The UK is a treasure trove of bridal talent. From the timeless elegance of Suzanne Neville, the whimsical romance of Temperley Bridal, and the architectural brilliance of Phillipa Lepley, to the artistry of Alan Hannah, Sassi Holford, and Halfpenny London – the list goes on. Each has helped shape Britain’s place as a leader in global bridal design.

This year, we wanted to shine a light on the next generation. Enter our brand-new Bridal Buyer Award category: Rising Star. Created to recognise UK bridal labels of around five years old that are already making serious waves, this award is all about celebrating designers who have burst onto the scene with vision, skill, and undeniable impact. Our three finalists for 2025 are nothing short of exceptional.

Josephine Scott

Since the launch of her eponymous label – and its sister line, Avenue by Josephine Scott – we’ve been smitten. Josephine has carved out a distinctive handwriting that makes her gowns instantly recognisable: exquisite corsetry with intricate detailing and a mastery of fabric selection. Her dresses don’t just look beautiful; they move with grace and prove flattering on every curve.

Her talent has not gone unnoticed beyond the bridal world. Earlier this year, she dressed Dani Dyer for her second wedding look and, perhaps our favourite moment, Spice Girl Mel B. Both her mainline and Avenue collections have gone from strength to strength, each embodying her commitment to perfection and her ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to her vision.

Unbridled Studio

Founded by Anna Vesty and joined by Ruth Malton, Unbridled Studio is redefining what modern bridal looks like. When I interviewed Anna ahead of White Gallery 2024, I was struck by her sharp creative vision and her refusal to follow trends – instead, she sets them. This is the brand for the effortlessly cool bride, the one who wants to curate her look in a way that feels personal and current.

The magic of Unbridled lies in its versatility. Pieces can be layered and mixed in ways that never feel contrived, creating looks that transform from ceremony to reception with ease. The interplay of fabrics and translucency is masterful, and the styles feel as luxurious as they are wearable. We loved them so much, we even put them on the cover of The Bridal Edit magazine for White Gallery. These designs are as future-facing as they are chic – and with their rewear potential, they may well represent the next era of bridal fashion. We certainly hope so. 

Isabell Kristensen Couture (Bridal)

While the Kristensen name is synonymous with couture eveningwear, the bridal line is a more recent evolution, led by Isabell’s son, Martin Kristensen. Martin has found his voice in bold, structural gowns that nod to both archival couture and historic silhouettes. This year’s collection had us swooning over hooped crinolines and statement shapes that manage to be both nostalgic and forward-looking. The designs channel the glamour of the 80s and 90s while weaving in echoes of earlier periods, making them perfect for brides who want to wear something artistic and conversation-starting.

They say three is the magic number, and our finalists prove it. Each represents a different facet of British bridal design: Josephine Scott’s mastery of craft and detail, Unbridled Studio’s fresh and transformative aesthetic and Isabell Kristensen’s bold interplay of structure and nostalgia. Come September, we’ll discover who will take home the Rising Star award. Until then, one thing is certain: the future of British bridal is in very safe, super talented, hands. 

WORDS Anna-Marie DeSouza