Whilst we’re all familiar with this diverse and well-renowned Australian brand, we dug a little deeper to get to know them a bit better. Find out where the brand started, the signature styles of each label and importantly, what you can expect from them at the UK’s biggest bridal buying event.

Get your guide to Harrogate here.

Where did the brand begin?

Our co-founders Wayne and Martine Harris began Essense over 20 years ago in their hometown of Perth, Australia. Since then, it has expanded across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and Canada.

What’s the signature style of each of your labels?

Stella York was created for fashionable brides looking to make a budget-savvy style statement.

The Stella York bride is fun, flirty and always a star on her wedding day. Everyone from the casual beach bride to the traditional ballroom princess can find her dream style.

With Stella York, you’re sure to find a bride that is truly gifted at creating a celebrity-worthy wedding on a less-than-celebrity budget!

Essense of Australia wedding dresses are inspired by the natural beauty and romantic spirit found among brides looking for truly unique wedding-day designs.

Combining elegant fabrics and intricate beading, every collection is created for women who want stylish, runway-worthy bridal gowns but appreciate the tradition and romance of a classic bridal look.

We met with Essense of Australia at The Harrogate Bridal Show 2017, view the interview here.

Martina Liana is for brides who are looking for only the finest fabrics and finishes. This bride not only loves all of the intricate couture details, but also wants the privilege of being able to customise every element of her gown, to make it unique and truly one-of-a-kind.

What brands will you be bringing along to The Harrogate Bridal Show?

We’ll be bringing Stella York, Essense of Australia, Martina Liana and our bridesmaid brand Sorella Vita.

What will you be bringing along to The Harrogate Bridal Show?

We’ll be showing 36 pieces from Stella York, 40 pieces from Essense of Australia, 26 pieces from Martina Liana and 35 of our Sorella Vita bridesmaid pieces.

Read more: Our catch up with Allure ahead of Harrogate.

Are there any key features we can expect from you for the new season?

This season’s Stella York collection brings the Stella York bride lush floral laces, modern shaping and lustrous sparkle in on-trend styles.

Our fit-and-flare gowns feature unexpected seam work that angles perfectly along the body’s natural figure, enhancing and flattering every curve. Silhouettes with full, pleated skirts in our clean and chic styles also feature soft, voluminous folds for unexpected texture.

Essense of Australia gowns continue to encapsulate nature’s most shining elements in classic silhouettes with updated botanical features, flowy fabrics such as tulle and soft net, and subtle luminous detailing. Floating floral laces on necklines and long sleeves create sophisticated deep V-necklines and off-the-shoulder styles with illusion tulle.

For Martina Liana, expect luminous beadwork, large floral laces and modern, soft-structured elements in this collection. Laser-cut and artfully placed, graphic lace details are featured atop sheer bodices and create the illusion floating elements that brides are asking for—along with combinations of water pearls, sequins and Swarovski crystals for an incredible sparkle.

What do you think will be big at Harrogate?

We think retailers will be excited to see the “sexy” bridal look taking on an elevated, more sophisticated meaning with narrower deep V-necklines and long sleeves of floating lace. Graphic laces with larger, more organic-shaped blooms will speak to the bride’s desire for a fresh look.

Multi-layered lacework and three-dimensional florals bedecked with mixed beading will give traditional looks a stunning illumination. Lush, soft-structured shaping on simple silhouettes for pops of unexpected texture will give an updated, modernised feel.

Why is The Harrogate Bridal Show so special for you?

We take great pride in being a continual part of The Harrogate Bridal Show, as it is one of the most important ways for us to partner with our service stores within the United Kingdom. Not only is the success of our key retail partners vital to our own, but doing what’s best for the industry as a whole is essential to our mission as a brand.

Independent bridal storefronts, where a bride’s dreams come to life, are the backbone of our industry, and always will be. The introductions and exposure that can happen among retailers at The Harrogate Bridal Show help keep the dream alive, for brides and retailers alike.

Contact Essense here.

Find this stunning brand on stand number HD1.

Want more? Here’s what you can expect from Mon Cheri at this year’s The Harrogate Bridal Show.