Attire Bridal magazine
New Issue OUT NOW
May/June 2012
Cover image provided by Riva Westenius
Find out more about the latest industry news and product launches in the current issue of Attire Bridal. Why not download the magazine in PDF format from www.attirebridal.com?

May/June 2012
 
White Gallery
We take a independent look at this London-based event

Always the Bridesmaid
The season's hottest styles

Industry news
Information on news and events from the bridal trade

Twitter update
All the hottest news, stats and facts from our followers

The collections
Perfect accessories to match our two key bridal themes

Two of a kind
The fabulous fifties has inspired this season's top bridal looks

Ellie Sanderson
Ellie Sanderson, offers a word of caution to would-be bridal retailers

Bridesmaids inspiration
We spotlight some stunning red, white and blue gowns

Retailer round-up
We ask a selection of bridal shop owners about their current stock levels

Up and coming
Victoria Rangayah, Designer at z-mode launched her first collection at London Fashion Week earlier this year, with more than a nod to bridal

The Essential Collection 2012
We exclusively unveil some of the biggest names attending Stoneleigh Park this July

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
20th June 2012

The Essential Collection 2012 gathers pace
 
The Essential Collection 2012 gathers pace
 
Now in its second year, the early buying bridal trade show, The Essential Collection, has received overwhelming support from exhibitors eager to return to Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire this July. Leading bridal names attending the show once again include Alfred Angelo, Madeline Isaac-James, Donna Lee Designs, Crystal Breeze, Victoria Kay, Kiss The Frog and Special Day Bridal. Speaking about his decision to exhibit once again, Bernard Kenna at Special Day Bridal said: "We're delighted to be showcasing our latest ranges at The Essential Collection for the second year running. The timing of the show enables us to deliver earlier into the shops which benefits the retailer."

For a fuller show preview, please turn to the feature on page 22. To pre-register to attend The Essential Collection, simply visit the comprehensive website at www.theessentialcollection2012.com.

Alan Hannah develops new training initiatives for stockists
 
Alan Hannah develops new training initiatives for stockists
 
As part of their ongoing commitment to provide a first class service, Alan and Marguerite Hannah, the partnership at the forefront of bridal fashion, have teamed up with industry expert, Helena Cotter, to develop sales training programmes for their stockists.

The one-day in-house course covers specific features and benefits of their gowns, and includes proven, successful sales tips and hints.

Helena says: "I have known Alan and Marguerite for many years, have personal experience of their company, and am delighted with the programme we have developed. It is the icing on the cake for their hard working, loyal stockists and another example of Alan and Marguerite's longstanding fantastic customer service".

For further information contact Helena at +44 (0)7896 944 759 or visit www.helenacotter.co.uk.

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Buying rights
It's been a turbulent time in the bridal industry of late, not least in the trade show calendar. At the start of the year, retailers were faced with the prospect of choosing between five UK bridal trade shows, with the launch of London Bridal Week from Foxglove Events.

Following several weeks of promotion, this has now been cancelled, although the 'void' has quickly been filled by Ocean Media's newest offering - The London Bridal Show, which takes place at a hotel in London on the first two days of White Gallery, with a shuttle to take visitors between the two events.

Created to accommodate a select number of mainstream manufacturers, it remains to be seen whether The London Bridal Show will be an annual event, possibly tempting suppliers away from the BBEH in March, which saw a reduction in visitor numbers this year. Only time will tell.

As for The Essential Collection, taking place for the second year running this July, we're delighted to be able to announce a number of new signings, including talented British designers, Madeleine Isaac- James and Donna Lee Designs, along with prom and bridal wear from Crystal Breeze. For the very latest news, or to pre-register to attend, simply visit the show website at www.theessentialcollection2012.com. You can also find out more on page 22.

Also in this issue, we reveal the hottest bridesmaid trends and chat to the UK representative of TwoBirds Bridesmaid, a modern and flexible new bridesmaid dress concept that originated in the United States and is now winning plenty of retail fans over here.

Enjoy reading

Demelza Rayner, Editor
 
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Make sure you email editor@attirebridal.com to keep us up to date with all your news

Romantica Return to The Essential Collection
 
Romantica Return to The Essential Collection
 
Romantica of Devon one of the UK's leading bridal companies is set to return to The Essential Collection for the second year. Marketing Director, James Waddington said

"We absolutely loved The Essential Collection last year and are extremely pleased to announce our return for 2012. The atmosphere and location are amazing and we are looking forward to this years show with relish!"

In addition to exhibiting a number of their collections Romantica will also be appearing in the 8 catwalk shows which take place over the 3 days.

Introducing Olivia Accessories
 
New to the bridal wholesale market is Olivia Accessories, offering a beautiful selection of handpicked jewellery from around the world.

Tapping into the current trend for 1920s and 1930s-style product, their latest range incorporates Art Deco design elements, with stunning sparkling bracelets and cuffs.

For further information, call +44 (0)7779 336 135 or visit www.olivia-accessories.com.

The Retail Champion: 10 Steps to Retail Success
 
The Retail Champion: 10 Steps to Retail Success
 
Retail expert Clare Rayner has written a book called The Retail Champion: 10 Steps to Retail Success. The book provides the reader with the motivation and inspiration to succeed, as well as knowledge, skills, tools and techniques that smaller retailers need to build their business.

Whether just starting up or well established, trading from stores or on-line only, any retailer serious about growing their business will find that this book provides them with an invaluable 10- step process to developing robust and repeatable processes and systems, enabling them to succeed in business.

Clare, known as The Retail Champion, offers practical advice, essential resources and access to downloadable templates so you can put your learning into practice immediately. Published by Kogan Page, the book is on sale from 3rd July, 2012.

To find out more about Clare and her publication visit www.retailchampion.co.uk

For all bridal retailers...
 
Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from all our current magazine advertisers.
 
For all bridal retailers...
 
For all bridal retailers...


The Empty Box Company

Trudy Lee


The Essential Collection 2012

Rosie Willett Designs launches dazzling new collection
 
Rosie Willett Designs launches dazzling new collection
 
Rosie Willett Designs has introduced a new headpiece and jewellery collection to its range.

The 'Occasions' collection is the brand's first range of headpieces and jewellery for wedding guests, mother of the bride or groom, race days and other special events.

Coming in a variety of shades, all designs are individually hand crafted with the same high quality silk organza, Swarovski crystal and pearl used in its bridal collections.

The 'Occasions' collection includes stunning flower headpieces and corsages, a fashionable bow headpiece and an elegant vine of leaves.

For further information, visit www.rosiewillettdesigns.co.uk.

Little Eglantine releases new range
 
Little Eglantine releases new range
 
French designer, Stephanie Staub, has added a new bridesmaid range to her designer brand, Little Eglantine.

Already well-known for her exquisite flower girl dresses and page boy outfits, Staub has just unveiled her new designs for young bridesmaids, aged seven to 14.

"Answering my clients' need for young bridesmaids, I have designed chic yet discreet dresses to match the beauty of these young ladies," she says.

The made-to-order Valentine and Jane bridesmaid dresses start from £230 and are available in a myriad of colours.

For further information visit www.littleeglantine.com.