The White Gallery 2012

Afternoon gals and guys 🙂 Nice weekend? Last month I attended The White Gallery at Battersea Park in London, with my lovely team member Franky and photographer Naomi Kenton.  Now anyone working in the wedding industry will know what The White Gallery is all about, but for those brides to be and others not in the know, The White Gallery is a premium annual trade fair that showcases designer bridal collections from some of the finest UK and international designers.   Many designers choose to launch their collections there to existing and potential new buyers and stockists from all over the UK and Europe infact and it is attended by the UK's top retailers, media and the odd wedding blogger too 🙂

Last year I reported on The White Gallery for Wedding Magazine, having been invited by then Editor Catherine Westwood to join her and her team for my inaugural visit to the show.  This year my visit to The White Gallery was part of a 5 day stay in London where I was in the city to attend a meet up organised by Georgia from Before The Big Day, and Chloe from Caught the Light, as well as to meet with members of a project team I'm part of.

It was a pretty miserable day in London as I made my way to Sloane Square to meet Franky and Naomi and catch the complimentary shuttle bus to the venue at Battersea Park, but before too long we were being ushered in to the reception area to register our press passes and making our way into the room full of neat aisles, each containing rows of cubicles that had been hired out by some of the UK and Europe's top designers in bridal fashion, including David Fielden, Sassi Holford, Ritva Westenius, Stephanie Allin, Ian Stuart, Stewart Parvin, Johanna Hehir, Peter Lang, Jesus Peiro and Lusan Mandongus and well as younger and newer brands like The Vintage Wedding Dress Company, some of whom for which this was their inaugural exhibition at the White Gallery. I have in mind the exciting new label Katya Katya Shehurina, who designed that gorgeous tulle and lace gown below…

Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Naomi Kenton

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For me personally, Katya Katya Shehurina stole the show. I simply adored their refreshing collection of graceful and elegant vintage inspired gowns, which take much inspiration from the 1950's with tiered lace, full length lace sleeves and original vintage slips beneath lace overlays that can be cusomised in colour and length and beautiful lace jackets.

This collection offers something so fresh and unlike anything else out there at the moment, I cannot wait to feature a bride wearing a dress by designer Katya Shehurina {below right}, who I recently interviewed for Love My Dress here.

Readers, Katya Katya Shehurina are offering each of you an exclusive 20% discount on all orders, for all   until Friday 22nd June 2012.  For further information, visit the Katya Katya Shehurina website, email Marina on [email protected], or telephone +44 7788722296.  You can also find Katya Katya Shehurina on Facebook and Twitter

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

It is always such a delight to see designer Rachel Simpson, who's wonderful new heeled designs really complete her vintage inspired 2012/13 collection of 'just beautiful shoes'.

I particularly love the colour shoes, and this peach pair with its deco motif and 1920's heel height were possibly my fave…

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Elegantly understated and with aa 'return to elegance', these shoe silhouettes are simple yet boast intricate detailing and dainty stitchwork, reminiscent of shoe making of a bygone era. I really am a huge, huge fan of Rachel Simpson, I think it's pretty easy to see why…

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The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Another big, big hit at The White Gallery for me was Anoushka G, who put on a superb catwalk show, feisty, fun and exciting. And full of the fresh style of designs I was keeping my eyes peeled for during the show.  

This sequin peplum dress particularly caught my eye…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The full Anoushka G collection included delicate laces, flowing chiffons and feminine embellishments, with references to silhouettes and accessories of the 1920s and '30s…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

An Instagram shot by yours truly, of the back of that beautiful sequin peplum dress…

Image Credit:  Me/Love My Dress, Instagram

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, Instagram Photos…

Vivien Sheriff and her son and business colleague Jesse were in attendance manning the most exquisite exhibition stand.  I'll say it now. I'm a huge, huge fan of Vivien Sheriff; her bridal headpieces are incomparably divine and have such a beautiful, strong, signature style.  I love how, perhaps inspired by the craze championed by Kate Moss, that Vivienne Sheriff is focusing on vintage inspired veils, referencing the 1920's and 1930's with these beautifully beaded lace Juliet cap veils…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

How exquisite is this veil by Vivien Sheriff, I am utterly in love with it, wouldn't it look beautiful with a bias cut silk lace dress reminiscent of the elegant fashions from the 1930's?

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, Instagram Photos…

…and pink tulle, a pretty veil alternative…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, Instagram Photos…

I do love the label 'Blue' and their bateau neck short 50's style dresses, this being a classic example of their signature style.  Blue is all about 'fresh and modern with a retro twist'.  Their silk gowns are designed and made entirely in the UK.  Silhouettes include both chic ¾ length gowns with hems held wide with a froth of petticoats and romantic full length gowns with pleated or circular skirts…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

We didn't get time to stop at the Victorio and Lucchino stand, sadly, which is a great shame as the creations designed to tempt the passer by inside to get a better view were absolutely divine…

Image Credit:  Me/Love My Dress, Instagram

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Accessories designer of 21 years, Polly Edwards was showcasing the most exquisite collection of sparkle and pearls.  For me, Polly is one of the true leaders in bridal accessory design in the UK today.  With 21 years design experience under her belt and having designed for major labels including Jenny Packham, her pieces have a clear signature and just scream opulence, elegance and glamour.

