We’re very proud of the brands we stock here at Maria Modes. Our team spends a lot of time researching the bridal world and choosing the best gowns from the best designers to have available in our showroom and Ian Stuart was a designer we fell in love with many seasons ago and continue to adore with every new collection.

Even if you’re not familiar with Ian Stuart as a bridal designer, you may be familiar with his new show that has aired on Channel 4, ‘The Posh Frock Shop’, where you can see Ian live in action creating bespoke outfits for all kinds of formal occasions.

Seeing as though Ian is currently all over our screens, we thought we’d dedicate today’s ‘designer spotlight’ blog post to him and let you all know a bit more about him and his stunning brand!

 

The Brand

 

As the name would suggest, the Ian Stuart bridal collection is all about the man who made it happen, Ian. After years of training and gaining experience in some of the country’s best couture houses such as Belville Sassoon, Ian decided it was time to spread his wings and show the bridal world what his individual designs looked like by launching ‘The Collection Designed by Ian Stuart’.

Since 1999, Ian Stuart and his bridal label has gone on to win an impressive portfolio of awards including multiple Bridal Designer of the Year titles at the Bridal Buyer Awards UK and Best Wedding Dress Designer accolades from the Retail Bridal Association UK.

 

The Designers

 

Unlike many fashion brands named after their founder, Ian is still the driving force of the design team at Ian Stuart bridal and will continue to play an essential part in the design process of his gowns for many years to come.

Although Ian himself heads up the designs of each and every piece, he is surrounded by a team of equally as talented people who play their own part in the design process of every gown that is launched into the brand.  

The team’s wealth of knowledge is what ensures each dress is so complexly designed and precise to the finest detail.

 

The Dresses

 

Eye-catching and unique are two words that can most definitely be used to describe Ian Stuart’s bridal dresses, particularly his ‘Le Jardin’ collection, an incredible range we’re proud to feature in our showroom.  

Flamboyant, statement and effortlessly chic, the Le Jardin collection is one for the bolder bride with voluminous shapes, stand out design features and unique fabric choices, this range is not one to be missed if you intend to turn heads on your big day.

Alongside the Le Jardin range are other collections that showcase different styles for brides with other tastes such as the ‘Unforgettably Me’ collection that boasts equally as bold gowns but with a few more subtle numbers integrated within.

Runway Rebel is a range that has some seriously high fashion designs integrated amongst dresses that are just the epitome of traditional bridalwear while the Lady Luxe collection is the height of sophistication, elegance and opulence.

As if all these stunning collections aren’t enough, things are due to get even more glamorous when Ian’s new collection launches in August, ‘Folie Frocks’, a whole new selection of breath-taking dresses with new shapes, fresh designs but with plenty of classic Ian Stuart design features shining through.

 

Why We Love Ian Stuart

 

We only stock brands we really love here at Maria Modes and there’s an array of reasons we simply adore Ian Stuart and continue to stock his collections year after year.

One of the biggest selling points of Ian Stuart as a brand for us has to be the flexibility, these dresses are made to be customised to suit you, something not many other brands offer.

These aren’t off the shelf gowns, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ attitude when it comes to this designer. Whether it’s a change of fabric, an alteration to the neckline shape or a complete switch of colour, all these changes can be made to each and every Ian Stuart gown and you can even get your very own bespoke sketch of the dress before you go ahead to ensure it is perfect.

Another reason we continue to fall in love with Ian Stuart’s designs is that although his dresses are truly stunning, he doesn’t forget about the accessories that accompany his gowns, veils in particular. His veils are unlike any other designers’, they don’t just compliment the dresses but enhance them and they can even be paired with dresses from other designers if they need a little extra wow factor.

 

Our Favourites from the Range

 

We believe our selection of Ian Stuart dresses is the ultimate capsule collection, showcasing the very best pieces from across multiple of his ranges and boasting a variety of different styles and fabrics to suit every bride.

 

Bluebell

 

We can’t talk Ian Stuart without highlighting one of his bravest and boldest designs to date, the Ian Stuart Bluebell gown.

A key member of the Le Jardin collection, the Bluebell dress is the definition of head-turning, a truly stunning, beautifully crafted gown that leaves no design feature behind.

A voluminous princess gown shape with a strapless sweetheart neckline and cinched in waist. The bodice is completely covered in 3D floral designs that begin to fade from the waistline down, becoming sparser throughout the skirt until the design becomes more intense again at the scalloped hem.

Available in a range of colours including a truly unique dark blue and metallic colourway, this dress is for the bride who is going down the aisle with a bang.

 

Neptune

 

One of Ian Stuart’s sleeker, slightly more low key designs is the Neptune dress, a subtle fit and flare shape with understated but fine details.

Showcasing the classic strapless sweetheart neckline, the Ian Stuart Neptune gown sits close to the frame until the thigh where the skirt then flares into a flowing train. The whole length of this gown is covered in lace silhouettes for a soft and feminine design but still giving that statement look that this designer demands.

The scalloped hem finishes the gown to perfection but if you want to take this gown to the next level, the matching organza coat is seriously chic and takes the Neptune dress from classic mermaid gown to a one of a kind.

 

Spellbound

 

Another statement gown from this designer, the Ian Stuart Spellbound dress is the ultimate blend of traditional and unique, making for a style that you’ll never have seen before.

The classic princess style gown features an illusion high neck with sheer long sleeves whilst the whole gown is adorned with 3D flower detailing with a particular focus on the sleeves.

Minimal accessories are needed with this gown due to the level of detail, making for a bold gown that is actually very easy to style and wear.

There truly aren’t enough words to sum up the wonder of Ian Stuart’s designs but we think this spotlight does a pretty good job of showcasing the best this brand has to offer.

Did you tie the knot in an Ian Stuart gown? We’d love to see, so share your pictures with us on Facebook or Instagram!