London 2010 | White Gallery
Marie Antoinette meets Punk Rock
as Couture Fresh Flower Dresses hit Chelsea
L – R: Ritva Westinous and Zita Elze, Ian Stuart and Neill Strain, Stewart Parvin and Mathew Dickinson.
Three of the world’s most prestigious bridal designers, Ian Stuart, Ritva Westenius and Stewart Parvin have
collaborated with the UK’s hottest celebrity florists to make dresses from fresh flowers. It would take a brave bride to
wear one of the exquisite creations down the isle, but these handmade masterpieces are truly out of this world.
Flowers and Chelsea go hand in hand like love and marriage – so there is no better place to see the spectacular flower
dress ‘works of art’ than at the at the stunning Saatchi Gallery on the King’s Road, Chelsea.
In collaboration with New Covent Garden Flower Market, the one-of-a-kind flower wedding dresses are to
be unveiled at the opening day on Sunday 23rd May of the newest date in the international bridal industry
calendar, White Gallery London. The three designers have been paired with a florist to match each others
creative style; Ian Stuart with Neill Strain, Ritva Westenius with Zita Elze and Stewart Parvin with Matthew Dickinson.
Each duo will work together to produce a one-off bridal gown made of flowers to wow the nation.
Marie Antoinette meets Punk Rock
Ian Stuart and Neill Strain
Winning the coveted ‘UK bridal wear designer of the year’ award five times, Ian Stuart’s main objectives are to provide
brides to be, with ‘a luxurious and diverse selection of shapes, colours and fabrics to reflect their own individual style’.
The theatrical gowns and provocative style that define the Ian Stuart bride are a reflection of his personal outlook on
life, constantly finding inspiration from music, theatre and nightlife, absorbing elements of the culture which surrounds
him to fuel his ability to create beautiful designs which appeal to brides worldwide
Specialising in ‘Floral Couture’, Neill Strain is no ordinary florist. With many years experience creating sensational floral
displays for innumerable occasions from lavish weddings in some of London's most famous venues, to transforming
ancient Castles in Ireland with opulent floral décor for celebrity weddings. Expect design opulence to the highest level,
as the two dramatic couture designers, Ian Stuart and Neill Strain collaborate to craft a wedding gown purely of
flowers.
Think Marie Antoinette meets Punk Rock in this clash of fabulousness. Neill Strain has used a 18 th Century colour
palette reminiscent of the 'dirty pastels' with modern, striking flowers such as Vanda Orchids and Vendella Roses to
adorn Ian Stuart’s truly striking dress.
Pre Raphaelite romance meets modern elegance
Ritva Westenius and Zita Elze
Ritva Westenius has been at the forefront of bridal design for more than 30 years in which time she has grown to
iconic status in the industry. Daring to be different, Ritva Westenius focuses on a timeless elegant style that is about
exquisite fabrics and beautiful cut and she has accrued numerous awards across her career. Her motto ‘cut not clutter’
is evident in her current collection, a breathtaking mix of ethereal fabrics and perfectly fitting, flattering gowns.
Being first and foremost a designer, Zita Elze is the epitome of creativity: she is strong on concept and intuition, rarely
repeating a design. She has developed a highly distinctive style that is naturalistic yet elegant, full of feeling and simple
beauty, offering an ethereal quality.
Celebrated for her innovation, Zita Elze will use her trademarked ‘Floral Embroidery’ technique, which consists of fixing
very fresh flower heads, buds and small leaves onto a fabric. The coveted method will embellish the Ritva Westenius
gown, which takes inspiration from Pre Raphaelite romance meets modern elegance. This beautifully designed
delicately ornate dress with whisping silk chiffon and intricate floral work combine for an ethereal Midsummer Nights
Dream gown.
Old day charm with a modern twist
Stewart Parvin and Matthew Dickinson
Stewart Parvin is one of Britain’s most critically-acclaimed bridal designers, awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment
to Her Majesty The Queen in 2007. His made-to-measure, elegant collections devoted to his signature silhouettes and
legendary corseted construction, evoke an age of effortless style, glamour and sophistication.
