We preview the wedding dresses brides will be wearing in 2017

Editor Beth and online editor Sarah headed down to the Big Smoke last weekend to visit White Gallery London and attend some exclusive events at leading British designers’ showrooms. Here’s our ten trip highlights:

1. The rise of relaxed dressing at Alan Hannah

Alongside the slew of separates (one 2016 trend that’s going nowhere), we noted an increase in fuss-free styles. The catwalk show for Alan Hannah was packed with fresh silhouettes where casual comfort ruled the roost, at no comprise to style or sense of occasion!

 

2. Seeing Charlie Brear’s ultra-flexible pieces styled IRL

Starting out as a stylist, Charlie Brear’s experience in cultivating fashion-forward ensembles stood her in great stead when she launched her bridal label. As always, certain dresses are sold as finished looks that are ready to rock, but we’re giddiest at the vast possibilities offered by the separates and underdresses that serve as a base for skirts, belts, capes, and overdresses. We watched the team at work, demonstrating how simple it is to create two very different looks by adding different pieces from the continuing and 2017 collection (like the Beaumont dress worn in both shots above).

 

3. Gorgeous florals in full bloom across the collections

Stunning florals proved popular with the crowd taking in the catwalk shows at White Gallery. Here’s hoping some of these ultra-pretty dresses are making their way to Scotland soon!

 

4. This Eliza Jane Howell outta-this-world dress

Oh, @elizajanehowell we love you. #WGL16

A video posted by Tie the Knot Scotland (@tietheknotscotland) on May 15, 2016 at 10:31am PDT

Eliza Jane Howell continues to do no wrong. Her collections always delight with their abundance of beads, slinky cuts and a wildcard or two (last year’s disco jumpsuit was one of our faves from the entire event). We *no joke* gasped when this starry style strutted down the catwalk. Shut up and take our money.

 

5. Seeing the masters at work

Now that One Direction are no more, we have to look elsewhere for our fangirl moments. Luckily for us, we had a private appointment with Caroline Castigliano to hear about her new 2017 collection, as well as an exclusive catwalk show at Ian Stuart, which took place at his jaw-dropping flagship. We stopped short of requesting selfies with them, but being so close to home-grown internationally renowned designers was definitely a thrill.

 

 6. Sassi Holford’s directional collection

She’s the go-to name in chic, classic bridalwear, with an instantly recognisable aesthetic that doesn’t need to follow trends. That’s why we were in such awe of Sassi Holford’s upcoming collection.

This feathered crop-top ensemble has all the hallmarks of the quality construction and high-end fabrics associated with the British designer, but the cut is certainly something new for the brand.

Peach tones, multi-hued embroidery and capes also added to the fresh feel of the new collection, which looked like it had gone down a treat with everyone in attendance.

There’s no need to worry if you’re looking for something more timeless, as the simple, clean lines and lush lace that you’d normally associate with Sassi are still there too.

After dressing Peter Andre’s new wife Emily MacDonagh and TV presenter Alex Jones last year, you’d think the team would be worn out, but evidently not!

 

7. Fabulous fabrics and intricate embellishments

We loved having a nosy at the latest dressmaking techniques and materials, including varied sequins, metallic embroidery, contrasting floral lace with glam beads and crystals, and unique 3D floral applique.

 

8. Shoe porn!

Splashing out on a pair of bridal belters makes complete sense – wedding shoes have never looked so wearable after the big day.

 

9. The view from the front

Here’s to walking down the aisle with this much sass! Spotted on the @whitegallerylondon catwalk ??

A video posted by Tie the Knot Scotland (@tietheknotscotland) on May 19, 2016 at 7:20am PDT

FROW + slo-mo = videos we’ve had on repeat, like this hypnotic Donna Salado gown.

 

10. The colours your ‘maids will be wearing

Kelsey Rose’s bridesmaids collection was packed with elegant neutrals that will flatter most skin tones. Lace two-pieces are new for 2017, but there are matching full-length dresses in the same lace if your bridesmaids go on strike at the mere mention of a crop top!

So, there you have it! 27,865 steps logged on the Fitbit, six catwalk shows, thousands of gowns/shoes/accessories, and an invaluable sneak peek into what we’ll be writing about, and you’ll be wearing for the year ahead.

P.S. how cute is the entrance to Charlie Brear’s showroom?!