The British Design Talent Award 2024
Meet the 10 outstanding designers in the running for this lauded trophy. Find out why Bridal Buyer chose these amazing brands, and vote for your favourite!
Find out more about the 10 outstanding labels that are in the running for one of Bridal Buyer’s most prized accolades – The British Design Talent Award. Each year, we ask bridal retailers and the wider wedding industry to vote for who they think should be crowned with the title. And this year is proving to be the most competitive yet. For the first time ever we have added accessories and bridesmaid designers into the mix due to the sheer brilliance we have seen over the past 12 months.
Have a look at our line-up below, and make sure to cast your vote before midnight on Sunday, 11th February.
*One vote is allowed per person and must work in the wedding industry. Email addresses and websites will be checked prior to votes qualifying.
Alan Hannah
Marguerite Hannah is the brilliant creative behind the Alan Hannah line and sister label, MiaMia. Over the past year, the collections have continued to showcase a blend of modern romance, sophisticated lines, and truly elegant cuts. The 2024 collection, in particular, stands out for its unique combination of classic elegance and contemporary flair – there is nothing stuffy or dated about this line. Marguerite draws inspiration from various sources, including art, architecture, nature and music, to create gowns that are striking and tasteful, and always utterly appealing. Bridal Buyer is particularly drawn to the bold designs, sumptuous silk and satin fabrics and unique elements, such as sheer panels and asymmetrical hemlines, adding a fresh twist to classic silhouettes.
Caroline Castigliano
Embodying a strong sense of femininity and sensuality, Caroline Castigliano’s collections stand out for all the right reasons. Her styles are always contemporary, but with a refined, old-school sense of glamour, making the best use of luxurious fabrics, elevated textures, and carefully-considered accents. The latest collections have featured harmonious lines, intricate details, and effortlessly chic ensembles that show off the designer’s unique ability to cut and construct garments that create confident, sexy and deeply stylish looks. Her structural work continues to amaze brides and retailers, season after season. Bridal Buyer adores the designer’s more playful details, ideal for modern brides, including plunging V-backs and perfectly placed keyholes.
Eliza Jane Howell
Driving forward a new era for the iconic Eliza Jane Howell is Andrea Eliza Cutts and Catherine Fisher, who joined the label in 2023 to continue the legacy of the brand’s much-loved founder, Gill Harvey. The 2024 ‘Legacy of Love’ collection marks this new era, showing off decadent detailing and vintage-inspired designs. The styles effortlessly blend traditional and modern beading techniques, which create truly mesmerizing garments that appeal to a diverse range of brides – whether they want flirty and playful or classic and elegant. Bridal Buyer is really drawn to the way Eliza Jane Howell manages to blend historical inspiration with contemporary fashion, creating timeless pieces that can become stunning family heirlooms.
Freda Bennet
The designers behind Freda Bennet have a rich history in the bridal industry, which is evident in the beautifully crafted styles created for every collection. Freda Bennet is known for its focus on real women, designing chic and inclusive styles that combine femininity with strength – there is a beautifully struck balance between timeless and on-trend styles. The latest collection features a stunning array of both quintessential and contemporary designs, and is packed with sophisticated silhouettes, with touches such as frills and statement bows, embodying the flair of British design. Bridal Buyer is always impressed with the label’s ability to find beauty in sleek shapes, clean lines, and subtle details. The styles always offer alluring, feminine, and effortlessly chic designs.
Halfpenny London
Over the past 12 months, Halfpenny London has continued to break boundaries on the bridal fashion scene. The brand is known for its innovative, chic dresses and separates that cater for modern brides wanting diverse choices. One of the latest collections, ‘Unveiled,’ has been described as a love letter to brides past, present, and future – and Bridal Buyer has been swooning over the unique styles created by designer, Kate Halfpenny. There is much to love about the label, not least the sustainable approach to production, utilising repurposed fabrics and deadstock material. Since its launch, Halfpenny London has become one of the UK’s leading luxury bridalwear brands, renowned for blending ‘Brit cool’ with a luxurious sensibility. Kate’s unique approach, combining contemporary designs with a passion for bridal fashion, has made a noticeable impact in the bridal industry.
Halo & Co.
Sisters Stephanie and Nicola Ball are the dream duo behind the iconic Halo & Co. Known and loved for producing some of the finest bridal accessories in the world, over the past year, the brand has continued to cement its outstanding reputation. Their success is attributed to their creative and forward-thinking approach and strong connections with retailers, ensuring they provide best-selling designs that excite all manner of modern brides. Bridal Buyer is continually impressed with the label’s artisanal bridal headpieces adorned with crystals and semi-precious stones. The pieces show meticulous craftsmanship, and both bold and intricately detailed designs. Halo & Co’s dedication to quality and innovation, as well as their ability to keep up with trends, ensures they stand out from the crowd, season after season.
Josephine Scott
Launching at Harrogate in 2022, Josephine Scott’s depth of talent easily impressed retailers, press, brides, and her peers. The designer expertly blends traditional old-world glamour with modern interpretations, crafting beautiful gowns with luxurious fabrics, detailed with unashamed femininity. In the past 12 months, the designers have shown off her craft for richness, drama, dynamism, and movement. Her collections are characterised with softer silhouettes, luxe details, 3D appliqué laces, opulent jacquards, and soft silk organza – and everything is utterly romantic. Bridal Buyer loves that the collections also features prints and various textures that add fine detail and dynamic notes to each gown. This is a designer that knows how to capture the hearts of modern brides.
Miabelle
Miabelle, by designer Lydia Jones, has certainly made a mark on the bridesmaid and occasion-wear scene. The label offers a thoughtfully curated collection of modern silhouettes combined with classic necklines and glamorous touches. The designs are crafted with an emphasis on flattering silhouettes, using top-quality fabrics. Miabelle’s approach to design focuses on luxury and quality, aiming to make bridesmaids feel exquisite, and offering styles that they can wear again and again. In addition, Lydia introduced a new occasion wear line in 2023 – The Guest Edit. It has been specifically designed with Mothers of the Bride and wedding guests in mind; the collection features Miabelle’s signature luxe crepes, pearly beaded accents, and bows and is a reflection of the designer’s commitment to offering stylish and sophisticated options.
Savannah Miller Bridal
Bridal Buyer is continually impressed with the fresh and contemporary styles from Savannah Miller Bridal. The designer’s fresh approach to bridal design is deeply rooted in her experience in the fashion industry and her understanding of women’s casual wear. The brand’s focus on high-quality fabrics, attention to fit, and luxurious detailing makes each gown feel special and unique. Her wedding dresses are known understated elegance, blending modern romanticism with a bohemian vibe. A particular highlight is the label’s adaptability and responsiveness to the market trends, as well as customers’ preferences. Retailers and brides thoroughly enjoy Savannah’s blend of contemporary and traditional elements, making garments ideal for those looking for something that’s both timeless and fashion-forward.
Shikoba Bride
This is a label that leads with an ethical approach and was established in 2017, headed up by Becca George. Shikoba dresses have a strong bohemian vibe for adventure-loving and free-spirited brides. The brand’s name, meaning ‘feather,’ encapsulates its ethos of uniqueness, style, and laid-back elegance. The collections are distinguished by exquisite cotton laces, beaded embroidered tulle, soft-flowing silks, and signature fringing. The designers focus on dresses that not only reflect the bride’s personality but also offer comfort and stunning aesthetics. Bridal Buyer enjoys that the label is unafraid to be different, and even a little disruptive, mixing up contemporary fabrics with striking silhouettes. The collections embrace popular trends, yet manage to remain very wearable and comfortable.
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