Emma Langman profiles the new season’s chicest occasionwear collections to be found in Scotland’s top mother-of-the-bride boutiques
John Charles
THE BRAND Founded over 50 years ago, the John Charles brand offers contemporary designs that combine original prints with the best fabrics. The outfits are designed by Regine Ellis, who also designs the gorgeous gowns at sister brand Ellis Bridals.
Signature look Rocketing to the top of many mothers’ wish lists, John Charles is synonymous with elegant tailoring, modern cuts and high-quality fabrics.
The collection The 2013 collection takes the fashion of the glitterati of the 1960s as inspiration, with outfits featuring rounded collars and classic boxed jackets. Lace is a major element this season too, overlaid on dresses and jackets and in delicate embellishments.
STOCKISTS include Bear Necessities, Catherines of Partick, Catwalk, Chic of Edinburgh, Lady G, Loretta’s Collections and Opus Occasions.
Mireia
THE DESIGNER When designer Mireia Bisbe joined the Presen group, she was given the job of creating an alternative look for fashionable mothers-of-the-bride.
Signature look Contemporary designs featuring oversized bows and bold prints are mixed with chic tailoring and luxurious fabrics to create an understated yet glamorous look.
The collection This season the focus is on nipped-in waists and bold detailing in a muted palette. Outfits come with a matching hat or fascinator, making it easier than ever to source the complete look in one go.
STOCKISTS include Bear Necessities, Frox of Falkirk, Lady G and Patricia Forbes.
Veni Infantino
THE DESIGNER Veni Infantino is the head designer of the leading bridalwear brand Ronald Joyce. She says she got her flair from her Italian grandmother and developed her passion for design at the London College of Fashion. She likes to create unusual yet feminine designs that make women look and feel fabulous.
Signature look Veni Infantino’s trademark style is elegant, glamorous and striking, created using exquisite detailing and the highest quality fabrics.
The collection The latest occasionwear collection showcases Veni’s classic tailoring with a modern edge. Beautiful silks and laces are employed in a stunning palette of colours for a chic, sophisticated range of outfits.
STOCKISTS include Catherines of Partick, Frox of Falkirk, Loretta’s Collections and Rouge.
Linea Raffaelli
THE BRAND Linea Raffaelli was founded in 1950 as a family business and has expanded over the years to become an international firm. Its designers aim to create outfits with a perfect balance of creativity and wearability.
Signature look Glamorous and modern, the Gold and Cocktail collections are ideal for a woman who wants a fun, fresh look.
The collection There’s a wide range of sophisticated looks on offer to suit every shape and style, with monochrome dresses ideal for a chic city do and brighter pink, yellow and blue outfits that would look sensational at a garden party.
STOCKISTS include Bear Necessities, Catherines of Partick, Catwalk, Chic of Edinburgh, Genevieve, Loretta’s Collections, Opus Occasions, Patricia Forbes and Rouge.
Condici
THE BRAND Launched nearly 30 years ago, Condici specialises in outfits for mothers-of-the-bride, and is one of the most respected occasionwear brands around.
Signature look Condici outfits are a success thanks to their stylish, elegant look, perfectly designed to reflect the importance of the occasion.
The collection The spring 2013 designs feature on-trend fabrics such as lace with metallic highlights, as well as exquisite embroidery and beaded detailing. There’s a range of striking two-tone outfits as well, using a colour palette of soft, chalky pastels and tropical brights.
STOCKISTS include Catherines of Partick, Catwalk, Chic of Edinburgh, Genevieve, Patricia Forbes and Rouge.
Gina Bacconi
THE BRAND Founded in 1913, Gina Bacconi is run by the third generation of the original family owners. Their hands-on approach aims to make the brand fresh and modern, with a range of occasionwear outfits at affordable prices for fashion-forward mothers-of-the-bride.
Signature look The brand’s trademark feminine dresses have a relaxed look, yet are extremely stylish and perfect for a special occasion.
The collection The range for 2013 showcases Gina Bacconi’s signature styling with a bright palette and feminine details, such as ruching, draping and sheer sleeves. Pleated skirts, lace sleeves and floral embellishments give the outfits easy wearability, while matching boleros and hats make them feel very special.
STOCKISTS include Frox of Falkirk and Kudos Couture.
Presen
THE BRAND Established in Spain over 50 years ago, Presen is now run by the original designer’s daughter, Jorgina, and was introduced to the UK market in 2000. Since then, it has become one of Britain’s premier labels for mother-of-the-bride outfits.
The collection For spring 2013, the brand has continued its trademark style with a collection of two-tone dresses with metallic bordering, bold patterns and luxurious fabrics. Hats can be trimmed with fabric matching the outfits too, to give a complete, chic look.
STOCKISTS include Bear Necessities, Frox of Falkirk, Lady G and Patricia Forbes.
L’Atelier
THE BRAND A new label from the House of Frank Saul (which also owns Mascara Pour la Femme), L’Atelier launches its first collection this spring and is aiming for a look that suggests timeless elegance, sophistication and glamour.
Signature look Versatile dresses have been created with flattering silhouettes in a range of luxurious silks and Italian taffetas.
