A Triumphant Return for the Harrogate Bridal Show
After two long years away, the bridal industry was reunited for three days of buying, business, and bubbly in the Harrogate Convention Centre. The #HOMEOFBRIDAL was buzzing once again as suppliers and retailers met face-to-face to network and place those all-important orders. It is safe to say that the bridal sector has been hit incredibly hard by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the repeated closing of shops and restrictions placed on weddings, the industry has continued to fight an uphill battle since March 2020. Despite such challenges the sector has bounced back to life, eager to provide a special day to all those couples who postponed their wedding and those who have recently got engaged.
The Harrogate Bridal Show 2021 was testament to the resilience of the individuals behind each brand and boutique. The Fashion Shows are one of the highlights of the show. Ruth Larkin of Lark Bridal Distributors commented that "The runways are brilliant because I think it’s always great to get a chance to see the gowns moving, and also to see the evolution of the brands." The catwalk returned to the Royal Hall, treating retailers to a first look at the latest collections from some of the biggest names in bridal.
Brands hitting the runway included Dando London, Tiffanys, Loré Group, Premium Bridal Factory, True Bride, Vienna Rose Bridal, Kate Fearnley, Evie Young, Madi Lane, Lynn Grant, Ellis Bridals, GAIA & Believe by GAIA, and Rachel Allan. There were plenty of show-stopping gowns, all paired with stunning accessories from Jupon and The Perfect Bridal Company.
Trends from the runway:
Trend 1 – Detachable Sleeves
One of the big trends from this year’s runway was detachable sleeves. GAIA, Vienna Rose Bridal, and Madi Lane were just some of the brands featuring detachable sleeve options with some of their gowns. This is an incredibly popular trend at the moment, giving brides two options for how they choose to create their wedding day look.
GAIA’s sheer fluted sleeves with lace trim gave an added ethereal touch to this A-line dress. Ellis Bridals’ puffed sleeves are a romantic addition to the fullskirted gown that also allow for some added arm coverage should the bride feel too bare. Madi Lane’s sheer balloon sleeves beautifully complement the gown through the incorporation of floral applique.
Trend 2 – Boho is here to stay
The catwalk also played host to some Boho-inspired gowns. Tiffanys chose to accompany the bohemian choice of lace with fluted sleeves and two long tassels on one of their gowns, whilst True Bride completed their vintage Boho look with mesh sleeves and a delicate high-neck ruffle. Kate Fearnley’s use of fringe and lace made this simple silhouette gown a stand-out on the runway.
Trend 3 – Thigh-high slits
Thigh-high slits also made an appearance. Evie Young, Dando London, and GAIA chose to add this flirty element into some of their gowns, ideal for the bride who wants to feel that bit sexier on her big day. Paired with the asymmetric bodice and sheer structured panelling, the slit in Evie Young’s dress perfectly complemented this sexy, fitted gown.
Dando London certainly wowed the crowd with a slinky close-fitting dress that incorporated a super high slit, all-over sparkle and low lace-up back. The typically modest use of long sleeves and a high neck in one of GAIA’s gowns was beautifully juxtaposed by sheer material, a fitted bodice and thigh-high slit, making for a dress that feels both demure yet sexy.
Trend 4 – Chic & Simple
Chic and simple gowns were also spotted on the runway. Premium Bridal Factory created a classic look that beautifully hugs the figure whilst remaining elegant and graceful. The detailed sheer back adds a touch of sensuality. Rachel Allan chose a V-neckline to further accentuate the feminine form carved by the dress. The sheer lace sleeves added pattern to this super sleek gown. Ellis Bridals gave us an exquisitely chic A-line dress with three-quarter length sleeves. Although void of embellishment from the front, the low back features sheer panelling and a romantic bow that drapes along the flowing train.
The Harrogate Bridal Show is part of Ocean Media Group’s Bridal portfolio. Ocean Media Group has been established as the leading event organiser and publisher in the UK and European bridal sector for more than 30 years. It’s full wedding and bridal portfolio includes Bridal Week (London & Harrogate) White Gallery, The Bridal Buyer Awards, Bridal Buyer, bridalbuyer.com, The National Wedding Show, Confetti & confetti.co.uk.
