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Diane Harbridge
Diane Harbridge

Get ready for Harrogate

If fabrics are often the inspiration factor when a designer starts planning a new range, then there is every indication that the collections due to be unveiled at The Harrogate Bridal Show in September will be richly detailed and finely textured

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The new-season offering from Michael’s Bridal Fabrics is a treat, with laser-cut motifs placed on embroideries for 3D effects and a stunning digitally-printed guipure lace alongside decidedly different prints as florals move out of the spotlight.

With a wide choice of thoroughly contemporary options, it’s no wonder designers are going to town and piling on the style and features that really flatter. Demetrios has pegged 3D detail as key to the new season looks, adding beadwork and embroideries to some different laces.

Diane Harbridge, who has her own retail store in Chester, recognises - as her stockists do - that today’s bride is in search of something that little bit different. The collection she will show at Harrogate is whimsical and luxurious, but owes its personality to clean lines, crisp fresh fabrics, sharp pristine seams and a plethora of intricate beadwork. Here, halters feature, too, along with plunging necklines and back detailing, in a fabric range that includes crepe, delustre satin and French tulle.

The anticipated silhouette of success? Yes, it is the ubiquitous fishtail, while little lace boleros are reckoned to be particularly popular - scoring points are the fine, stretchy-tulle leotards which can be dressed up, jewelled and motif-ed, or left plain and barely-there.

Donna Salado, the design force behind the Mark Lesley labels, will be showing more A-lines at Harrogate, but agrees that the fishtail is number one. From the same stable will come slinky little underdresses with elaborate detachable over- skirts and trains, and soft crepe dresses with or without tulle illusion sleeves.

New from Eliza Jane Howell, the house that spells glamorous vintage styling, is the extra embellishment of lavish embroidery along with statement sleeves and beautiful hand-beaded corsets.

Beading and lace, skilfully wrought together, will be the lead story at Kenneth Winston, a label that is attracting a fast-growing international audience. Clear crystals add depth and sparkle to the 2018 gowns, which shimmer softly with movement. If, however, your bride has picked up on the more relaxed, boho style of wedding dressing, then Ella Rose, from the same house - Private Label by G - is focusing on sweet and simple girl- next-door looks and lightweight materials with silky, stretchy linings.

When it comes to necklines, off-the-shoulder is tipped to be a winner in the style race in 2018, as is the flattering halter, and both feature throughout occasionwear collections, too.

In accessories, there are interesting developments as the shift to higher necklines, lacey cover-ups and detailed sleeves means that necklaces - and especially those with pendants or serious detailing - will be less important than in previous years when strapless and sweetheart lines were the most favoured.

Want more trend predictions for 2018? Further information can be found in the latest issue of Bridal Buyer. Read it here.

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