Wedding special: Leonie Claire Bridal Boutique

Situated in the heart of the pretty Montpelier area of central Brighton, Leonie Claire Bridal Boutique is a little slice of big city style by the sea. Now in its sixth year of finding the perfect gown for Sussex brides, Leonie Claire has a reputation for showcasing the very best British and international designer collections. Focusing solely on the bride, the boutique on Upper North Street stocks seven designer labels, making a collection of around 60 stunning gowns with complementing accessories.

Leonie has stocked Suzanne Neville gowns since the very beginning. Famous for her incredible corsetry and classic cut, Suzanne is the queen of British bridal design. Her simple, elegant lines combined with the most beautiful quality silk and lace make her gowns second to none. Once you have tried a Suzanne Neville corset there is no other comparison.

David Fielden bridal gowns are cutting edge and lead the way in bridal fashion. He cuts gowns in a quirky and yet stylish way using unconventional fabrics and embellishment. His collection for 2013 is his strongest yet, with laser cut flowers, silver lace appliques and soft draping fabrics.

Claire Pettibone bridal gowns are simply divine. Claire designs all of her own materials using layering, embroidery and applique, which makes her range delicate, pretty and feminine. Her current collection, Beau Monde, has a strong French influence and has just launched at Leonie Claire. Fine French prints, Chantilly lace and beautiful soft linen combine to make for a soft and individual collection.

Leonie is incredibly proud to announce that the Alice Temperley bridal collection is coming to the boutique. On Thursday 27 September Leonie will be hosting a fabulous launch party with a catwalk show on Upper North Street. This will be followed by a two day trunk show of the Beatrice Collection, giving brides the perfect opportunity to try on this stunning range. As the exclusive Sussex stockist of this iconic label, Leonie will be welcoming it in style.

The Raimon Bundo collection is also a new and exciting addition at Leonie Claire. One of the biggest and most established bridal companies in Spain, Raimon Bundo is a family run company that has been designing and making gowns for over 40 years. Leonie fell under their spell when she viewed the collection in May, and it is arriving at the boutique at the end of September.

Justin Alexander is another collection Leonie has showcased since the boutique opened in 2006. Tony, the head designer, came from a lingerie design background so the fit of the bodices is just perfect. If a bride is looking for lace, then look no further. Justin Alexander uses beautiful lace, raw silk and Swarovski crystals to create a collection of gowns that include sleeves, high necklines, removable boleros and detachable trains.

Leonie launched her own label in November last year to cater for the bride who is searching for a more relaxed style of gown, but still wants to feel like a bride. Using heavy silk crepes, satin chiffons and beautiful lace, Leonie’s signature has a distinctly vintage feel. With options of ivory, pale champagne and dusty silver the collection is warm, sexy and incredibly stylish. Leonie Claire gowns are all fully made to measure in house so there is no additional alterations charge. They are completely exclusive to her boutique, and something incredibly special.

With such a diverse designer bridal collection, it only makes sense that Leonie has chosen the most stunning accessories to complement the range. The boutique stocks shoes by Benjamin Adams and Rachel Simpson, giving the bride a choice between glitz and glamour or vintage prettiness.

Headdress designers include Polly Edwards, House of Istria and Stephanie Brown. Polly Edwards creates the most beautiful asymmetric tiaras and combs using Swarovski crystals and pearls. House of Istria has a gorgeous boho feel, with pieces in lace applique and soft feathers. Stephanie Brown head pieces are striking, geometric and sparkle like nothing on earth.
Polly Edwards and Stephanie Brown also design incredible jewellery, so if you don’t want a head piece but would love some statement earrings Leonie has an amazing selection to choose from.

Not every bride wants a veil, that is until they try one on! Leonie’s collection comes from another British designer, Richard Designs. From lace or ribbon edging to plain soft tulle, Leonie’s range includes both short and long styles, giving brides the option to try on a really good variety to find the perfect veil to complement their gown.

We all hope for sunshine on the day but in the UK this is not always going to happen, so Leonie has a selection of feather or lace boleros or hand-knitted cardi shrugs, too. Not to mention lovely, large ivory umbrellas, just in case.

Leonie Claire works by appointment only to ensure that a bride will have a dedicated bridal consultant and fitting room. Guests are greeted with refreshments and given an hour and a half to try on a wonderful selection of gowns. A bride can celebrate finding the perfect gown with a glass of bubbly, too. With an in-house sewing workroom and a highly skilled team of seamstresses, a bride can feel safe in the knowledge that she can choose from the very finest gowns and receive the most exceptional service, all the way through her journey.

Leonie Claire Bridal Boutique, 46 Upper North Street, Brighton, 01273 711458, www.leonieclaire.com, Facebook:Leonie Claire Bridal Boutique, Twitter:@LeonieCBridal