As promised, we are back today revealing the most popular bridal fascinators, jewelry, shrugs and petticoats from our visit to the Chicago show last month. Even more orders have gone out this week to our new and existing customers and we hope that you like the new samples. Of course if you have any questions or feedback, Maria is always available on the phone (888 858 3457 toll-free) or email (maria@richarddesigns.co.uk) for a chat.

Now for the bestsellers…

Bridal Fascinators

Fascinator style F224 oozes sophistication and class. Simple yet striking the feather and filigree detail that sits on the side is finished off perfectly with a delicate birdcage veil.

The FQ40 has been popular for several seasons, so it was no wonder people snapped it up at the Bridal Market. Delicate feathers and complementing crystals make this a classic style for brides and mother of the bride.

The F225 is a really sweet style. The spotted tulle bird cage veil would work really well with a 50s style dress and the glitzy disc and bouncy flowers make this a fun piece to wear. Of course this style, as with all of the fascinators, can be made in different colours for different occasions.

Like the F224, the F227 is small and easy to wear. The striking silver detail on the base works well with many current gowns and the feather flower is also on-trend.

Jewelry

The P583 necklace, earring and bracelet set is part of the Victorian Inspired collection, and combines many of the key influences of the era. Laces, cameos, sequins, filigrees and buttons have been layered by our designers and then finished off with a twist of pearl and crystal strands.

The P538 jewelry set was released in March this year, and caters for the bride who wants to make a statement with her jewelry. Elaborate twists of various sized pearls and crystals make up this set.

P584 is similar to the P583 but is simpler and makes a feature of the Swarovski pearls at the neckline. The necklace ties together with a soft silver ribbon for an extra touch of texture and glamour.

The cuff bracelet P575B is a simple way to make a statement at your wedding. The magnetic clasp means it is easy to dress your brides in the shop as it simply snaps shut – no fiddling required!

Blue Ribbon Petticoats & Shrugs

The Bridal Market was the first time we showed our range of Blue Ribbon Petticoats & Shrugs to our US customers and we are pleased to say that you all loved them! Their femininity, high quality finish and sensitive design means they were a real hit!

The fishtail petticoat BR11 not only has three layers of net but also incorporates one hoop to make it easy to walk on your wedding day.

The simplest style, the a-line BR1 has two hoops and a frill, and will work with many dresses.

BR8 is a stunning style perfect for gowns that are shaped at the hips and flare at the hem. It also has a hoop to keep the net away from your legs.

The most popular shrug at the Bridal Market was the SH1-9 which is a short sleeved style with fine tulle, flowers and diamante. This shrug can be made in a wide selection of colours to match any gown.

All Blue Ribbon petticoats and shrugs come with a small blue bow sewn into the design for your ‘something blue’!

See more Shrugs in our new shrug gallery.

Of course the new belt range was just as popular in the US as it was at our UK show. See the bestsellers here and the full range in our wedding belt gallery.

If you are a bridal wear retailer in the US and would like more information about our accessories, call Maria on 888 858 3457 or email maria@richarddesigns.co.uk

All of the above styles are also available in the UK, Europe and Scandanavia. For more information, brochures or an appointment with our company representatives contact Jennifer on 01353 661600 or email info@richarddesigns.co.uk.

If you are a bride and would like to wear Richard Designs at your wedding, please see our How to Buy page.

Blue Ribbon Petticoats have gone from strength to strength since their introduction onto the market in 2008. Including all dress shapes from a-line to fishtail, and with a large choice of colours including Antique White, Blue Ribbon gives you more than you expect when it comes to Petticoats. Luxurious fabrics, British manufacturing and superb customer service puts Blue Ribbon at the top.

This September, there is a new addition to the collection, due to be launched at the show next week. Shrugs and jackets will be shown for the first time, including styles for occasion wear as well as bridal wear. The same high quality and British manufacturing means you can have exactly what you need for your customer. Fabrics include silk, lace and tulle, and all are available in a wide range of colours. With dress fashions pointing towards illusion necklines and, of course, Catherine Middleton showcasing her elegant lace sleeves, these really are not to be missed!

