Tell us the company’s history, how you started and how the brand has developed.

This year sees Wendy Makin Bridal Designs celebrate 30 years of making brides beautiful throughout the world. Conceived back in 1993 in Brisbane, Australia by Wendy Makin, the label now boasts outlets across Australia, New Zealand and the UK as well as having a very enthusiastic following in the US. Renowned for its core Ready To Wear Collection, not to mention the coveted French Collection by Wendy Makin (beloved by brides for destination weddings), brides can rely on the brand for everything from superior fit to elegant craftsmanship and enchanting versatility.

What sets your bridal designs apart from others in the industry?

At the heart of the brand lies Wendy’s innate understanding of her brides. Aided by first-hand contact with her customers (Wendy still maintains day-to-day contact with her brides in her studio in East Brisbane) Wendy designs a gown which is not only flattering for the bride (as well as easy to wear) but stylish for all shapes and sizes. Her design, fit and craftsmanship is second to none with an ethos of only using the best quality fabrics in her designs sourced from sympathetic manufacturers. And, with so much versatility provided across both collections (be it the interchangeable separates from Wendy’s core RTW line or the variety of different colour options available as part of the French Collection by Wendy Makin) its clear brides adore the flexibility of the label’s offering.

What is the brand’s proudest achievement?

Wendy is, first and foremost, extremely proud of her team. She is also proud of her ability to create beautiful, coveted wedding dresses that stand the test of time. One of the most interesting facts about Wendy Makin is that Wendy herself is one of the few designers who still has first-hand contact with her brides. Not only does this show in her up-to-date styling but also in her sympathetic approach to design and practicality. Alongside this, the Wendy Makin brand has been an innovator over its 30 years and can count many trends it has formulated, including floral wedding gowns. Finally, we’re delighted to say that Wendy Makin Bridal Designs is one of Australia’s most awarded brands for both design and service.    

Can you tell us some interesting facts about the brand?

One of the most interesting facts about Wendy Makin is that Wendy herself is one of the few designers who still has first-hand contact with her brides. Not only does this show in her up-to-date styling but also in her sympathetic approach to design and practicality. Alongside this, the Wendy Makin brand has been an innovator over its 30 years and can count many trends it has formulated, including floral wedding gowns. Finally, we’re delighted to say that Wendy Makin Bridal Designs is one of Australia’s most awarded brands for both design and service.    

Why is Bridal Week so important to you?

Our stockist network thrives by cultivating key partnerships with handpicked boutiques operating within a generous exclusivity area, enabling them to cater to a wider customer base. Via a truly collaborative partnership, utilising social media and various advertising channels, we nurture these relationships, leveraging our combined strengths to maximise exposure and drive sales. Bridal Week represents a golden opportunity for us to identify suitable stores that can seamlessly integrate into our network, while also connecting with potential partners who share our unwavering commitment to delivering truly exceptional bridal experiences.   

What does the future hold for you? Do you have any exciting upcoming plans you can share with us?

For Wendy Makin, the future for us as a label is one of developing more sustainable practices and looking more towards slow fashion. The immediate future is one of consolidation on the groundwork we have built over the last 10 years with an eye to building stronger relationships with retailers and brides alike.    

FIND WENDY MAKIN ON STAND Q31 AT BRIDAL WEEK HARROGATE.

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