The collection There are 20 different styles to choose from, with knee-skimming skirts, well-cut tailored skirts and figure-hugging bodices featuring intricate embellishments and gorgeous hand-made lace.
STOCKISTS include Frox of Falkirk, Lady G and Loretta’s Collections.
Carina
THE BRAND The newest label to join the Presen group, Carina was established in 2010 to give a less formal look at a more affordable price.
Signature look Neatly tailored, elegant dresses in beautiful prints give this brand a modern edge, with sculpted boleros, matching hats and shoes available too.
The collection This season showcases the brand’s trademark style, with an array of bold prints on colourful fabrics for fun-loving, modern mothers-of-the-bride. Belts and floral details are also big news for spring, making this a great choice to wear to a garden-party celebration.
STOCKISTS include Bear Necessities and Lady G.
Jaego London
THE BRAND Jaego London was founded by managing director Sopho Sofocleous five years ago. Sopho has 30 years’ experience in the business, and his unbeatable industry knowledge and fresh ideas have made Jaego innovative and dynamic.
Signature look Fresh prints teamed with vibrant two-tone silk dupions are a trademark look. Jaego also offers a special-order service, which allows customers to choose from an extensive colour palette to create their own individual outfits.
The collection This label’s latest offerings combine tailored, formal cuts with a fashion-forward, fun style. The dresses are flamboyant and flattering, and there’s also a range of stylish, luxurious shifts with matching boleros and hats.
STOCKISTS include Catwalk 54, Catherines of Partick, Frox of Falkirk, Loretta’s Collections and Rouge.
Ian Stuart
THE DESIGNER One of the top names in the bridal industry, Ian Stuart is an award-winning designer who is famed for his flamboyant, fashion-forward occasionwear and bridal gowns.
Signature look Ruched detailing in a bright colour palette with oversized embellishments and the highest quality of fabrics: an Ian Stuart design will always stand out from the crowd.
The collection Evoking sophisticated glamour, the new season’s Shangri-La collection is a celebration of the rich exotic spiciness of the East. It aims to take the mother-of-the-bride on a journey “to a bygone era of decadence and flirtatious mischief”.
STOCKISTS include Bear Necessities, Catherines of Partick, Chic of Edinburgh, Eleganza Sposa, Genevieve, Patricia Forbes and Rouge.
Oronovias Fiesta
THE BRAND Part of the family-run Raul Novias group, which was established in Spain over 35 years ago, Oronovias Fiesta is one of three mother-of-the-bride ranges produced by the group.
Signature look Showcasing trademark Spanish style, Oronovias Fiesta offers made-to-measure outfits that can be tailored to suit your requirements. The range focuses on fresh, modern styles made in the most luxurious of fabrics.
The collection The 2013 collection features a variety of bright, block-coloured dresses with clean, simple lines to give a flattering silhouette. High-quality natural silks, mikado shantung and lace have all been used to create outfits with a gorgeous feel.
STOCKISTS include Frox of Falkirk, Kudos Couture and Loretta’s Collections.
Ispirato
THE BRAND Established by the Condici group in 2007, Ispirato is a trend-led label that uses luxurious fabrics and striking prints.
Signature look A combination of distinctive designs and elegant styling, the brand is aimed at dynamic women who want to make a real statement for a special occasion.
The collection Spring 2013 sees the fusion of exciting shades and contemporary cuts, all given a touch of panache, utilising stretch taffeta, cloque and jacquard fabrics for the ultimate in luxurious looks.
STOCKISTS include Catwalk, Chic of Edinburgh, Rouge, Catherines of Partick and Patricia Forbes.
Irresistible by Veromia
THE BRAND Irresistible is created by Jason Jennings, Veromia’s head designer, who also designs gowns for the company’s renowned bridal collections.
Signature look With an emphasis on dresses that can make the transition from daytime wedding to evening reception, Irresistible is aimed at the fashion-conscious woman who is looking for a style-led outfit.
The collection The latest collection consists of long and short dresses in an array of statement colours that come with matching wraps and jackets. Ruching, off-the-shoulder necklines, floral prints and embellished detailing ensure each dress is on trend for the upcoming season.
STOCKISTS include Catherines of Partick, Frox of Falkirk and Patricia Forbes.
Love by Enzoani
THE BRAND The Enzoani group was launched in 2005 and immediately introduced a unique blend of traditional and modern European-influenced couture to the market. The Love collection showcases the brand’s chic silhouettes, innovative style and exceptional quality.
Signature look Love by Enzoani occasionwear is ideal for fashion-forward women who are looking for a stylish and glamorous outfit to wear on the big day.
The collection The 2013 collection features floor-length gowns with lace detailing, asymmetric sleeves and bright colour-blocking to create a classic look with modern flair.
STOCKISTS include Anne Priscilla Bridal and Opus Occasions.
Michaela Louisa
THE BRAND With experience gained from working for some top high-street favourites, Cos Costi has launched his own catwalk-inspired occasionwear label – Michaela Louisa.
Signature look Designer style and excellent quality are offered at affordable prices, with intricately detailed structured shift dresses and chiffon dresses to the fore.
The collection The label’s newest designs feature trademark subtle detailing in a range of colour-pop dresses to create a polished and elegant look.
STOCKISTS include Catwalk, Kudos Couture and Rouge.