Combining visionary flare and knowledge, celebrity Florist, Matthew Dickinson’s philosophy is simple ‘to create the
most sensual and stunning flowers’. Matthew Dickinson excels at creating that all-important 'wow' factor. The
combination of Stewart Parvin’s graceful designs and Matthew Dickinson’s artistic touch are set to result in something
truly spectacular.
Inspired by 1950’s glamour, Stewart Parvin has designed a dress and jacket fit for Grace Kelly, adorned by Matthew
Dickinson using fresh orchids in neutral colours to represent ornate lace. With more than eight different types of
orchids used, the dress represents old day charm with a modern twist.
Don’t miss your chance to see history in the making as the three fabulous flower dresses hit the spotlight on Sunday.
The White Gallery is a show not to be missed, as for the very first time from the 23rd – 25th May 2010, over 30 of the
finest bridal designers from around the world.
-ENDC A T W A L K S H O W S sponsored by Conde Nast Brides
On the 23rd and 24th May, Alan Hannah*, Amanda Wakeley, Ian Stuart, Johanna Hehir, Ritva Westenius*, Stewart
Parvin and Suzanne Neville* will be showcasing their 2011 collections on their own named and by invitation only
preview fashion shows. * Featuring accessories by Halo & Co
WHITE GALLERY EXHIBITORS
Alan Hannah, Amanda Wakeley, Anoushka G, Claire Pettibone, Domo Adami, Donna Salado, Filippa Scott, Gemy
Couture, Halo & Co, Hassall, Hollywood Dreams, Ian Stuart, Ivory & Co., Jesus Peiro, Johanna Hehir, Katzi, Lea-Ann
Belter, Leigh-Anne McCague, Lusan Mandongus, Lyn Ashworth, Magpie Vintage, Malis Henderson, Nicki Macfarlane,
Olivia Couture, Pepe Botella, Peter Lang Australia, Polly Edwards, Rachel Simpson Shoes, Rainbow Couture,
Ritva Westenius, Sassi Holford, Stephanie Allin, Stewart Parvin, Suzanne Ermann, Suzanne Neville, Ugo Zaldi
and Vivien Sheriff Millinery
BUYERS INVITATIONS
White Gallery is an international trade event exclusive to buyers stocking the bridal wear and accessories collections of
designer labels.
EXHIBITING QUERIES
All designer-led companies interested in exhibiting are asked to complete a detailed application form which is then
vetted by a team of industry experts. It is the panels’ responsibility to ensure that every exhibitor meets the demanding
standards and rigid criteria at the heart of White Gallery proposition.
MEDIA PARTNERS
White Gallery is working in association with key media partners including Bridal Buyer, Cherie Sposa, Conde Nast
Brides, Cosmopolitan Bride, European Bridal Buyer, Fashion Mag, Fashion TV, JM, Nordic Bridal, Novias Pasarela,
Vogue Sposa, White Magazine Japan, White Sposa Italia, 5StarWedding Directory.com, Wedding Magazine,
WeddingVine.com and You & Your Wedding.
WHITE GALLERYPARTNERS
Working in association with Bobby Brown, Michaeljohn, Great Hire, Ibiza Angels, Propress and RBA Retail Bridal
Association. Flowers provided by John Carter, Matthew Dickinson, Neill Strain, Sophie Hanna and Zita Elze
For further information, catwalk schedules or images please contact: Sharon Good or Grace
Dewhurst at Good Results PR T: 020 7299 0580 E: Sharong@goodresults.co.uk E:
graced@goodresults.co.uk
White Gallery is part of the Ocean Media Group's Bridal Division portfolio. Its exhibition interests
include BBEH (UK), Modatex (Germany), Slubnatex (Poland) and Sposatex (Holland); it is also the
publisher of Bridal Buyer, European Bridal Buyer and bridalbuyer.co.uk