You can thank Meghan Markle for a hankering to go back to basics and embrace whiter gowns again. Although they never truly left, we’ve had seasons of off-white and blush numbers taking precedence and, if Ivory Whites’ gowns are anything to go by, the tide is turning. “We have dresses arriving from Nicole Spose, San Patrick by Pronovias, Kenneth Winston, Wtoo by Watters and True Bride,” reports owner Karyn McLeod. “We have changed our Nicole range again and, this year, will be stocking dresses from its Aurora line, many of which feature sleeves – an increasingly requested feature.” Take style cues from Markle in a crisp white boat-neck (style AUAB19963, below, £POA) or come over all princessy in a ballgown (style AUAB199271, above, £POA), both by Nicole Spose.
If these gowns have taken your fancy, then you may as well go all out while you shop. “We have also launched two new appointment styles,” announces Karyn. “Our Luxury and Monday Night Bridesmaid appointments have been launched off the back of the popularity of the special boutique experience competition that we ran as part of our 10th birthday celebrations and a demand for evening slots for ‘maids. A Luxury appointment lasts two hours, costs £50 and is great for treating yourself. It can even be bought as a gift voucher, specific to your timescale.” Did you catch that, MOBs?
As well as a roomy couple of hours to browse the collections (a standard appointment is an hour and a half), you’ll have the whole store yourself, plus goody bags, fizz and cupcakes for up to three guests and 10% discount on any dress or accessory bought on the day.
“And as far as the bridesmaid appointment goes, we appreciate it can be hard getting all your girls together – that’s why we are opening up a Monday night option to help,” she adds. “This must be booked in advance and cost £25, which will be credited back to you against any two orders of bridesmaid dresses. We just want to offer even more choice for our brides.”