Morning my lovelies 🙂 Did you get a chance to check the blog over the weekend? I shared a little of what's on my Christmas list – I'd love to know what's on yours. I also shared a cute 'DIY Advent Calendar' feature – perfect to keep you busy these next couple of nights before December finally arrives and we can all stop feeling ridiculous about wanting to get our Christmas trees up too early!
On Thursday last week, I visited fashion designer Matthew Williamson's boutique on Bruton Street in London, following an exclusive invitation by Matthew and his PR team to write about a rather glamorous soirée that had been planned to celebrate Williamson's bridal wear and 'Escape' collections. The evening was co-hosted with You & Your Wedding, and the idea was that Brides, fashionistas and industry insiders all get together to drool over Williamson's boho-chic and always very glamorous designs, as well as enjoy a 20% discount on the evening made on any purchases.
I was accompanied on my latest blogging adventure by the delightful Naomi Kenton – who took these photographs {huge thank you Naomi}…
Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Naomi Kenton
Thanks to a lot of hard work by the Matthew Williamson team, {namely Williamson's Account Executive, the always delectable and completely down to earth Fong}, alongside a select group of event stylists and suppliers, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and very relaxed evening.
The boutique, which is stunning in it's own right {bejewelled wallpaper, changing rooms comfortable enough to live in, walls plastered with images of Hollywood and cinematic icons} was transformed into a stylish paradise courtesy of the likes of By Appointment Only Design and Paul Antonio.
Guests were treated to champagne and lychee and lavender cocktails, mixed expertly by The Liquid Chefs, delicious cake baked fresh that afternoon by the talented Zoe Clarke and lovely goodybags that included beauty products from Bobbi Brown, Michael Van Clarke and Elemis - OPI nail laquer, Elderflower bubbly, Green & Blacks organic chocolate and discounts at Boux Avenue, Urban Retreat at Harrods, The Lash Bar, One Events, Harriet Wilde, Bobbi Brown and Michael Van Clarke…
Models sporting elegant hair styled by Michael Van Clarke's team and beautified on the evening by Bobbi Brown seemed to glide through the room in an effortless way, exiting discreetly to make subtle outfit changes once they had circled their admirers once or twice…
Dream fabrics including floaty silk chiffons and georgettes adorned with sequins and sparkle wowed the crowd alongside summertime kaftans in exotic colours and a stunning parachute dress draped in Swarovski crystal.
Peacock feather motifs illustrated one gown whilst ostrich feathers and hand beaded detail adorned others. From backless floor length gowns, to asymmetric cocktail dresses and ruffled skirts, these were wedding dresses crafted by one of the UK's most celebrated high-end fashion designers and that much was certainly very evident. The attention to detail in Williamson's gowns is exquisite. I could not help but leave his boutique at the end of the evening wanting to try just about everything on…
See how Zoe Clark made that cake to match the dress? She is a very clever lady…
Shoes on display on the evening were by Harriet Wild, who was showcasing designs from her brand new collection set to debut at Harrods next month. They included the most exquisite open toed courts with an elaborately decorated heel, and lace ankle boots.
By the way, I own a beautiful pair of sparkly silver Harriet Wilde shoes and despite their 4" in heel, they are so unbelievably comfortable…
Blossom, sparkle and sequins were the order of the evening…
Admittedly, not everyone can afford Matthew Williamson, but his bridal wear prices are possilby more accessible than you think…
Scribe Paul Antonio decorated the shop windows and mirrors inside the boutique with his incredible super-size calligraphy…
Backstage models were being transformed into the most pristine and elegant looking creatures…
The very lovely Ruth of Harriet Wilde shoes…
Exquisite floral displays by By Appointment Only Design filled every surface. I completely adored this vase that Tony, from By Appointment Only Design had decorated especially that day, to reflect the design and decor of the Matthew Williamson boutique…
The Beach Tomato travel team were on hand to offer advice to guests on their tailor-made honeymoon holidays…
People Watching….
Who can resist a little people watching? That's me below {right} with the lovely and brilliant Ruth of Harriet Wilde shoes and beneath that with Stylist Harri who works with Tiffany Grant Riley….
The ever delightul Fong – Matthew Williamson's Account Executive {below right}, with a representative from the You & Your Wedding team…
Zoe Clark from The Cake Parlour below left and Miranda Eason below right {middle figure}, Editor of You & Your Wedding…
I would like to thank Fong for inviting me to attend this event and asking me to exclusively blog these images. I would alse like to thank the wonderful Naomi Kenton, who was just so brilliant on the evening – thank you Naomi for joining me fairly last minute and for fulfilling your brief so brilliantly.
You can view the full bridal wear collection by Matthew WIlliamson on his website here. Prices range from £1,495 to £6,000.
You can also browse through past Matthew Williamson related content on Love My Dress here.
I'd love to know if I have any Matthew Williamson fans, or if any of my readers are planning to wear Matthew Williamson and which of these might be your favourite dresses?
You can also see more from Naomi Kenton Photography here.
Lots of Monday morning love to you all,
Annabel xXx
♥
Credits
Photography – Naomi Kenton
Event Organisation & Styling – Matthew Williamson + You & Your Wedding
Bridal Wear & The Escape Collection – Matthew Williamson'
Hair – Michael Van Clarke
Makeup – Bobbi Brown
Shoes – Harriet Wilde shoes
Stationery & Decorate Calligraphy on the evening – Paul Antonio
Flowers – By Appointment Only Design
Cake – Zoe Clarke
Cocktail bar – The Liquid Chefs
Tailor made honeymoons – Beach Tomato
Goodbag donations by – Bobbi Brown, Michael Van Clarke, Elemis, OPI nail laquer, Elderflower bubbly, Green & Blacks organic chocolate and discounts at Boux Avenue, Urban Retreat at Harrods, The Lash Bar, One Events, Harriet Wilde, Bobbi Brown and Michael Van Clarke…
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
