We have been making wedding days special for over 25 years. Constantly at the cutting edge of bridal design, Richard Designs has grown to be the largest independent bridal wear manufacturer in the country and has stockists from California to Cumbria, Reyjavik to Johannesburg and Athens to Tokyo. Our aim is to ensure brides get the very best possible product, on time and to their exacting standards. Manufacturing everything ourselves gives us total control over colours, materials and quality control.

Significant Milestones:

1985

Richard Designs is founded, creating bridal bouquets and floral arrangements for weddings.

1990

The first Richard Designs veil is made. The practice of bonding crystal and pearl decoration on to veils was developed by Richard Designs and has since become a technique used worldwide.

1991

Richard Designs shows at the British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate for the first time. We have shown at BBEH every year, twice a year, since and are now the third largest exhibitor (by floor space) at the UK’s leading trade show for bridalwear.

1992 BM38E

1992

Richard Designs launch a new range of bridal hats and immediately are inundated with orders from brides seeking a personalised hat to match their gown.

1992

Richard Designs move to their first business premises in Sutton, Cambridgeshire.

1994

Tiaras emerge as a popular new trend and Richard Designs launch their first range, with a unique hand-made band for supreme comfort and style.

1995

Richard Designs moves to Lancaster Way, Ely, taking on a massive commitment of 5,000 sq ft. Over the forthcoming decade the site expands by 50% to its current size of 7,500 sq ft.

1999 Eve

1999

A limited edition collection of Richard Designs wedding gowns is launched.

2000

The Richard Designs jewellery collection is launched, allowing for a totally coordinated accessories look.

2003

Richard Designs open an office in California with a dedicated manager. In the last 6 years the number of stockists has grown to nearly 500 shops, we have 6 sales representatives in the US, providing comprehensive coverage from east-to-west coast.

2004

The Boutique Collection by Richard Designs is launched, offering a unique collection of millinery especially for independent occasion wear and hat shops. It exhibits regularly at the BBEH and Moda-UK Fashion Show.

2005

NIEVE Designer Couture is launched at the British Bridal Exhibition, Harrogate (now a much larger affair). Customers are blown away by the quality of materials and workmanship on offer, as well as the ground-breaking designs.

2007

Richard Designs Limited is incorporated.

2007

Richard Designs is voted ‘Best Accessories Supplier’ for excellence in service and design by the RBA and their members

2008

Richard Designs retain the ‘Best Accessories Supplier’ award, as voted for by RBA members.

2008

The Blue Ribbon Petticoats label débuts at Harrogate, offering a brilliant new collection of petticoats for brides. The range has since been extended to include coloured petticoats – perfect for different coloured dresses and bridesmaids.

2009

25 Year Celebratory Crest

Richard-designs.com is re-launched, offering advice to brides.

2010

Richard Designs celebrate 25 years of excellence.

Richard Designs regains the Retail Bridalwear Association’s ‘Best Accessory Supplier’ award, a fantastic achievement in our 25th year of business.

2011

The Rockliffe House brand is launched, selling the finest millinery and jewellery components wholesale and retail.

Richard Designs retains the Retail Bridalwear Association’s ‘Best Accessory Supplier’ award again, winning the prestigious award for the 4th time in five years.

Richard Designs is runner-up for the Bridal Buyer’s ‘Best Headdress Designer’ award.

2012

Richard Designs nominated for the Bridal Buyer’s ‘Best Headdress Designer’ award for the second year running.