DESIGNER
Russell Blacburn
London’s top bridal boutique owner talks A-list clients, Hollywood style and what’s hot for 2019…
Your shop, Blackburn Bridal Couture, is a bride’s dream boutique, which carries some of the most stylish wedding looks on the market. I cater to women who are looking for a dress that refects their personality. Boho chic, vintage glamour and old Hollywood sophistication are all key looks for a fashion-forward bride.
Blackburn Bridal Couture in London Photo Gallery
Which bridal designers do you stock?Claire Pettibone, Clinton Lotter, Jenny Packham, Suzanne Neville, Emma Hunt, Charlotte Casadejus, Cymbeline, Leila Hafzi, mother-of-the-bride range Dress Code, and our label, Blackburn Couture. What are your predictions for 2014?We’ll see the ’20s and ’30s continue to have a huge infuence, but there will be a move towards ’40s and ’50s outlines, with structured corsets, sof fshtail shapes in the fnest silks and delicate laces, and a return to full A-line skirts. Slinky bias-cut dresses in silk-satin and silk-crepe will also be a key trend, along with fabulous low backs.
Tell us about your dedicated mother- of-the-bride showroom.We launched it to ofer all mothers-of-the-bride the opportunity to fnd the ideal outft. It’s situated just seconds from the shop and ofers customers all the privacy they are looking for. What’s your advice to mothers looking for an outfit that they’ll love?
If you have a tight budget make sure you identify designers and shops that will work to this, to avoid wasting time and being disappointed.You’ve recently designed your own occasion-wear line – what can we expect from the collection?It’s full-on, old-school Hollywood glamour for black-tie weddings. A lot more mothers are asking for long dresses, so I felt that it was important to introduce some styles that would be ideal for both the bride’s mum and the wedding party.
What’s your biggest achievement?Each year I achieve something new, and over the past 12 months I’ve been mostly focused on launching my own evening and occasion-wear collections, exclusive to Blackburn Bridal Couture. I love to look at the ways I can expand the business so I always have something new and fresh to ofer my customers.Who has been your biggest influence?I am my own driving force. Te business is about to enter its eighth year and we are continually sourcing new designers to ensure my boutique is appealing to brides looking for something a little more stylish. Many collections are exclusive to the boutique in London
