Tell us about the history of the brand.

We were founded by Rachel Peugh in 2014. Beginning in her home basement, we graduated to a store front in 2016. We have always designed and manufactured our own bridal gowns in the USA. In the beginning we designed and sold directly to brides. It wasn’t until 2018 that we began exhibiting at bridal markets. Fully transitioned now into wholesale only, we have done an exciting rebrand and are very excited to show the world the new updated Rachel Elizabeth!

Do you have a minimum order?

We do not have a minimum. We understand budget fluctuates and we want our clients to not feel pressured ordering more gowns or accessories than they really want. We would like our customers to invest in a partnership with us, without the financial stresses of being required to buy a minimum. We see this as a true partnership, not just a transactional one.

What are the brand’s secrets to success?

As a company, starting out working directly with brides, we quickly learned to listen to the needs of our customers. We have had many happy brides who have remained close to us, even become our friends. Now that we have rebranded and switched to wholesale, we want to build the same close relationships with our stores. We are good listeners and will work with all our stores in every way possible to create those close relationships we have become accustomed to. Having had our own storefront, we understand the blessings and difficulties that come with one; so we are happy to work with our stores to help promote both our gowns and their business. As a relatively small family owned business, I am the designer and face of the business, and I am involved at every level of the business and with all of our accounts.

What are five interesting facts about the brand?

1. The brand is run by a mother daughter duo, Rachel and Sharon!

2. Rachel and Sharon are both dual citizens of the USA and UK.

3. Collections are always designed using a written story for inspiration with a corresponding music playlist. The playlists are often shared on our Spotify, so you too can listen here.

4. Between the two, Rachel and Sharon, have more than 70 years of sewing experience, we really understand construction and fit.

5. Rachel is an expert pattern maker and makes all of the patterns for every gown.

What inspired the current collection?

The current collection is inspired by this playlist of songs and the love story it evokes. While I find that many of the song lyrics play into the storyline, the musicality of the notes often play more into the story and mental image than the lyrics. Notice, while listening to the rise, fall and curve of the music; for me that often evokes an image of fabric and the movement of it. Regarding the story; it begins with learning to let go when necessary, and the journey of moving on to find someone who is your soulmate and the person that you can spend the rest of your life with. I often find that when designing I allow my own emotions and past experiences to affect the stories as they would a writer. I simply use fashion and fabric to express my story instead of the written word. 

What design trends have emerged from the collection?

Simplicity while still being detailed is one of my favourite trends and something we often do in our gowns. This collection features gowns with simple silhouette and a complex lace or vice versa, a unique silhouette and no lace or an all over glitter tulle. Another trend we have been seeing for a while is the glitter and shine, while we have done some in the past, this collection takes it to a whole new level. Lastly, we have created three removable skirts for this collection, giving brides options to have two looks but without the cost of two gowns.

Why is Bridal Week so important to you?

As this is our first time to market since our rebranding, we plan to make new contacts across the industry at Bridal Week Harrogate. We are looking to find a serious partnership that can lead to a flag ship store in both the USA and UK.

Bridal Week Harrogate: Stand M7

Retailers can visit us at Bridal Week Harrogate: Stand M7. To book an appointment ahead of the show, you can email me at rachel@rachelelizabethbridal.com.