GOWN Bridal Market is a curated edit of considered bridal design. Connecting independent designers with fashion-led bridal buyers.
GOWN was formed by Kate Beavis of Magpie Wedding and Joanna Southwell, a Bridal Fashion Coach. The mission is to connect independent, considered bridal designers with fashion-led retailers through an interactive online platform.
Through their extensive years in the wedding industry, Kate and Joanna found it impractical that bridal buying happens only twice a year. It is difficult for retailers to choose the styles of their stock at such long intervals which means that they cannot spread the cost throughout the year. Having been both a retailer and brand manager Joanna historically needed to add pieces throughout the year and wished that designers could add new designs and add-ons whenever they felt inspired. Kate as an expert at managing wedding fairs knew how expensive exhibiting at such events can be and how this limits emerging or indie designers from connecting with their ideal audiences.
So GOWN was born.
Through our new online platform, we aim to expand the reach of bridal design talent regardless of their size or turnover. Through our monthly payment structure, designers can showcase their offerings to a totally new audience internationally. GOWN online profiles are self-managed allowing brands to update photos, videos, testimonials, and line sheets quickly and easily. Our chat feature allows retailers to contact designers directly and start that all-important relationship. No more rushed chats or one-hour-only windows to connect at a busy show!
Retailers who are looking for something different and considered for their bridal boutique can browse the profiles on GOWN to find their new best-selling pieces. The bustle of a show is fantastic and a really fun day away from the shop but it can be hard to make decisions about whether the pieces you see on a stand will hang well within your existing stock and fill the gaps in your offering. By spending time on GOWN and looking at the designers available, you can consider what will work for you in a relaxed way with no time pressures. Our chat feature allows you to talk to designers so they can hear more about your boutique and brides and create designs that you can be confident will work for you. Line sheets are available to make sure everything you look at is within your budget and designers will be available for you to talk about any modifications or additional pieces you would like to add.
As designer profiles on GOWN Bridal Market are updated regularly both bridal brands and retailers can get the most up-to-date designs, photography and news allowing a mutually beneficial relationship. By getting to know each other’s brand values, buying habits and client preferences through GOWN our aim is for you to create long-term relationships that allow confident buying. No more hasty decisions at a show that you both regret.
And for those of you who want face-to-face meetings and to be able to see the dresses in the flesh…watch this space!
DOWNLOAD THE DESIGNER’S INFORMATION PACK HERE