As usual we will be releasing a couple of new petticoat shapes to keep up with the current dress trends. This time we will be showing the special 4 Hooped extra large petticoat that we told you about in April.

The BR31 creates a very full skirt perfect for princess style gowns. The four hoops keep the net away from the bride’s legs, enabling her to walk freely, and creating the perfect shape. Finished with only four layers of net, the petticoat is light and easy to wear.

Last, but certainly not least, we have been working hard to create a detachable bustle which is designed to be attached to your choice of petticoat to create a full back to a skirt. The trend for bustle-back gowns is fully underway since the Royal Wedding in April when Catherine Middleton wore her beautiful pleated bustle skirt.

We hope that you will be able to join us between 11th – 13th September at the British Bridal Exhibition on Stand M29 to see the new petticoats and shrugs.

If you cannot make it to the exhibition, please call Jennifer on 01353 661600 or email info@richarddesigns.co.uk for an appointment to see the petticoats, or for a brochure.

Please note, the BBEH is a trade event. If you are a bride and would like more information or advice on petticoats, take a look at our advice page and gallery, or just give us a call on 01353 661600 or email info@richarddesigns.co.uk

The BR31 is the biggest petticoat we have ever made – yes even bigger than the BR16(!) – and as far as we know the biggest petticoat on the market. With four hoops, four layers of stiff net and a V-waist, this petticoat is the perfect light yet full structure for princess gowns.

The BR31 is so big we couldn't even get it to our studio to photograph it!

The power net V-waist gives a sleek, smooth silhouette and provides the perfect platform to hold the petticoat.

With only 4 layers of net the petticoat is very light and leaves a lot of room for the bride to move around. The structure and size comes from the four hoops which hold the net in place, create a beautiful shape and hold the net away from the bride’s legs.

The largest hoop in the petticoat is 3.9 metres long, that is 1.25 metres across plus the layers of net on top! Of course, this extra full petticoat requires one of our larger blue ribbons to finish it off!

This petticoat is now available to order, just give us a call on 01353 661600 or email info@richarddesigns.co.uk

Don’t forget about our petticoat offer for the month of April only – buy 10 of any BR1, BR5 or BR10 and get a large discount. See here for more details.

The revered Black Swan movie, starring Oscar winning actress Natalie Portman, is the inspiration for the Design team’s recent collaboration. Organisers of the Bridal Buyer Swarovski Innovation Gallery at the recent British Bridal Exhibition Harrogate in March 2011, asked us to enter a piece to be included in their gallery. It had to be as innovative and dramatic as we could think up, and was to be a showcase for Swarovski Crystal Elements.

Our piece, along with other dress and accessory manufacturers, was displayed at the show for the public to view. Our entry was a fully dressed mannequin with full tulle tutu/petticoat, scattered with Cosmojet crystals and feathers. An entirely crystallized fitted bodice, which had been distressed, and feather appliquéd to create the tortured appearance that describes the character of the Black swan. And to finish this glorious crystal creation, an oversized crystal and feather headdress with mask detail that appears to grow into the headdress.

Using over 14,400 flatback stones of varying size and shape, nearly 2,300 fancy stones, pendants and bicone beads, and the bodice constructed of nearly three metres of crystal hematite fabric, this piece is a crystal, tulle and feather symphony!

It took four members of the design team almost a week to construct the bodice, tiara, mask and cuffs, along with the assistance of the petticoat seamstress, and our pattern maker in the making of the tutu. The design process, sourcing of materials and execution probably took in total three weeks, but it was both an enjoyable challenge and a great team building project, that I would hope you agree, displays that British design and innovation is not in demise!

Currently our Black Swan is travelling the world, to be included in the Swarovski Innovation gallery at the First Look and Modatex shows in Holland and Germany on 8-9 May and 25-28 June.

I would like to thank Claire, everyone from the design team and petticoats, for their help with this rather challenging, but fun project!

Kelly

BR1 The a-line style with two hoops, frill and ribbon hem

BR5 The a-line petticoat with single hoop, three layers of flared nets plus lining

BR10 The simple single hooped style

If you buy ten or more of a mixture of any of these styles in Small or Medium sizes then you will qualify for a significant discount.

Petticoats are so important in enhancing the look of a wedding gown, even those without full skirts. The hoop keeps the hemline away from the bride’s feet, letting her float down the aisle and the smooth power net waist creates a beautiful silhouette. Each Blue Ribbon Petticoat is finished to the highest quality and includes a small blue ribbon for ‘something blue’.

To find out how much you could save, just call us on 01353 661600 or email info@richarddesigns.co.uk

To see more petticoat styles, see our gallery.

Blue Ribbon Petticoats have earned themselves the reputation of being known as the ‘pretty petticoats’ and they really are just that. All petticoats are finished with a hand-tied blue satin bow for ‘something blue’. Some styles have an overlay of lace for a touch of luxury to give the bride a boost of confidence as she walks down the aisle.

All petticoats are finished with a power-net waist to create a smooth silhouette, and larger sizes can be made with an adjustable Velcro fastening on request for no extra charge. Styles include traditional full underskirts (the BR16 is the biggest petticoat around!), fishtail, styles with an extra half-hoop to create a train, and knee-length styles. Children’s sizes and prom styles are also available. There are 11 colours available from red to ivory!

New for March 2011

Two new styles will be released at the BBEH this March. Firstly, a shorter, very full petticoat suitable for the shorter dress styles that are becoming very popular. This style is finished with a satin ribbon trim for a luxurious feel. Secondly, a very smooth, sleek fishtail shape has been created to be worn under very sleek dresses with a flared hem. The power-net waist means that the petticoat will not show through the dress fabric, whilst the hoop at the hem enables the bride to walk down the aisle with confidence.

Don’t forget that you need to keep your petticoat shapes up-to-date alongside your dress shapes. So if you are trying new dress shapes pop over to the Blue Ribbon Petticoat stand and take a look at the corresponding petticoat shapes.

To see more pictures of the Blue Ribbon Petticoats, see our petticoat gallery.

The power-net waistband smoothes out your silhouette creating the illusion of a perfect figure, without you having to compromise on your underwear and go Bridget Jones style!

Each petticoat has at least one hoop in it, which not only creates a great shape to the petticoat, but also keeps the hem of your wedding dress away from your feet, making it much easier to walk down the aisle on your day.

A good choice for a sleek wedding dress is the BR10, as it keeps the fabric of your dress smooth and in shape, preventing it from sticking to your legs and crinkling up.

The fishtail petticoats BR21 and BR25 create the perfect shape for your gown, so you still get a smooth line from your waist to your feet, but you can walk without worrying, and the ‘tail’ of your dress will follow you in perfect form.

You don’t need to worry about the waistband showing through sleeker dresses, as our wide elasticated waistbands merge seamlessly with the petticoat.

Blue Ribbon Petticoats are very special indeed. Their luxurious quality and feel will give you the confidence to walk down the aisle, and they are comfortable enough to wear all day long and into the night. Each petticoat is finished with a small blue ribbon for your ‘something blue’ and come in an array of different colours and sizes, from size 8 to 28.

If you are a bride and would like more information on our petticoats, see our advice page, and image gallery. You can contact us to find your local stockist or to ask any questions you may have about petticoats.

If you are a bridal wear retailer and would like to stock Blue Ribbon Petticoats, please contact us for a brochure and/or no-obligation rep appointment, or you can visit us at the British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate 13th-15th March, Stand M29.

