HARROGATE, England - Press and buyers from around the world are in the Yorkshire town of Harrogate this week (13-15 September) to see exactly what brides-to-be will be wearing in the seasons ahead. At the British Bridal Exhibition, Europe’s largest weddingwear industry trade show, which attracts exhibitors from every continent and catering to every price bracket, the top names in business unveiled more than 300 collections.

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Despite doom and gloom elsewhere in the fashion retail sector, bridalwear seems to have survived the economic downturn thus far as girls everywhere are intent on living that long-held dream of big-day glamour. In fact, top-end designers, many of whom took part in the event’s lavish Designer Hall, say that business is buoyant with customers still happy to spend many thousands of pounds on their chosen gown.

Important names, such as Alan Hannah (who launched a new label, MiaMia), Ritva Westenius, Sharon Bowen, Sarah Arnett and Jesus Peiro, were joined by newcomers to the show like Temperley London, Johanna Hehir (with her first ever wholesale collection) and Ugo Zaldi, while further key designer collections, including those from Stewart Parvin, Sassi Holford and Stephanie Allin, went on show at the various BBEH-nominated hotels - needed to accommodate the ever-growing number of companies keen to reach the huge retailer audience that attends the twice-yearly Harrogate show.

And there was lots of young, creative talent at the show, keen to break into bridal wholesale; a dedicated area housed sample collections from shoe designer Julie Mawson, and also Freya Rose, jewellery from Hermione and June Ellen and rising-star gown designer Nadia Yousef.

BBEH was clear proof, too, of the importance of the mother-of-the-bride and occasionwear market, where spending is substantially up not just year on year but season on season. The likes of Linea Raffaelli and Vera Mont, Frank Usher and Anoushka G were among the exhibitors who played to packed houses and often had queues waiting to get on their stands and place orders.

Trends to watch out for are: In bridalwear: - brooch-style decoration, best in large, single pieces - the one-shoulder gowns we’ve been waiting for - pared-down silhouettes with an emphasis on small details - modern romantics with big skirts and tiny waists - shoulder straps with glitter - all-over beadwork and real shimmer-shine - jackets of every description, from gossamer-fine embroidered shrugs to sequinned boleros - Silver lace, geometric sequinning, brown (amazing in a top layer over white satin at Veromia) For men: - a return to the classics, morning suits, evening suits, classical highland wear - in suitings, narrow waists, broader shoulders, fabrics with sheen - navy blue For prom: - puff ball shorties in bold colours - glitz, glamour and lots of cut-outs In occasionwear: - Aubergine, turquoise, cranberry - sunray pleating - fabrics with a metallic sheen - Mother of the Bride dresses with tailored jackets or matching coats - prints - swirls, geometrics In shoes: - high flyers loaded with glitter - dyed-to-matched options - ballet pumps that sparkle - decorative clips - bows - on the vamp, the heel, anywhere In jewellery: - statement pieces that become the highlight - pearls mixed with big crystals

If you have any visitor queries regarding BBEH, please contact Marketing Executive, Emma Charter on +44(0)20-7772-8344 or email Emma.Charter@oceanmedia.co.uk.

Source: British Bridal Exhibition Harrogate

If you have any visitor queries regarding BBEH, please contact Marketing Executive, Emma Charter on +44(0)20-7772-8344 or email Emma.Charter at oceanmedia.co.uk.