Specialising in luxurious, intricately detailed lingerie, loungewear and bridal underwear, Shell Belle Couture is a distinctive brand. Founded and directed by Michelle Blenkinsopp-Guild, the label has managed to strike that magical balance between nostalgic elegance and modern sensuality.

The story began in the summer of 2010, on the shores of Mauritius. “I was working and living on this idyllic island with my family, as a design director for a couture lingerie brand,” says Michelle. “It was during these four informative years that the brand began to take shape. Drawing from my 22 years in the intimate apparel industry, I realised this journey was about to encompass everything I had learned along the way.”

Shell Belle reflects Michelle’s profound appreciation for the 1920s and 1930s, combined with a passion for intricate details. “I wanted to create styles that were tomorrow’s heirloom pieces,” she shares, reflecting on the brand’s origin – her desire to craft garments that transition seamlessly from beach to boudoir has defined Shell Belle’s unique place in the bridal market.

What sets Shell Belle Couture apart is not just its commitment to vintage aesthetics, but also its foundation in sustainable and ethical practices. Collaborating closely with a family-run couture atelier in Mauritius, Michelle and her team utilise heritage techniques like appliqué, shell edging, and delicate inserts to bring their ethereal designs to life. “We only make to order, and all of our pieces are hand-created,” says Michelle, which shows the brand’s allegiance to the ‘slow fashion’ movement.

The latest collection, Illusions of Grandeur, draws inspiration from the concept that luxury and grandeur should be accessible to all. “In our minds, we all have ‘illusions of grandeur’ and secretly want to ‘swan around the manor’ in a silk kimono,” says Michelle. This collection is a testament to the power of imagination, featuring vintage veil designs and the soft, buttery touch of sandwashed silk, allowing every bride to embrace a state of absolute luxury.

Michelle’s creative process is intensely personal. Beginning with vintage elements and modern inspirations, she sketches and drapes directly on mannequins, ensuring that each piece honours the natural form and movement of the body. “Everything is created the ‘old-fashioned’ couture way,” she says, revealing the journey from concept to creation.

The brand’s signature aesthetic caters to brides who cherish vintage charm and romantic details. Shell Belle brides are enchanted by the Art Deco touches and the timeless allure of French laces and sandwashed silk. Each collection is designed to fully coordinate, allowing brides and their grooms to mix, match, and create personalised bridal ensembles that narrate their unique love stories.

As Shell Belle prepares to showcase its new collection and other iconic pieces at White Gallery, Michelle looks forward to sharing her passion with new and existing clients. “White Gallery always has a wonderful atmosphere, overflowing with love and romance,” she remarks, highlighting the significance of presenting her work within such an ethereal setting.

For retailers and brides alike, Shell Belle promises a dive into a bygone era of glamour, infused with modern sensuality and ethical craftsmanship. Michelle Blenkinsopp-Guild’s vision is not just about dressing for a day, but about creating pieces that last and last – pieces to be treasured and appreciated. As Michelle poetically puts it, her creations are for “anyone who is a hopeless romantic – truly, madly, deeply…”