A label with a rich family history, The House of Nicholas was launched back in the 1940s. Fast forward to 2024, and the label is getting set to show the latest styles at Bridal Week Harrogate, which is packed with the timeless elegance we have come to expect from the line. Bridal Buyer caught up with the company’s Katia Charalambou to find out more about the history, what defines the brand’s style and what the latest collection focuses on.

House of history 

The company’s journey began when three siblings arrived in the UK from Cyprus to work in bridalwear in the 1940s. In the early 1950s, their other siblings joined them – together they rented a room in North London where they started their own bridal company, Nicholas Brothers, trading as The House Of Nicholas.

The company was a huge success and work grew and grew – so they moved to larger premises in Islington. The House Of Nicholas started exporting globally, while also supplying shops up and down the UK. As the company evolved, they introduced a line of bridesmaid dresses, as well as evening wear and cocktail dresses to the collection.

Some years later, some of their children joined the company, and when the original founders decided to retire, Nick and Katia took over the reins.

Eye for detail 

When we look through the label’s collections from the past few seasons, and the current dresses, the overarching theme is timeless beauty. One thing that never goes out of style, or falls out of favour, is the classic British bridal style. So, what cuts and silhouettes would The House of Nicholas recommend to classic brides? And can this vibe even be translated in one way? “Classic British can be defined in so many different ways,” says Katia, “as we are all more open and understanding of different silhouettes, fabrics, even lengths.” To keep things fresh and appealing to the desires of modern brides, Katia tells us that The House of Nicholas has continually introduced new fabrics, updated appliqués and lace and offered different cuts to styles – without losing the essence of the fashion house’s styling.

The gowns are beautifully crafted, and give brides who are looking for classically elegant styles something to fall in love with. “Our gowns are designed to cater for all, whatever the size, whatever the budget, and, very importantly, styles that are not discontinued after a couple of seasons,” explains Katia. “We have styles in our range that we have been showing for the last nine years. We feel this is a very important factor, when our stockists are investing a lot of money in their samples.

In terms of fabrics we wanted to know how important fabric selection is to getting the right quality and finish. And it is something that Katia has a lot of insight on. She tells us: “Making sure the fabric is the best one for certain cuts and styling is so important. Using a fabric with certain designs, however much one loves it, if it doesn’t work, is a no-go. Sometimes we find a fabric we want to use for a certain style, but it just isn’t right, so you must take the nature of the fabric into account. Is it stiff, does it flow? Will it be too bulky? Will it work with lace/appliqué? And of course, how easy will alterations be for the retailer? It is imperative that one uses fabric in the correct way.”

Latest collection

For The House of Nicholas’s latest collection, Katia tells us there is a continuation of styles that the label is known and loved for, but with a few twists on traditional gowns. “Our inspiration is always feedback from our customers, from their brides, and from years of our own experience,” she says. “There are 32 new gowns in the new collection. Look out for beautifully designed and cut gowns with minimal embellishment. We have introduced a new Mikado on certain styles, too, which just hangs beautifully.”

The collection has a good deal of variety in the styles, from tea-length to full dresses, those with plenty of volume and others that fit into the sleek and chic category. Gorgeous attention to detail has been paid to the fine elements, like the buttons at the rear, soft edging on sleeves, beautiful lacework and more. In terms of personal favourites, Bridal Buyer has been swooning over Style 2924 – the stunning A-line style with pretty drop sleeves, a full train and buttons running the length of the rear. It is the sheer embodiment of timeless elegance. For Katia, she tells us: “My favourite is Style 2923. A beautiful, flowing crepe gown, heavily beaded on the back, and a beautiful silhouette, very chic. And also Style 2909, which is such an easy-to-wear design, suitable for any bride, any venue.”

In terms of styling, we asked Katia for some tips on how to dress the looks. But she felt there is no one correct answer, and brides can inject their own personalities into the styles in whatever way they choose, and whatever suits their wedding theme. “There is no one way to style these looks,” she says. “It’s such a personal thing. Traditional veils and headdresses are always beautiful, but, thankfully, thinking outside of the box can be totally the right thing to do, too.”

To view these collections and browse the latest pieces from over 200 more brands, claim your free pass for Europe’s first bridal buying event of the year by clicking here.