Why do you exhibit at Bridal Week Harrogate, and how did you find this year’s show?

Harrogate is quite simply the biggest show of the year and we at Rachel Allan spend most of the year planning for it. It is our passion and mission to welcome our retailers and potential new accounts into a dynamic environment to facilitate a positive buying experience. The show had a fantastic buzz and was very well attended.

You showcased some of your pieces on the Bridal Week Harrogate runway. How did you decide on which designs to put on the catwalk?

This is never an easy process as we have a large collection and do not want to miss anything out. We also have to take into consideration that this is possibly the first time a retailer has seen the brand and the gowns, so we are wanting to make the right first impression. There is normally a lot of chopping and changing as we do like to keep a theme or create stories within the show. The main objective is to be emotive, project excitement and aspiration.

What was it like seeing the designs come to life on the catwalk?

We work closely with the catwalk team to bring to life the creative spectacle we want to achieve. This includes the gowns, choreography, music and props. However, nothing can prepare you for seeing the production in front of a packed Royal Hall. This year’s show was our best yet and the response and feedback from our industry colleagues, retailers and potential retailers was incredible. When we look into the audience and see people’s reactions and the amount of cameras being held up it actually makes us quite emotional. The catwalk production team are absolute geniuses who we trust implicitly with our brand and vision.

What trends/designs have been most popular amongst retailers this year?

Rachel Allan’s Bridal Spring 2023 Collections have seamlessly blended traditional silhouettes which flatter and enhance any shape and size, with contemporary and exclusive embellishments. Glitter and sequin tulles, 3D flowers and layered lace appliques bring the gowns to life, infusing the gowns with personality and depth. Our retailers come to us for something a little different so colour is a big part of what we do.

Can you pick out your top three designs from the runway and tell us a bit about each of them?

RB5020: Strapless Mikado A-line bridal gown with pleated skirt that has a side slit and cathedral train. The gown includes detachable sleeves made of tulle and lace applique.

RB6115: Glitter tulle bridal ball gown with sweetheart neckline, pleated bodice, off-the-shoulder straps. beading detail, lace-up back closure, and chapel train.

RB5003: Tulle over lace fit and flare bridal gown with high neckline, illusion flare cascade sleeves, open back, applique and beading details, and a scallop chapel train.

Why did you decide to take part/ why do you think the Fashion Shows are important?

Rachel Allan has been involved with the fashion show in Harrogate since we launched in the UK in 2018. For the last 2 years we have also been asked to be involved with the finale scene and this has become an important aspect to Bridal Week Harrogate as a whole for us. The fashion show gives us an opportunity to showcase what we are as a brand to a large number of prospective accounts and also what our loyal customer base can expect from the season ahead. It also allows us to have fun and present those dresses that are truly red-carpet worthy. The fashion show gives us the opportunity to inspire and excite our UK retailers.

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

Lots of sparkle presented in a variety of different ways. We use a variety of glitter and sequin patterns, glitter and sequin tulles and beaded appliques, bodices and straps. Detachable sleeves, bodice liners, capes, boleros and overskirts continue to offer variety to our gowns. Colour will also continue to be important and at the forefront of everything we do, rich champagnes, delicate blush tones and dramatic block colours will continue to feature.

 

Click the link below to watch Rachel Allen’s full catwalk: