The White Diaries

Beautiful inspiration for beautiful brides

17 Feb 12

Party in style

Every year we hope to attend the Wedding Ideas Awards and every year something else gets placed in the diary for the same day, or we are unable to go for one reason or another. However, this year we were thrilled to finally be able to go along and see what has been keeping the Twitterati so excited in the months leading up to them. It was the 7th year for the awards and I hear they just keep getting better and better each time. We were not disappointed; the team at Wedding Ideas certainly knows how to throw a party! We were also flattered and delighted that some of our pieces were showcased on the night by the lovely Kim from The Wedding Community, who was also on the judging panel, and the equally lovely Pippa and Lucinda from Wedding Ideas magazine. All three ladies looked stunning.

The awards were held at The Brewery, London, not too far from where I work as a lawyer. It’s not a venue I’d been to before but would absolutely recommend it for parties, product launches and even weddings. The space was transformed into a gorgeous ballroom with pink lighting, pretty candelabra, flower displays and an ice sculpture which doubled up as a vodka luge in the shape of a giraffe (the magazine’s mascot!), it was all simply breathtaking.

Image courtesy of www.wildaboutweddings.com

Image courtesy of www.supertography.com

The lovely Lucinda, above, wearing our Martha chandelier diamante earrings http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=947&keywords=martha&page_number=1&item_name=Martha%20Chandelier%20Diamante%20Earrings

Image courtesy of www.supertography.com

Much like a wedding, there was a seating plan, and we were lucky to be on a table with Sandra and Richard from Wedding Ideas and the team from Mandalay Stationery, amongst others. After dinner entertainment was provided by the hilarious and rather unique Rob Deering before the awards commenced. They were presented by Rachel Southwood who founded Wedding Ideas in her back room (so legend has it!), a lovely lady who is an inspiration to us all. Not only has she managed to create a hugely successful magazine and brand but she also has a very special bond with her team. You get the feeling she really cares about their development and job satisfaction, and in turn her employees not only see their role as a job but also as an innate loyalty to Rachel and the brand.

Image courtesy of www.wildaboutweddings.com

Above: Wedding Ideas editor, Rachel Morgan

Image courtesy of www.wildaboutweddings.com

Above: Entertainment from Rob Deering

More on the wonderful awards and who-won-what can be found on the Wedding Ideas website www.weddingideasmag.com , however, I did want to mention the Special Achievement Award which was won by Military Wedding Discounts http://militaryweddingdiscounts.com. Set up by military wife Emma to help members of the Armed Forces in the UK and USA save money on their weddings, it was a truly deserved recognition. When Emma went up to collect her award, a surprise video message from her husband Noel (currently serving in Afghanistan) was played. His touching message was a strong reminder of the sacrafice our military have made being so far from their loved ones. In fact, it was difficult for most people in the room to hold back the tears while watching it.

Above, left: Kim from The Wedding Community wearing our Rebecca Sunburst necklace http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=959&category=146&sub_cat=159&page_number=2&item_name=Rebecca%20Sunburst%20Flower%20Necklace%20Set

Above: Pippa from Wedding Ideas wearing our Natasha floral cuff http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=614&keywords=natasha&page_number=1&item_name=Natasha%20Floral%20Cuff%20Bridal%20Bracelet

When the ceremony was over, we got the chance to catch up with old friends, as well as make some new ones. With more than 350 wedding industry folk at the do, it really was a fantastic night. A big well done to Wedding Ideas and congratulations to all the winners. I’m very much looking forward to next year’s awards and, who knows, maybe we’ll even be up for one ourselves next time!

Sangeeta x

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23 Jan 12

Happy New Year

One of my resolutions for 2012 was to stop and reflect over the year that has passed before rushing headlong into this one. When you run your own business, have a busy day job and want to be there for family and friends there is always something more to be done and time is most definitely at a premium.

So, for my first blogpost, what could be more appropriate than to look back over the year that was? Not to mention, of course, publishing it around Chinese New Year. I think the timing feels just right.

The highlights

Our central London studio

For me, the ultimate achievement last year was opening our studio in central London. It had always been a dream of mine but not one I had ever really seriously entertained (as a cautious lawyer it was easier to think of the reasons not to do it). So, when we opened our doors in July it was a dream come true. We had been meeting clients for consultations on an ad hoc basis, so to finally have our own space to showcase our pieces – not to mention in a wonderful location just behind Selfridges – has been fantastic. It’s also been great to see Olivier meeting clients and getting great feedback from brides about how useful the whole process has been for them. There is obviously a lot more we want to do with the studio, such as offering refreshments and hosting special evenings for our clients with additional services and products. In fact, we are really looking forward to putting some of these plans into action this year.

The studio

Mentions in magazines, blogs and more…

I still remember when one of our ring cushions was first featured in a magazine in 2006 – I was so excited to see our name in print, I was smiling all week! To be honest, that excitement has not dissipated and we have been lucky over the years to have been featured in lots of lovely publications. Our press page showcases just some of these great features and the plan is to update it with some of our most recent cuttings and blogposts. We were particularly thrilled to see one of our pieces in Vogue Gioielli, and also to be featured by the number of wedding bloggers out there. Articles such as this one on English Wedding Blog (http://english-wedding.com/2011/04/affordable-bridal-accessories-from-a-business-thats-fit-for-a-princess have really made my year.

In fact, integrity – as those who know me will testify – is hugely important to me. We care a great deal about our customers and want to ensure they always get the best possible service from us. To be recognised in the wedding industry for such services really is the icing on the cake.

I was also thrilled to be asked to appear as an accessories expert on wedding planning website http://www.theweddingcommunity.com/56/Expert-Advice/Wedding-Jewellery-and-Accessories-Advice and I hope my monthly articles continue to help brides trying to perfect their wedding day look.

Twitter

How did we ever survive without Twitter? A simple concept, yet something so incredibly powerful. I have met so many wonderful people via Twitter that it would be impossible to name everyone – and this is without mentioning the people I haven’t met (yet!) but who I have spoken to virtually.

The studio launch

Our recent press day

The Secret Garden shoot

Through Twitter we were lucky enough to be involved in a fantastic styled shoot brought together by fabulous photographer Fiona Kelly. Rather than list all the individual companies involved in the shoot, I can point you in the direction of a wonderful write up on this wedding blog http://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/2011/07/an-ethereal-magical-grecian-secret-garden-bridal-shoot.html

We certainly hope to be involved in more collaborations later on in the year!

Our blog

The launch of this blog, together with the help of my good friend and wedding journalist Danielle Wilkins, was also a highlight. Our aim was to give something more to brides browsing our website, as well as showcase some of the wonderful suppliers we have met. It’s great to have Danielle on board and I know she can inspire and assist our brides along the way. Another reason we were keen to have her involved is to give the blog some impartiality – after all, I didn’t want it all to be about us. Hopefully it’s providing some useful inspiration, but if there is something you’d like to see more of, please let us know!

Our clients

So, why do we do what we do? Of course, it’s important for us to grow a successful business but it’s not just about that. We want to be able to offer beautiful finishing touches at affordable prices; to help brides look and feel amazing. We also want to give something back, which is why our charity ring cushion is so important to us… http://www.olivierlaudus.com/html/display_items.php?id=437&category=25&sub_cat=24&page_number=1&item_name=Sunflower

We are thrilled to receive so many thank you messages and cards from happy clients – we even received some wedding cake once! To be part of someone’s special day in this way is a privilege and, as competition within the accessories industry has increased so much over the years, we feel even more honoured when brides choose our products.

The not-so highlights

As with every business, there are challenges. The first package of products sent to Vogue in Milan for the shoot mentioned above was stolen in transit, in fact, we almost didn’t have time to get another box over before the shoot.

And while we have met so many amazing people in the wedding industry, there will always be a handful who aren’t quite so honest or pleasant to deal with. As someone who values integrity, I’ll admit that meeting people who come across as rude, as having an agenda, or even fake, is hard for me to cope with. However, there is a lesson to be learnt from it, I’m sure. I believe you should stay true to yourself, and that is what I intend to do.

Of course, there is also the old chestnut of not having enough time, and last year was no exception. Even now, I wish I had the magic formula to master my to-do list. There are things I could have done better, people I would have loved to have met, events that would have been wonderful to attend, exciting opportunities to follow up – but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

On a more personal level, there was acute sadness for both Olivier and I. We started 2011 with the loss of my grandmother and it ended with the passing of Olivier’s grandmother in December. I don’t think I have ever experienced such a painful ache as I did for these special ladies. Both were so different, yet such fun characters who showed us the meaning of unconditional love.

There’s no denying 2011 was an incredibly busy year for us and, having written this, I realise the importance of looking back before moving forward. After all, if you don’t know where you have just come from, how do you know where it is you want to go?

Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2012!

Sangeeta xx

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10 Jan 12

Get your glam on

There’s no denying 2011 was an exciting year for weddings; the stunning Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Moss and Lily Allen all provided some fabulous style inspiration for brides-to-be and we’re excited about what 2012 may bring to the bridal scene with the likes of Britney, Peaches Geldof and Liz Hurley all set to tie the knot.

While finding the perfect dress is crucial, so are the smaller details, your bridal hair being one of them. With this in mind, Barrie Stephen, an award-winning hair stylist who has salons in Leicester, Narborough, Antsey and Ashby, offers his advice on achieving a picture perfect look.

Start early If you have an image in your mind of the style you’d like, ensure you leave plenty of time to achieve it. Discuss the requirements with your salon stylist and together you can work to improve the condition, length and colour of your hair.

Consider the bigger picture Everything from the shape of your gown to the choice of your veil will shape your final hairstyle. The neckline of your gown is particularly important, so share every detail with your hair stylist so they can help you make the right choice. You may even want to have a trial that includes your choice of veil and hair accessories so you can make sure everything will look perfect on the big day.

Be inspired There was so much inspiration on the catwalks this season; Burberry showed off fresh, natural styles with centre partings and gentle waves that would suit a relaxed country-chic do, while Alice Temperley drew inspiration from Grace Kelly’s classic clean-cut style with the perfect ponytail. Also for spring/summer 2012, Holly Fulton’s ladies adopted 1970s-inspired waves, Danielle Scutt worked classic French braids and Margaret Howell rocked the vintage trend with 1920s-influenced knots.

Going DIY?

If you’re blessed with long locks, how about opting for some pre-Raphaelite waves? Spritz damp hair with a styling spray and roll 3cm sections of hair on large heated rollers, winding away from the face. Leave for 30 minutes and gently unwind, brushing through or teasing out with your fingers. Add a little hairspray to set the style.

If you have short hair, work through with some mousse and go with its natural texture. A sleek beehive is perfect for the classic bride, with a slight nod to the ’60s.

Style me pretty

Don’t forget, the magic is in the detail, so don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories.

Choose silk flowers for low chignons and ponytails…

We suggest... this gorgeous Christina peony hair clip, £35.99, Olivier Laudus

…simply sweep tousled locks into a decorative hair clip at the back of the head…

We suggest... the Aelicia mini hair comb, £29.99, Olivier Laudus, can be worn in a number of ways

For shorter styles, accessorise with vintage-inspired diamante clips or a headband…

We suggest... an antique-style headband like this Clarissa design, £79.99, Olivier Laudus

For more information about Barrie Stephen salons, visit www.barriestephenhair.co.uk

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21 Oct 11

Show-stopping glamour

Autumn is always brimming with wedding shows and one that’s always on my list is the National Wedding Show. It was great to pop along to both the London and Birmingham shows this month to chat with suppliers and soon-to-be newlyweds to find out what’s new on the wedding radar.

The National Wedding Show is always one of the best places to sneak a peek at the new collections, and this October a whole host of designers and boutiques were showcasing the biggest trends for next season. So, with this in mind, I thought I’d bring you a run-down of some of my favourites set to be big next spring.

Lovely in lace

Benjamin Roberts

Blue by Enzoani

Ian Stuart

Cool capes and jackets

Enzoani

Theia at House of Fraser

Working the high-low hemline

Ian Stuart

Illusion necklines

Benjamin Roberts

Biba at House of Fraser

Princess perfect

Angela Vickers

Berketex

David Fielden

Jonathan James

Justin Alexander

For more information about the National Wedding Show, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Enjoy!

Danielle x

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16 Sep 11

5 minutes with… Mark Osborne Photography

As a wedding journalist, I can’t stress enough to couples just how important it is to have a professional photographer present on the big day. All those moments you might have missed in the excitement of the day’s events? Your photographer will have captured them, and I’m yet to meet a bride who doesn’t love looking back over her images time and time again, cooing over the handmade details or reminiscing with friends and family.

With that in mind, I thought I’d bring you a short interview with Mark Osborne – a London-based up-and-coming wedding photographer who specialises in producing fabulous reportage images.

Image courtesy of www.annelimarinovich.com

Mark, can you tell us how you got started in the industry?