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Polly's designs also simply look incredibly well made and of very high quality. I can imagine Polly painstakingly making each piece by hand…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

A little photo of Emma Meek, owner of Miss Bush Bridal, trying on a Polly Edwards headpiece…

Image Credit:  Me/Love My Dress, Instagram

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, Instagram Photos…

A new designer that caught my eye was Victoria Kyriakides from Greece. Some of her designs were very modern and not to my personal preference, but some of them were really beautiful, light and floaty, fluid silks, statement embellishment…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Two of the Victoria Kyriakides dresses I took photos of myself using Instagram

Image Credit:  Me/Love My Dress, Instagram

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, Instagram Photos…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, Instagram Photos…

It was lovely to stop and chat to Freya Rose, she of those 'to die for' gold shoes that featured on Love My Dress last month

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Freya talked us through her beautiful new designs which featured gold trims and the prettiest handmade floral shoe clips – all handmade by an artisan crafts-person in Paris.  Tres romantique….

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

I was really very pleasantly surprised by the new collection by Johanna Hehir, Mae. I was lucky enough to attend the official launch of this new diffusion line from Johanna a couple of evenings prior.  The new collection featured first and exclusively on Love My Dress after it's official launch, take a look at these photos…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Erm, best name for a wedding dress, ever?? 🙂

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Me {after about 3 hours sleep} and Franky, looking gorgeous as ever. Damn her eyes….

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

David Fielden was exhibiting and it was great to chat to him and his team at last – I've long been a fan of his designs which seem to suit the city chic style bride just perfectly.  I was a little disappointed however that there were no new designs from David on display – as Mr Fielden chooses to launch his new collection each year in Milan…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

I recognised 'The Wallis' dress below above and below, it has featured several times already on Love My Dress…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Jesus Peiro had an absolutely stunning collection, infact, I think Jesus Peiro is one of the most exciting, original designers available in the UK today…

"The 2013 collection from Jesus Peiro reflects the legacy {of designers such as Chanel, Vionnet ad Lanvin, who decreed the end of the corset's tyranny}, with a deep interest in displaying sewing and crafts.  A distinctly retro collection, balancing femininity and romanticism, by updating the technique of those great creators…"

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If you're a retailer with a demographic of fashion forward and style conscious brides and you're not yet stocking Jesus Peiro, I'd think again {and get your area exclusive in quick before someone else does}…

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One of my favourite shoe designers, Harriet Wilde were also exhibiting and it was lovely to get to chat to designer Ruth about her killer heel designs, favoured by luxury stores the world over, including Harrods…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

It was a lot of fun to catch up with the lovely Nicki Mcfarlane and hear stories of how The Duchess of Cambridge {Princess Kate to you and me!} called her to ask if she would design her flower girl dresses.  Franky, Naomi and I sat by wide eyed with glee listening to stories of Kate and her bridal party visiting Nicki in utter secrecy for fittings and the like, ti was fascinating!

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com


I'm a bit of a sucker for tradition and vintage inspired cuteness when it comes to children and particularly flower-girls and younger bridesmaids. Award winning Nicki Mcfarlane is one of the leading designers in this genre and her designs have become synonymous with exquisite, classic styling, with all dresses handmade in the UK from the finest silks…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Sassi Holford was there showcasing her namesake Sassi Holford and new diffusion line, 'So Sassi'.

I adore Sassi Holford. One of the loveliest, most professional and talented designers in the UK.  My readers love her too…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The new label from Sassi Holford is targeting stylish, young brides; it is beautifully handmade in England using exquisite silks and laces and boasting shorter sassy hemlines…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

Jenny Packham Accessories were in attendance with some striking statement pieces…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

From the Anoushka G catwalk show…

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

The White Gallery, May 2012, Love My Dress UK Wedding Blog - Photography by Naomi Kenton, www.naomikenton.com

As is the norm with this type of trade fair and exhibition, you simply cannot cover it all in one day, so next year I plan on attending at least two days to cover as many of the designers as possible.  Without booking in for an appointment {and I don't want to steal into potential buyers time so prefer not to}, you have little chance of getting to chat to some of the designers as it is so busy – the Ritva Westenius stand was several visitors deep and it was just impossible to get into the The Vintage Wedding Dress Company – so busy were they, I'm pleased to say!

I'd like to thank Emma Meek of Miss Bush Bridal for inviting me as a guest to the retailers dinner that evening {private dining at the Bluebird on Kings Road – very swish!}. I was really honoured to have spent time in the company of some of the UK's very best bridal boutique owners and got to meet many people I'd only had the opportunity to 'Tweet' with so far!

Huge thanks also to Franky and Naomi for the great company and an extra special thanks to Naomi for taking these lovely photographs.

Big love all,

Annabel

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Annabel

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.

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