bridal Markets and the response has been sensational. Sumptuous organza, chiffon, mikado and lace combine with Sophia’s signature patterns, embellishments and incredible craftsmanship to create a timeless collection of gowns your brides will keep falling in love with. We will also have a scene in the main catwalk show and cannot wait to show stores our latest creations.” Visit Sophia Tolli for the first time at The Crown Hotel.

Rachel Allan

What we know: Rachel Allan never fails to impress, and its boutique stockists love the brand for its eclectic range of dresses for the bride who wants something classic and stylish, but dares to be different.

What’s in store: “Rachel Allan Bridal continues to offer a large diverse collection that can meet any bridal boutique's needs. A-line silhouettes have had a resurgence in popularity over the last couple of years, and this trend seems to be getting even more popular. Separates are also popular and in demand like capes, sleeves, overskirts, boleros and detachable trains. Also, bling is IN!” Read the full interview with Rachel Allan’s, James McKenna here.

Rachel Allan Prom is all about show stopping glamour. Luxurious fabrics are adorned with diamantes, sequins and glitter to create red carpet show pieces. This season's colour story gives a nod to the classics like red, navy and emerald as well as embracing vibrancy with neon green, hot pink and gold.

"At the show our valued customers will be able to view the full collections. Our team of experienced and friendly models are on hand throughout the exhibition for all try ons as well as our Designer Spotlight Catwalks running at 11am and 3pm on Sunday and Monday. We also have a plus size model available for try ons and in the Designer Spotlight Catwalk. Our famous cocktail bar makes a return with a number of exciting custom drinks available. This year we are also introducing our Merch Market, showcasing our branded merchandise for all customers placing an order at the show."

Visit Rachel Allan on stand B15/26.

Dando London

What we know: Christine Dando is one of the biggest names in bridal, quietly but confidently doing what she does so well – designing and creating spectacular wedding gowns that are classic yet contemporary, with silhouettes that inspire body confidence.

Featuring NEW True Love collection from Dando london

What’s in store: “In 2024 Dando London is continuing to look at innovative ways to improve our partnerships with our valued stockists. In conjunction with increased marketing to drive consumer demand, we plan to explore interesting new, more collaborative, ideas that will contribute to greater awareness of the Dando London brand, ensuring brides actively seek out boutiques that are stockists of Dando London wedding dresses. Also, as our gowns can be customised, we are looking at ways to increase this customisation knowledge for both our stockists and the brides-to-be. So many brides appreciate that they can order a unique one-off creation for their special day.” Read all about Christine Dando’s plans for 2024 and more here. Visit the Dando London team on stand Q2 at Harrogate.

Ellis Bridals

What we know: Ellis Bridals is, probably the longest-established bridal designer in the world… Now, drawing on over 100 years of expertise, Ellis Bridal designs are both fashionable and classically beautiful while displaying meticulous attention to detail.

What’s in store: “At the heart of the Radiance Collection lies the perfect harmony of delicate, botanical lace, satin and sheer fabrics. These materials are crafted into statement styles that exude luxurious femininity. The juxtaposition of the intricate lace and the clean silhouettes creates a captivating combination of textures, evoking a sense of modern elegance. Our team has carefully selected soft silky satins and lightweight organza to enhance the collection’s ethereal essence further. The timeless silhouettes offer a blend of classic and contemporary elements, making each gown feel simultaneously feminine and modern.”

Read all about Ellis Bridals here.

Kelsey Rose

What’s in store: “Whimsical and light, the 2024 collection continues with the brand's boho luxe feel with soft mocha tones, botanical lace detailing and ethereal and light fabrications. Statement sleeve details and detachable elements continue as a theme for 2024, allowing brides to create their own look. For a bride looking for even more personalisation, we have brand new bridal separates too!”

Visit Ellis Bridal and Kelsey Rose on stand KS1 at Harrogate.

Wendy Makin

What we know: 2023 marks Wendy Makin being in business for 30 years! Renowned for its core Ready To Wear Collection, not to mention the coveted French Collection by Wendy Makin – beloved by brides for destination weddings – the brand is known for its quality craftsmanship and features that give its gowns a fabulous fit and feel.

What’s in store: Wendy Makin - Ready to Wear 2024: This collection emanates the brand's signature touch of simple, stylish elegance while daringly introducing a few experimental concepts. Celebrating a legacy, the line revisits the iconic floral design, a hallmark Wendy Makin became renowned for. While the timeless appeal of plainer fabrics like mikado remains, the introduction of a lustrous satin organza adds a fresh dimension. Crepes still feature heavily as well. And in a nod to ever-evolving tastes, the collection embraces a variety of sleeve designs – from the contemporary 'Cold' drop sleeve look and classic cuffed sleeves to gowns boasting detachable sleeves. French Collection By Wendy Makin 2024 - Cotes D’Azur: An ode to romantic elegance, this line showcases exposed boned bodices, complemented by sweetheart necklines, puffed drop sleeves and subtle floral appliqué. True to its ethos of versatility, the collection also includes some day-to-night gowns. With the addition of capes and overdresses, slip dresses and pant suits take on a new evening elegance. Harrogate will be the first UK showing of all the gowns from both 2024 collection. Sneak peeks will appear on socials over the coming weeks.”

More from Wendy on plans for 2024, starting with Harrogate here.

Visit stand Q31 at Harrogate to chat to the team.

Eliza Jane Howell

What we know: It’s the beginning of a new era for Eliza Jane Howell as they welcomed Catherine Fisher to pick up the design baton from the late, great Gill Harvey.

What’s in store: We are so excited to see the launch of the Legacy of Love Collection at Bridal Week Harrogate. Expect to see some younger, fresher and more exciting designs as well as their signature intricate hand-beaded dresses that set us apart from the others.

Visit Eliza Jane Howell on stand B38 at Harrogate.

Sonsie by Veromia

What we know: Much loved and revered brand Veromia will be back at Harrogate with its multi-award-winning Sonsie collection, which caters for brides up to a size 32, along with a selection of some of the most popular occasionwear gowns from the latest Veromia collections.

What’s in store: Veromia’s CEO Vivien Felstein said: “Sonsie was created in 2009 especially for the curvy bride and all styles are available in sizes 16-32, and we also offer special measure above size 32. Sonsie is designed especially for the voluptuous bride, to give her support and great shaping from the secret internal corsetry. All brides want the opportunity to try on dresses in their size which is why Sonsie works so well for curvy brides.”

Find the Veromia team on stand B36 at Harrogate.

NEW TO HARROGATE!

Jessica Couture

Jessica Couture is a leading New Zealand bridal brand for luxury designer wedding dresses, accessories, and jewellery. Designer and creator Jessica Wu says she is so excited to be showcasing a selection of her beautiful collections, for the first time this September, including Yours Truly, Bliss and Sky Light. Definitely a hot label to watch! Visit Jessica on stand A17 at Harrogate.

Morilee

All eyes will also be on Morilee, with the launch of their stunning new Spring 24 collections, featuring Morilee, Blu and Amy and Eve. The collections include romantic, soft tulle styles, beautiful florals, new bodice structures, and bold lace designs. Visit stand M22/M23.

We can't wait to see the latest trends and designs from the best in bridal, and we look forward to seeing some of you there. If you haven't yet registered, visit: Bridal Week Harrogate