I’ve always been interested in photography and I’m purely self-taught. I started out by taking photos at various family events for a number of years, before friends began asking if I would photograph their weddings, which I would happily do. Then, early last year, I decided to make a go of the business properly and set up my own website. At the moment I’m in the early stages of things.

What do you love most about your job?

It’s an absolute privilege to be asked to photograph someone’s wedding day. I love capturing those natural moments between two people who are so in love. When the wedding is over, it’s great looking through all the images I’ve taken that day and reliving it all again. I also enjoy hearing back from happy clients – when they’re happy, I’m happy!

What inspires you?

The world itself is pretty inspirational, and I often find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. Living in a fast-paced city like London, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the craziness; sometimes it’s nice to just slow down and observe what’s actually around you. This can really help train the eye to anticipate certain events, so you can capture those moments that only last a fraction of a second. I also enjoy watching films and they provide me with a whole host of ideas.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever photographed?

I have fond memories of my niece’s wedding, which I photographed in early October last year. It was a wonderful family occasion and luckily the weather was very kind to us.

Can you offer a valuable piece of advice for brides-to-be?

It may sound obvious, but ensure that you are 100 per cent happy with your chosen photographer. It’s important to invest time and money in choosing the perfect person to photograph your day because, once the cake has been eaten, the flowers gone and the dress has been stored away, your photographs will be the one thing that help you relive those memories over and over again.

We couldn’t agree more! Finally, do you have a favourite photograph? I imagine it would be impossible to pick just one…

Wow, yes, that’s a tough one! But here are two that I’m particularly proud of…

For more information about Mark Osborne, or to view more of his work, visit www.markosbornephotography.com

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24 Aug 11

5 minutes with… Janet Mohapi-Banks

In the first of our regular features with industry experts, Danielle chats to London-based luxury cake designer Janet Mohapi-Banks, who also created the fabulous miniature cakes for the Olivier Laudus studio launch back in July.

Styling by www.cherrytopped.co.uk Flowers by www.woodsflorist.co.uk

Janet, can you tell us how you got started in the industry?

It all started with my daughter’s 4th birthday cake; I’d baked her a cake in the shape of the number four. She told me she wanted it made to look ‘special’ so I took to covering it in sugarpaste and gave it a garden theme. I handmade a sugar ladybird, sugar flowers and sugar grass and was really pleased with my efforts. Friends who came to the party were so impressed, they asked me to bake cakes for their own childrens’ parties. It snowballed from there, until it became obvious I should turn my hobby into a business.

And what do you love most about your job?

I can honestly say I love everything – even the admin! I enjoy everything from the consultation stage, where the couple and I design the cake together, to the implementation stage where I begin to create the cakes. Sadly, I rarely get to see first hand the bride and groom’s reaction as I am usually gone by the time they return from their ceremony. However, I do get to hear about their reaction from wedding planners and photographers, and I love getting thank you phone calls and letters when the couple return from their honeymoon.

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from all kinds of sources. When I first meet a client, it is helpful if they bring along elements of their wedding with them such as the invitations, flowers or even lace from the wedding gown. Details of the colour scheme can also prove helpful.

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever catered for?

It has to be for the bride and groom who requested a half-sized five-piece drum kit. The groom had always dreamed of having a drum kit wedding cake so I was very pleased to be able to make this dream a reality. The drums were in a beautiful peacock blue shade to match the bride’s dress, with edible silver leaf rims and lugs. The couple arranged for stands and miniature symbols to be made for them and the finished product looked outstanding.

That sounds amazing! Have you ever had any other unusual requests?

I once made a phoenix wedding cake, which looked quite unusual. The sugar phoenix stood tall on top of a hand-painted fiery mound which comprised a three-tier cake. Although I do enjoy making more quirky creations like these, I am also happiest when I’m producing the elegant designs I am more known for.

Can you offer a piece of valuable advice to brides-to-be?

When it comes to the cake – follow your dreams. It should be a creation that tastes as good as it looks, so ensure you sample the cake before placing your order. The aesthetics are all very well, but a cake is for eating, after all!

Styling by www.cherrytopped.co.uk Flowers by www.woodsflorist.co.uk

With a commission to create something chic, stylish and in-keeping with the look and feel of the studio, Janet created these gorgeous designs for the Olivier Laudus boutique launch last month

For more information about Janet’s designs, or to arrange a consultation, call 07725 578 450 or visit www.janetmohapibanks.com

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18 Jul 11

We’re open!

The studio

It was canapes and champers galore a couple of weeks back, when Olivier Laudus opened the doors to its new studio in the heart of London.

