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

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

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 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.

Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone

For more information about White Gallery, visit www.whitegallery.com

Enjoy!

Danielle x