London as a capital has long been celebrated for being a hub for the world’s most searing fashion talents, and a source of inspiration for up-and-coming designers. London’s reputation as the fashion center means it was only right that visitors were able to sit alongside the runway and get up close and personal to the latest designs from world-renowned brands and designers at White Gallery. 

This year, White Gallery hosted its own dedicated luxury runway, where buyers could discover the fabrics, craftsmanship, and expertise that goes into each and every creation. White Gallery’s runways were a true fashion hotspot for bridal professionals, with designers, stockists, press, editors, and influencers attending from all around the world. This year, featured the finest selection of UK and international labels, including 29 Atelier, Freda Bennet, Josephine Scott, Lalunah Bride, Louise Bentley, Maria Pia, Michèle Weiten, Natalya James and Seren Moda. 

Special thanks to MG Hair & Makeup, The Perfect Bridal Company for providing veils and shoes, Jupon Limited for providing petticoats, Poirier for providing headdresses and Propress Steamers for steaming all runway dresses. We would like to extend our thanks to Vicky and the SKIN London team for putting on another fabulous catwalk. 

VINTAGE INSPIRED BRIDAL

Influenced by some of the most inspirational eras in recent fashion, vintage-inspired wedding dresses are making a big comeback, calling upon traditional elements of decadent detailing and sophisticated silhouettes to create chic and contemporary new styles. Taking inspiration from vintage styles and renewing some of the most-loved dress features from the past were Louise Bentley, Michèle Weiten and 29 Atelier. 

Louise Bentley introduced a 1950’s inspired bridal gown, with cinched waist, higher neckline and full skirt. Evoking old-Hollywood, the Louise Bentley dress incorporates clean-cut blouse bodice and embroidered skirt for a hint of glam. For the modern bride who wants to channel her inner flapper girl, Michèle Weiten’s loose, straight silhouette and lively fringing holds all the ornate details incorporated into the embroidery for a Jazz Age flair, but in a cool, modern cut. The versatile, shorter cut made this lively silhouette stand-out on this year’s runway. 

Inspired by the iconic Yves Saint Laurent suit worn by Diana Jagger on her wedding day to Rolling Stones legend Mick, 29 Atelier honed super cool 70’s vibes with an uncluttered clean silhouette, deep V-neckline and dramatic oversized bell-shaped sleeve. Made in a sumptuous silk crepe-back satin, this gown oozed sophistication. 

Images: Michèle Weiten, 29 Atelier,

BARELY THERE 

The catwalk also played host to one of the most ubiquitous trends this season: sheer detailing. Adding high-drama, putting a seductive spin on an otherwise traditional silhouette, or adding an ethereal effect to a sweet and romantic piece, transparent detailing was the way to go. 

The Lalunah dress was nothing but sexy, adding a hint of bridal boudoir into the look with sheer panelling, exposed corsetry finished with gorgeous embellishment. Seren Moda evoked a Grecian look, featuring asymmetrical draping and pleating over one shoulder, exposing translucent sections of the bodice adorned with scattered floral applique. The Natalya James dress opted for a sleek and simple silhouette, highlighting stunning sheer puff sleeves, complete with a sprinkling of pearls for a truly romantic look. 

Image: Natalya James 

PERFECT PLEATING 

Whilst the Autumn 2022 bride saw an abundance of laces and bohemian touches, Spring 2023 takes us in a modern direction with fabrics styled and layered like never before. Bringing an ultra-luxurious feel to the runway, our brands showcased pretty pleating across their gowns.  

Freda Bennet featured a sweetheart neckline, overlayed by cowl-neck pleating. Maria Pia’s polychromatic palette on the runway brought this rose-coloured dress to the forefront. Incorporating a petal-like element to the bodice, Maria Pia featured both vertical and horizontal pleating to draw the eye upwards and cinch the waist. The Josephine Scott dress uses a pleated bodice to dramatise the neckline even further. With a pleated, semi-transparent bodice highlighting floral corsetry, the waistline balances out against the full skirt and busy neckline, featuring huge 3D applique flowers. 

Image: Maria Pia