Olivier and Sangeeta were joined by a number of press, bloggers and fellow wedding industry friends as they showed off the new studio which is based within the award-winning Jordan Burr hair salon, just a few minutes’ walk from Bond Street tube (www.jordanburr.com). The stylish salon has a fabulous reputation for friendly and professional client care and has won a wealth of awards for its work in the past, and Sangeeta and Olivier told me they couldn’t think of a nicer environment to welcome their brides.

“We love having the opportunity to meet our clients and give them the personal care and attention that they deserve,” adds Sangeeta. “We’re also really looking forward to new collaborations with the Jordan Burr salon.”

Guests were served champagne on arrival

Sangeeta with the lovely Janet Mohapi-Banks

And the studio is certainly a sight to behold. In keeping with Olivier Laudus’ chic and contemporary feel, it’s decorated in black and cream flock wallpaper with luxurious seating, pretty blooms and even a vintage-inspired dresser. Brides can choose to try on any of the beautiful accessories on display, as well as discuss their bespoke needs with Sangeeta or Olivier for their forthcoming wedding.

In true London style, the party got off to a great start with a red carpet and a glass of champagne welcoming guests on arrival. Delicious canapes were served throughout the evening (I can vouch for how amazing they tasted – I ate more than my fair share) and specially commissioned luxury cakes from Janet Mohapi-Banks (www.janetmohapibanks.com) finished off the chic theme perfectly. When asked to create something modern that would fit with the black and cream colour scheme of the studio, Janet presented the team with these stunning miniatures made using edible diamonds. And they tasted wonderful. At the end of the night, each guest took home a goodie bag that included a great selection of hair products from Matrix and Indian-inspired chocolate favours from Devnaa (www.devnaa.com)

Luxury cakes from Janet Mohapi-Banks

The gorgeous models were the envy of everyone there, beautifully showcasing a selection of Olivier Laudus accessories. Their hair was styled by Jordan Burr

Well done to everyone who helped make the evening a success, I for one had a brilliant time.

Olivier, Sangeeta and salon owner Glen Burr with Olivier Laudus interns past and present

A special thank you also goes to London photographer Mark Osborne for taking pictures throughout the evening. Mark specialises in capturing natural, emotive images for weddings, parties or just friends having fun. For more information, and to see his portfolio, visit www.markosbornephotography.com

For more information about the new Olivier Laudus consultation studio, or to make an appointment, contact Olivier on 0208 374 1239 or email info@olivierlaudus.com

Danielle x

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29 Jun 11

We’ve been feeling a tad nostalgic

A real treat for you now if you’re still on the lookout for the perfect dress: the brand new 2011/2012 Nostalgia collection from Suzanne Neville.

I absolutely adore this range. Suzanne has always known how to dress the female form – her cuts are classic and her trademark corsetry and delicate fabrics are beautifully flattering over curves. This collection is no exception. It was unveiled to buyers and press last month at HM Tower of London, at an intimate show in the Fusilier’s Building inside the historic tower.

Inspired by the golden ages of glamour, Suzanne has successfully taken the best parts of 1930s and ’40s fashion and mixed them with chic contemporary details that’s perfect for the modern-day bride. Here are some of my favourites from the collection below…

The Nostalgia collection includes lots of elegant draping and luxurious satin fabrics. I just love the dress above. Its perfect cut, amazing neckline and sleeve details are somewhat reminiscent of old silver screen goddesses Great Garbo and Sophia Loren.

The collection also features lots of full layered skirts, French lace jackets that are great for eveningwear, and hand embroidery. I love the beading on this dress.

Suzanne has managed to combine classic cuts and fabrics, such as French lace and silk chiffon, with interesting sleeve and neckline details to give each one a contemporary edge. As the Duchess of Cambridge and Lily Allen have both recently shown; sleeves are back, and brides are moving away from the once-popular strapless dresses.

Enjoy!

Danielle x

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17 Jun 11

Where’s the party at?

If I had a penny for everytime a bride told me she found at least one of her suppliers at a wedding fair, well… let’s just say I’d be seriously rich by now. Not only do they offer a ton of inspiration for your forthcoming nuptials, but it’s the perfect opportunity to bag tips and advice from the people who know best, whether that’s professional photographers, bridal boutique owners and even folks in the wedding media.

