Morilee’s latest collection embraces the true meaning of romance: sheer lace sleeves, floral embroidery, sweeping trains and sweetheart necklines and it was this collection that was showcased at this year’s Bridal Week London runway. Each design brought its own take on the timeless and romantic bridal look to create a truly noteworthy collection, with a design for each bride looking for that fairy-tale romance.

We spoke to Madeline Gardner from Morilee, to discuss their latest collection as seen on the Bridal Week London runway:

Who or what inspired your latest collection?

Our latest collection, “The Rhapsody Collection”, is inspired by the whimsical, yet sophisticated style of the Regency era - it is romantic and poetic. The collection was partially designed in lockdown so there was a huge sense of excitement and anticipation for weddings and romance to reign again. The romantic ball gown is making a huge come back, so I spent a lot of time looking at new ideas and new ways to design the ball gown, from adding different elements, florals, layering and trying new fabrics.

Where do you look for creative inspiration/who are your biggest influences?

During lockdown we spent a lot of time inside and at home. I really loved watching the Netflix series Bridgerton and have used a lot of the costumes and regal settings as influences for this season’s gowns.

Can you let us into some design secrets/the process behind creating the pieces?

Sometimes, I might start off with just a small swatch of fabric or some beads and will use that to influence my whole design - it can really take months and months to get everything just right.

How do you keep your designs fresh season after season?

By constantly sketching, researching and getting feedback from the team, real brides and our trusted stockists.

Do you have any trend forecasts for the year ahead? What’s going to be popular with brides in 2023?

There are so many different types of brides now wanting so many different looks, but we are finding brides want a look that is romantic and super glamourous. Brides are really wanting to dress up now and celebrate. Ballgowns with layering texture, embellishment and customisation such as adding a strap or sleeves to make it personal to them. Strapless is also making a huge return.

What trends/designs were most popular amongst retailers at Bridal Week London?

Feliciana 5988 our ultra-modern full sparkle net ball gown with plunging neckline and off-the-shoulder draped straps was a sure favourite, as well as 2476 Florenza a tulle over sparkle tulle modern ballgown with 3D floral appliques, edge of shoulder straps, a beautifully romantic train and keyhole back – hopelessly romantic.

You hosted a Private Fashion Show at Bridal Week London. Can you pick out your top three designs that were featured on the runway and why and tell me a bit about each of them?

I always like to add in few surprise finale gowns which are unique and really hold their own on the runway, as well as showcasing a little bit from each of the collection to give the audience a feel of what the collection is all about and show off all the fabrics and different laces. There are three gowns I would love to tell you about. Firstly, Faye 2484, this dress sold really well and looked beautiful on the catwalk. It is a figure hugging fit and flare with wrap around waist detail, sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder capped sleeves made with all over beaded net with a sheer train and beautiful horsehair edged hemline – it fitted the model perfectly! From my Madeline Gardner Signature collection Gwendolyn, style 1086, looked fabulous on the catwalk. A mermaid gown of embroidered lace appliques on net over Chantilly lace this dress has many delicate features from beading and sequins to a soft illusion V-neck with detachable slit bishop sleeves – a very luxurious gown for a confident bride. Sparkle was definitely popular with our buyers this season as another runway dress that sold very well was Florence, 2485 an extravagant ballgown with sparkle bodice and pebble straps paired with a floaty tulle ballgown that is embellished with frosted, three-dimensional floral lace appliques and a touch of sparkle, the layered train hemline is left un-edged for a voluminous look.

Click the link below to watch Morilee’s full catwalk: