Today (12 March 2012) was the second day of the hugely successful British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate. The show is not just the largest show in the UK, but the largest Bridal trade show in the world bringing buyers from all over the world.
Stacy Lock of the earrings boutique, which is part of the the Icon Live group spoke to Harrogate-News.
Stacy said:
This is the main Bridal Show and it is just so important to have a presence. If you want to be in Bridal then this is the place to be.
Harrogate is lovely venue with lots of places to eat. I am staying in the Bjou which is a very smart Hotel and just around the corner.
Allure Bridals from Kent was exhibiting. Allure have retail buyers worldwide and tailor their collections for the different markets. Each season they look at over 1,000 dresses and select 100 to be part of their collection. They are the biggest buyer of swarovski crystal for wedding dresses in the world and have patents on some of their designs.
Patricia Bizzell is Allure Bridal’s fashion adviser. Patricia said:
We just couldn’t exist without the Harrogate show. It gives us 3 days to get orders in for the whole season.
- Stephanie Shemald from Sheffield and Amanda Dabrowski from Manchester modelling on the Allure Bridals stand
The organisers have seen similar attendance figures to last year, but with numbers up from two years ago. They said that there was a good positive feel amongst the buyers coming through the door.
Ruth Sturdy and Demelsa Houghton from Harrogate College along with other young designers are up for the Best Student Designer award. They will find out on the evening of 12 March if they have been successful.
- Designs Ruth Sturdy (centre-left) and Demelsa Houghton (centre-right) from Harrogate College
Twice a day there is a catwalk show, showcasing many of the designs. The Royal Hall is making a magnificent backdrop to this seasons show.
Shows such at this are hugely important to Harrogate. They bring in a huge influx of people and spending to the town. It was very welcome to hear directly from those exhibiting in how important and beneficial the show is to them.
Sounds as if its another successful year for the British Bridal Buyer Awards and exhibition.
It really is great to see such a prestigious event happen each year in the North, especially in Harrogate, I couldn’t image a better place to host it.
Congratulations to the winners of the awards last night, especially Rachel Scott Couture, and The Bride, St Albans for been awarded the best bridal retailer in the North and South respectfully, well done!