Inside the Boutique: Blackburn Bridal Couture

Written by: louise

Posted on Friday, September 19, 2014

Nestled among the cute cafe's and independent boutiques of Blackheath High Street is one of those hidden gems of the wedding world. Blackburn Bridal Couture stocks dresses from the very best International and local designers in the most beautiful space, run by a friendly and fashion-focussed team and boutique owner Russell Blackburn. Light floods through the large front windows, illuminating rows and rows of lace, silk, chiffon and tulle dresses just begging to be sashayed down the aisle on your wedding day, alongside the prettiest shoes and sparkliest accessories. If you're dreaming of the perfect romantic, elegant, boho-inspired dress you'll find it here. Thank you Claire Graham Photography for the beautiful images.

Tell us about Blackburn Bridal Couture & how the boutique came about?
I was the Fashion Director at You & Your Wedding, one of the best selling bridal magazines in the UK. Upon leaving the publication I had a desire to breathe new life into the London bridal scene and opened Blackburn Bridal Couture 7 years ago. Appealing to stylish brides wanting quality and originality alongside a personal approach to finding The Dress, I am proud to say Blackburn Bridal is now one of the most successful independent boutiques that London has to offer. Describe your style, who or what inspires you? I am inspired by art, history and of course fashion, and therefore love to work with Designers that have an individual creative flair of there own, such as Claire Pettibone, Jenny Packham, Clinton Lotter and Delphine Manivet, all inspirational in there own creative approach to wedding dress design! Trend setter or trend follower? We are definitely trend setters as I always take risks with the collections I buy for my store. I like to grow new talent and designers that are not so commercial in their design and style. For example I fell upon Claire Pettibone's collection 6 years ago in New York before anyone had even heard of her in the UK. I brought the collection over here, both for my shop and I also became their UK Agent. I could see that this bohemian look had not yet taken off in bridal fashion at the time so I wanted to be the first boutique to showcase this trend. Stocking Claire Pettibone gave us something exclusive over all the other stores in London and six years on I am so glad I made that decision. Wedding trends - what's your favourite? No surprise here, it has to be the boho / hippie style followed closely by the cool clean designs from Delphine Manivet. I just love her fresh approach to bridal, mixing skirts and different tops & slinky slips with lace blouse tops which enable a bride to create her own style with the use of layering, it is so on trend! And what would you like to see next? More dresses that can be created by the use of under slips with a choice of different beaded or embroidered overlays. This certainly has been popular in store this season and has huge potential as it allows brides to be more creative in creating their own look for their dress. It also gives us more options in store to offer alternative overlays with different slips. What can your brides expect when visiting Blackburn Bridal?
My bride is not looking for a wedding dress she is looking for a dress she would love to wear to her Wedding! That's why she comes to Blackburn Couture - to be inspired as she wants something more unique and less traditional. What was your own favourite wedding moment? When we were saying our vows in front of all my friends and family. It is the most wonderful feeling to be declaring your love and commitment in front of all the people you love. I will cherish that moment forever as for me it was my best and most special moment of the day! And the best part of your job? Finding 'the one' as we call it, there is no better moment than when you see the look in the brides face that tells you she has found her dress. What's your next challenge? To source a second location! You heard it here first ladies! Inspired by what Russell has to say? Get yourself to Blackburn Bridal boutique pronto to discover their beautiful collection of gowns. See more and book an appointment at www.blackburnbridal.co.uk

Categories: supplier spotlight · Tags: blackburn bridal couture, boho, bridal boutique, claire pettibone, jenny packham, london, romantic