Top Weddingwear Talents at The British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate, 13-15 September

HARROGATE, England - In recent months many of the world’s foremost names in bridalwear have been painstakingly editing their 2010 collections in preparation for the biggest show on the buying calendar, the British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate.

The competition is tough in this world-famous arena. This September more than 300 collections will go on show, attracting buyers from all over Europe, the Americas and the Far East.

And there are important names gathering; designers who lead the way and will dictate the trends that the middle market goes on to follow. The UK is ably represented by the likes of Royal couturier Stewart Parvin whose 2010 collection is sophisticated and elegant, with pared-down detail and a focus on slimline, classic silhouettes; Sharon Bowen with soft layers of fine chiffon and some magnificent all-over beadwork that becomes the design element on the fabric; Alice Temperley, showing for the first time at BBEH, and whose exuberant signature translates brilliantly to bridal. Key to the designer line up are Sassi Holford, who created the gown for last year’s Royal Wedding, award-winner Ritva Westenius, Stephanie Allin (look out for marvellous short wedding gowns here), and Alan Hannah, which debuts its new RTW bridal collection, MiaMia, at Harrogate, alongside its couture collection.

Joining the Britpack are some great names from Europe, including Jesus Peiro, whose collection is wonderfully feminine, soft and floaty; Novia d’Art (again, some marvellous short gowns, this time round trapeze style); Ugo Zaldi with a first-time bridal collection that spells red-carpet glamour.

This September, those in search of occasionwear and in particular promwear, one of the fashion industry’s fastest-growing sectors, will be spoiled for choice. Prints abound - some small, precise and graphic (black and white gets serious in the new season), others wildly extravagant and brilliantly coloured - and there’s not a girl-next-door flower-sprigged pattern in sight, thank heavens. Mother of the bride is being hailed as the 2010 money-spinner for retailers and suppliers are delivering the look and style that today’s mothers (and young step-mums) demand. That means high-fashion chic with a wealth of options - jackets, wraps, matching shoes and toning jewellery.

Visitors to Harrogate will see that designers have finally got the message about the importance of fashion-right plus sizes, as more and more labels introduce line extensions created and cut especially for curvy brides - gone are the days of upscaling a 12 and hoping it will work. Sonsie from Veromia is a new plus-size collection; designed by Jason Jennings to provide the ultimate fit. His sense of style and understanding of silhouette will make this one a winner.

BBEH will also be home to some of the best shoes collections. Heels are high, platforms star, leathers are softly burnished with a metallic gleam. With added emphasis on short gowns, the choice of shoes becomes increasingly important. No more plain satin pumps for that walk down the aisle or along the beach. Shoes must have something to say, and say it loud.

In addition to the big brands at Harrogate, there are newcomers whose sense of adventure is deliciously refreshing and buyers must make the time to see the young talents whose work will become an influence in future seasons.

Other highlights of the show include: - Wedding Dress of the Year 2010 showcase from the collections of Amanda Wyatt, Benjamin Roberts, Ellis Bridals, Eternity, Maggie Sottero and Sophia Tolli. - The Swarovski Gallery showing the finalists in the Best Bridal Innovation Award 2009 including pieces from Benjamin Adams, Ellie K (winner of the award), Halo & Co, Leigh-Anne McCague Tiaras, Vivien Sheriff Millinery. - The BBEH Catwalk shows, with fashion from mainstream and top-end designers, including collections from Alan Hannah, Jesus Peiro, Temperley and Ritva Westenius. For times visit www.bbeh.co.uk/visitors/shows Notes to Editors 1) Show opening times. 13-15 September 2009, Sunday to Monday: Opens 9.30am - 6.30pm, Tuesday: Opens 9.30am - 4.30pm 2) For visitor queries, contact Marketing Executive, Emma Charter on +44(0)20-7772-8344, emma.charter@oceanmedia.co.uk or visit www.bbeh.co.uk 3) For accommodation, contact Reservation Highway on +44(0)1423-525-577

Source: British Bridal Exhibition

For visitor queries, contact Marketing Executive, Emma Charter on +44(0)20-7772-8344, emma.charter at oceanmedia.co.uk or visit https://www.bbeh.co.uk; For accommodation, contact Reservation Highway on +44(0)1423-525-577