Bridal buyer

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EURO TOUR

were widespread across the board. Ana Torres

and Cabotine were among the labels to inject

splashes of bright colours onto the catwalk with

strong shades of coral, gold, aqua, fuchsia and

sky blue punctuating their collections.

I TA LY

Italy’s fi nest took the opportunity to showcase

their wares at Sposaitalia Collezioni last month.

Alongside the selection of stands in the

exhibition space, the Milan show also presented

a catwalk schedule featuring brands including

Lusan Mandongus, Amelia Casablanca and

David Fielden.

Cinched-in waists and voluminous semi-

sheer skirting featured at Alessandra Rinaudo.

Light whispering fabrics were used to create

a barely there look with an emphasis on

lightness throughout the collection. On other

pieces taupe-coloured fabrics were used under

ivory lace to give the illusion of skin, while

thin meshes were utilised to create illusions on

shoulders.

Italy was the inspiration for the latest

collection for Papilo with elegance and

femininity at the core of the brand. Classic

silhouettes dominated its

catwalk show along with

luxurious lace and intricate

decorations including one

shoulder lace sleeves and

fl o w e r s a s h e s.

Toi Spose’s new collection

is a story of contrasts from

romantic and delicate

dresses with soft

lace sleeves to

c o n t e m p o r a r y

short skirts with

long trains. The

range also injected splashes of colour as

pink shades faded into white from bodice to

skirting.

Moving on to men’s clothing Cleofe Finati

by Archetipo took menswear beyond the

traditional codes of formalwear. Brocades

and prints prevailed as the label opted for

light checks and fl ower patterns on suits in

shades of plum, ivory, navy and grey. There

were splashes of even brighter burnt orange

and teal on linings and pockets.

GERMANY

German brands took up plenty of fl oor space

at Düsseldorf’s Interbride with large stands

from a selection of the country’s favourites.

The show pulled in domestic buyers, with a

homegrown show emerging.

Retailers in Germany buy slightly

differently from the UK however, with many

choosing to forward order stock rather than

sample collections.

Among the German labels was Amberg-

based Emmerling whose key pieces included

new ponchos, jacquettes and trainettes,

ideal complements to traditional gowns.

Emmerling has also captured the lace trend in

its jewellery range with a number of earring

and necklace sets that include a mixture of

lace, pearls and crystals.

Emmerling’s Wendy Nichols said shops are

still looking to accessories as an important

avenue in facilitating sales. “Add a

strap or some of our “backettes” and

you have a new dress,” she says.

“You can cover problem zones

and you take away focus

from the end price of gowns.

Also you can differentiate

your gowns from those

of your competition who

may be selling the same

brand and possibly also

the same dress!”

German brand house

IME showcased its trio

of labels at the show.

Flattering pregnancy-

friendly gowns were

on offer from Bonetti,

meanwhile strapless

A-lines were a top choice for its

Canelli range. Sophisticated knee-

length sleeveless dresses in ivory and

black made up the latest collection

from Festivo for elegant register

o f fi c e f a s h i o n.

In its debut season for dresses

Bianco Evento enjoyed a positive

response. Bestsellers included tulle

sweetheart gowns with lace overlays and

pencil skirt style dresses both in strapless

and sleeveless forms.

The brand’s boleros in French lace

proved popular along with its veils scattered

with Swarovski crystals.

THE BRITPACK

Across the European shows this season a

selection of British brands have waved the fl ag

for the UK, many of which showed off their

collections that launched in April at The London

Bridal Show and White Gallery London. UK

labels across the shows

included:

Alexia Designs

Alfred Angelo

Augusta Jones

Crystal Breeze

David Fielden London

Dynasty London

Ellis Bridals

Emmy London

Goya London

Ian Stuart

Jora Collections

Mark Lesley

Mascara

Michaels Bridal Fabrics

Mon Cheri

Mori Lee

Paradox

Richard Designs

Romantica

Ruby Productions

Special Day

Verom ia BB

Cleofe Finati by Archetipo

Cymbeline

Rinaudo

Mark Lesley

Ian Stuart

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