Where we will be in 2011:

February 20-22 Moda UK at the NEC Birmingham, showing The Boutique Collection.

Come and see us in Moda on stand G14 in Hall 19 if you are a stockist of the Boutique Collectionor are interested in seeing our hats and fascinators. We welcome all of you onto our stand as we reveal our brand new styles. Over the coming weeks we will have sneak peaks of the new hats, fascinators and colours on offer this season. You can read about our inspirations for the new collection by following this link.

March 13-15 British Bridal Exhibitionin Harrogate, showing the Richard Designs collection, The Classics, The Boutique Collection, Blue Ribbon Petticoats and NIEVE Designer Couture.

The March show is a good time to top up your stock for the new season. You will have received your gowns by March so can clearly see what accessories you need to add to complete your collection. We will continue to celebrate our 25th Anniversaryat this show, with fantastic veil displays, beautiful tiaras and jewellery on stand M33, Blue Ribbon Petticoats (we have a new, sleeker net for our petticoats – more on that nearer the time!) on stand M29,  Nieve Couture and the Reflections range on stand M28 and the Boutique Collection (perfect for mother of the bride) on stand M30. Not only this but we are finalists in the Bridal Buyer Awards, with winners due to be announced at the show and we are featuring our accessories in the Fashion Shows. Phew! All in all it will be a packed and exciting show for us and we hope you will join us in Harrogate.

August 14-16 Moda UK showing the Boutique Collection.

Our second Moda show of the year and a chance for you to see the brand new collection of hats and fascinators.

September 11-13 BBEH showing all collections.

Plans are already under way for the second British Bridal Exhibition of the year, and we are sure that this will be our biggest show of the year as September tends to be a larger affair than March. September is a good time to re-stock for the new year and coming to the show allows you to see everything in one place and make the best decisions.

Although the shows are the only place to see everything we do in one place, our company representative Ben carries a huge selection of our best-selling veils, tiaras, jewellery and petticoats on the road all-year-round. This can be useful if you like to see the items in your shop and try them with your range of bridal gowns. If you would like an appointment please call Vicki on 01353 661600 or email vicki@richarddesigns.co.uk. We also carry product brochures for all of our labels, just contact us for a copy.

If you are a bride then unfortunately you will not be able to attend these events as they are for trade only. But do call or email usfor details of your nearest stockist, many of whom show our tiaras, veils, jewellery, hats, fascinators and petticoats at their own or local wedding fairs and shows.

M33 is home to the Richard Designs collection, including the Classics and our new Destination Bride collection.

M28 is the place to see NIEVE Designer Couture, which caters for those shops looking for something a little more unique

M29 is showing the prettiest petticoats at the show – Blue Ribbon Petticoats

M30 has all the colour and flair you expect to see from the finest hand crafted hats and fascinators on the Boutique Collection stand.

We look forward to seeing you there and showing you our fantastic range of bridal accessories!

Stand M33 Richard Designs
British designed and manufactured accessories – veils, tiaras, jewellery, The Classics, bridal millinery and much more…

Waiting to welcome you…
Kelly Harper
Kelly Herd
Gemma Cornwell
Elaine Dicks
Anna Dodsworth
Ben Allen
Karen Setchell
Louise Dicks
Wendy Dixon
Sarah Derrett

Stand M30 Richard Designs Boutique Collection
a stunning array of colourful hats and fascinators for mother of the bride and other special occasions.

Waiting to welcome you…
Emily Mann
Benjamin Dicks

Stand M28 NIEVE Designer Couture
for a bride looking for a fresh, individual look. Including the expanded Reflections range of affordable, yet innovative styles.

Waiting to welcome you…
Richard Allen

Stand M29 Blue Ribbon Petticoats
have taken the bridal industry by storm with their comfortable fit, luxurious look and feel, and the most up to date shapes to complement the latest gowns on offer.

Waiting to welcome you…
William Dicks
Jennifer Barton

Looking forward to seeing you there!