April 2014 marks exactly 20 years since Stephanie Allin, one of the UK's foremost award winning bridal designers, opened her first bridal shop in the sleepy seaside village of Mumbles.
Bridal trends and fashion have changed a lot since the 90s when Stephanie’s most popular dresses were separate skirts and corsets with puffy sleeves in shades of ice blue and pink!
The Mumbles shop is still going strong and remains the hub of Stephanie's business, but 2014 also marks 5 years since the opening of her flagship boutique in Marylebone, London. At the same time, Stephanie's dresses are stocked in the top bridal boutiques throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as in Europe and the USA.
As she embarks on a red letter year of celebration, Stephanie gave me some insight into the two decades her career has spanned so far…
'I started my fashion career in London by working for some brilliant designers. I then decided to start a family and wanted to bring my children up in my hometown in Wales. I wanted to continue working in fashion so I initially produced a small bridal collection. I had a contact at Harrods and shortly after they became my first wholesale client!'
'There have been many highlights over the last 20 years, but I still love nothing more than seeing my brides happy in their Stephanie Allin dresses. Other things that stand out are the opening of my London boutique and the continued growth of my business in the UK and internationally.'
'My signature style has always been about creating a classic and timeless wedding dress that has a modern, fashion forward twist. I want my brides to feel current and modern on the day, but still look relevant in years to come.'
'I would say a Stephanie Allin bride is a woman who wants to look demure, elegant and classic but also wants something unique, well fitted and original. You'll be looked after by one of our specially trained consultants who can guide you on the search for your dream dress. We have the privilege of offering a customised service as we design and manufacture in the UK and I oversee every stage of the process! You will then sample the full fitting experience where your dress is individually made to your measurements.'
The following images are of real brides wearing Stephanie Allin wedding dresses.
'My new collection is inspired by the classic designs I have created and loved over my 20 year career. I have produced some really unique dresses that have tradition at their core, but with every bit the glamour a wedding dress deserves these days.'
Annabel and I adore Stephanie's gowns and have featured her work countless times on Love My Dress. Browse the archives here to see an array of real brides looking breathtaking in her designs. You can keep up to date with the brand via facebook, twitter, instagram and pinterest and we would also urge you to visit www.stephanieallin.net for a full list of stockists.
Much love,
Love Franky
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Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