Ones to watch

After the success of its debut show earlier this year, the Designer Vintage Bridal Show is back in October. The show, full of plenty of home-grown talent, is the brainchild of shoe designer Rachel Simpson and boutique owner Clare Guest and showcases lots of suppliers in the wedding industry that consider themselves to have vintage influences.

So it doesn’t matter if you’re after photography with retro flair, sexy boudoir-style lingerie or original vintage gowns, there is plenty to browse through. Brides-to-be and their maids can also take advantage of the workshops, and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in the champagne bar as well as watch the catwalk shows.

The two-day event runs from 8th to 9th October, 2011 at the gloriously Victorian Berrow Court in Birmingham. Tickets are priced £8. For more information, visit www.designervintagebridal.co.uk

Slightly further south, St Ives in Cambridgeshire is playing host to the very first Alternative Wedding Fair, organised by the lovely Heidi Thompson of An Affair To Remember event design.

Brides-to-be can browse the suppliers on offer including quirky photographers, stylish stationery designers and alternative wedding dress designers.

“I want to make sure that couples can inject some fun into their wedding without breaking the bank and the selection of exhibitors available will reflect this,” adds Heidi.

The Alternative Wedding Fair takes place on 23rd October, 2011 at The Corn Exchange, St Ives. An admission charge of £3 per person will be charged at the door, or the event is free for those who pre-register online at www.facebook.com/thealternativeweddingfair

Look forward to seeing you there ladies!

Danielle x

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7 Jun 11

Battersea-bound to White Gallery…

Tobi Hannah's ladies at White Gallery, London

White Gallery London was an event I’d had penned in my diary for quite a while, and one I was looking forward to attending. High-end bridal designers were showcasing their new 2012 collections for the very first time in the UK, and I for one was keen to see who was exhibiting at the event. I arrived at the show on day two, and despite a busy day before, there was still a buzz of anticipation in the air. I was lucky enough to meet lots of people at the show, all eager to talk about their new collections. But to mention everyone I met that day would be impossible (this post will already be long enough, I’m sure!) so I thought I would highlight some of the companies that stood out for me.

Alan Hannah rocked the '70s look with a bridal-inspired jumpsuit at White Gallery London

It’s showtime

My first stop was the Stephanie Allin catwalk event, which was a great show to start the day with. Glass of champagne in hand, I comfortably took my seat on the front row. Stephanie is a designer I have always admired and this new show didn’t disappoint.

Stephanie Allin at White Gallery London

The collection was inspired by the jazz era and featured lots of feminine details including beads, feathers and lashings and lashings of lace. In typical Stephanie Allin style, there was a strong vintage vibe with wide waistbands and sheer capped sleeves – a nod to classic 1950s style.

Stephanie Allin at White Gallery London

Each of the catwalks were beautifully styled. The second show I attended was Ian Stuart’s Killer Queen, whose signature full skirts, fish tail dresses and larger-than-life embellishments didn’t disappoint.

Ian Stuart at White Gallery London

However, the real stars of the day for me were those that showcased at the New Talents Preview. It was an amazing platform for up and coming designers to showcase their bridal lines and show them off to both retailers and the media.

I spoke to the lovely Tobi Hannah who was up first, and she admitted to me that she was more than a little nervous about doing a catwalk of this scale. She needn’t have worried about a thing though as her intricately detailed tea-length dresses oozed glamour and wowed the crowd, no problem. Featuring heavy ruffles and tiered skirts, her collection was youthful, free-spirited and fun.

Tobi Hannah's designs simply oozed glamour at White Gallery London

Tobi Hannah at White Gallery London

Another of my favourites was Elizabeth Stuart, whose elegant collection of gowns were full of timeless slinky fabrics that moved gracefully across the catwalk – all in contrasting colours of light antique gold and ivory.

Elizabeth Stuart at White Gallery London

Another awesome company who showed at the New Talents Preview was The Vintage Wedding Dress Company. Based in London, but keen to accumulate stockists elsewhere in the UK and abroad, the team talked me through the new 2012 Decades Collection. With layers and layers of Edwardian lace, delicate beading and low-waisted designs, this collection exuded 1920s style.

The Vintage Wedding Dress Company at White Gallery London

The Vintage Wedding Dress Co at White Gallery London

And last, but certainly not least, Claire Pettibone. I fall in love with Claire Pettibone dresses the more I see them, so I certainly took my time as I perused through the stand at the show, as Russell Blackburn, the UK agent for the brand, happily talked me through the simply stunning collection of vintage-inspired lace designs.