"We wanted to create something with a vintage feel but also
strong, modern and clean..."
Hannah Coniam-Thompson
Founder and Designer, Belle & Bunty
There's been a huge amount of activity on the blog this morning, following this post as much of the UK wedding inustry woke to the news today that The Designer Wedding Show is no more. So to cheer you all up, I've got a bit of a fancy pants exclusive for you. Today, the beautiful girls over at Belle & Bunty have launched several new fabulously glamorous wedding gowns for 2013, as well as introducing new updates to their most popular silhouettes. And I for one am pretty excited about that, because I adore Belle & Bunty!
Love My Dress Wedding Blog - Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Media Lightbulb
In keeping with the brands core aesthetic of understated elegance, the latest additions inject an infusion of pure glamour, inspired by the best of bygone eras whilst continuing the brands modern take on the 'vintage feel'. New styles include: The Pearly, The Ariel, The Mae, The Darcey and The Hattie. All styles are available in traditional ivory and cream as well as this years new colour ~ blush, a pretty soft rose shade.
The Pearly Dresse's figure enhancing shape (above and below) with bias fishtail skirt and beautiful lace overlay at the fitted bodice creates a fantastically alluring silhouette. Pretty soft flutter sleeves continue down the low back V and offset the small puddle train for a feminine touch to this polished, elegant gown. Rita Hayworth eat your heart out.
A graceful silk satin gown with deep V neckline and floaty pleated bell silk chiffon sleeves, The Mae Dress (above and below) exudes classic Hollywood glamour with a hint of hippy chic. The back mirrors the front with a deep V and long silk satin sashes drape from the shoulders to knot for back detail. Three godets in the skirt add fullness to its shape and will be sure to have you spinning on the dance floor. The Mae is also available without sleeves to create a new look altogether.
An array of beautiful silks are used in every design to create a luxurious feel against the body for an unequalled drape. Handcrafted embellishments inspired by nature include the exquisite Lotus Flower Swarovski beaded corsage and the delicate chiffon and pearl Daisy corsage. These bespoke embroideries can be manipulated in our workshop to the differing desires of the bride adding a unique element to each of our dresses...
London College of Fashion trained Alice Shreeve & Hannah Coniam-Thompson are the designers behind the Belle & Bunty label - I interviewed these two lovely girls last year for Love My Dress and have met them on several occasions, they are lovely. And they absolutely love what they do and having the opportunity to work with Brides. The Belle & Bunty brand has fashion at its core and brings this into the bridal world, combining: glamour, modernity, femininity and romance for any modern day bride looking for a unique, luxurious, fluid gown. The bridal collection focuses on the exploration of all things feminine by offering a balance of proportions. Designs accentuate a woman's natural shape by playing with clean, graphic lines where the design and cut is everything thereby ensuring the most flattering silhouette for Belle & Bunty brides-to-be. Belle & Bunty passionately supports British manufacturing with all styles being lovingly 'Made in England'.
The silk satin Darcey dress is delicate, demure and charming, with a sweetheart bust line and high neckline in beautiful lace, trimmed in silk satin binding and elbow length slim lace sleeves. The lace back finishes in a stunning diamond keyhole as the perfect back detail, with small satin covered buttons running down the back as a finishing touch. A very flattering shape on all figures, The Darcey has a slim band to accentuate the waist, which then flows beautifully into a panelled fit and flare skirt with small puddle train to create a real showstopper.
A personal and individual approach to designing and working with brides remains at the core of the business and organically evolved when designers Alice & Hannah developed their own wedding dresses together. The Belle (pictured below) and The Bunty (beneath that) remain in the range as best selling styles, alongside other popular silhouettes: The Petal, The Willow, The Elsie, The Estella and The Primrose. New styles retain the femininity, playfulness and simplicity of the Belle & Bunty handwriting and sit along the core styles to create a Bridal collection fusing contemporary with the vintage inspired look.
The Ariel Dress (below two images) creates a fantastic silhouette with its strapless and lightly boned bodice, fitted panelled skirt and delicate crinkle silk chiffon overlays for the Belle & Bunty take on the traditional strapless wedding dress. The small graduated godets in the skirt create beautiful movement in the hem as you walk and the contemporary ankle length allows you to show off your special wedding day shoes. The handcrafted floral corsage draws your eye to the waist and adds a special detail to this sophisticated, modern wedding dress.
The Belle & Bunty collection is available to order throughout the year at the Belle & Bunty Boutique in London, located at 45a Brecknock Road in London, N7 0BT, as well as select boutiques throughout the UK. Appointments in our friendly London boutique are informal and relaxed. Prices range from £1200 to £1800, aiming to be aspirational but affordable. The standard lead time is between 4-6 months, although as all dresses are Made in England, styles can be made quicker if needed. Non-bridal colours are also available in all styles for a more adventurous bride or for bridesmaids dresses. Visit The Belle & Bunty website or telephone +44 (0) 020 7267 3322 for further information.
Where to start?! If it were my turn all over again, I think only The Pearly would do! *heads off to plan vow renewal*
I have to ask, which is your favourite and why, and are there any more Belle & Bunty brides reading this right now? You can also see lots of brides wearing Belle & Bunty wedding dresses on Love My Dress too.
Much love all,
Annabel
Credits
Photography - Media Lightbulb
Gowns - Belle & Bunty
Shoes - Jimmy Choo
