Known for its stylish, contemporary designs and craftsmanship, Rachel Allan was established over three decades ago. The brand – which also has a background in prom and eveningwear – offers a range of bridal designs that blend classic elegance with bold, trend-conscious elements.

As seen in the label’s collections on display at Bridal Week in September, one of the fashion house’s strengths is its diverse collection that caters to different body types and personal styles. 

As well as offering diverse sizing options, the brand embraces the idea of customisable options, so that brides can find something that suits their personality and vision. This season, we saw a variety of ultra feminine  mermaid cuts, soft A-lines, sleek silhouettes and our silhouette of the moment – the ballgown wedding dress. Of which, the brand tells us: “The ballgown is and will always be a staple in the bridal fashion world.” 

Ballgown wedding dresses: Style RB5092

With ballgowns in mind, it seems fitting then, that our style of the week is a headturning, full and glamorous look – Style RB5092. 

Discussing the collection this dress is part of, the label’s Kirsty Voce says: “We wanted to create a collection that was based partly on tradition while extending it to the desire of today – for simplicity and ease of wear. The goal was to create gowns that were comfortable, easy to wear, and allowed a bride’s natural beauty to be on display.”

RB5092 is made from a very luxurious satin, which offers a gorgeous, very tactile finish. The ballgown is clean cut, which adds to the air of elegance and classical beauty. 

Rachel Allan – style in focus

Discussing how the composition of the ballgown wedding dress evolved, the label’s designer says: “The gown originally began as a structured ballgown with a completely different bodice, however after I saw the sample start to take shape, I decided I needed something more simple, elegant and toned down, with clean lines to create this classic look.” 

The beautiful bodice, with the exposed boning are a particular highlight for Bridal Buyer. The Basque waist is accentuated with the detail that the linear boing offers, and the volume that the pleats at join of the skirt adds yet another layer of detail. “When I create dresses I try to ask myself who is the bride? Who will be wearing the style? What would she want?” Explains the designer. “I decided to add the additional features such as the overstated bow, visible boning and the all-important pockets to the skirt based on what that bride would really want or need.” 

The ballgown wedding dress has a really luxurious feel, in no small part thanks to the gorgeous satin that the gown in crafted from, and how it has been cut and structured. “I am always in favour or a rich luxurious fabric. This satin quality feels soft and pleasing to the hand, but is also capable of creating dynamic shapes and structures. I like the composition of soft and strong together.”

Ballgown wedding dress: On reflection 

Thanks to its crisp finish, this gown can act as a blank canvas, ready to become whatever the bride dreams up with the right accessories. We could imagine it being a total showstopper in a grand ballroom setting – an iconic aesthetic – and equally dressed with florals and delicate jewellery for a garden theme. With its structured satin, exposed boning, and signature oversized bow at the back, this is a gown that captures the balance of tradition and contemporary styling that the fashion house is loved for.