The event registered a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in visitors, with international buyers accounting for 25 per cent of the total, the increase coming most notably from France and Southern Ireland.

New and upcoming designs like daringly low backs, mermaid dresses with swishy tails, body-hugging silhouettes, and lace motifs on nude tulle creating a tattoo effect on the skin, were seen trending at the show.

An array of astonishing ball gowns shown by key designers for 2016-17 season displayed sumptuous dresses with whittled-down waists and voluminous skirts, some made of layer upon layer of tulle, organza, chiffon and lace, others in simple, elegant fabrics such as Mikado, skilfully sculpted to form the desired fullness were noticed.

Along with perennial laces and embroidered appliqués, a different surface texture, and wonderful jacquards with their own glorious patterning were seen at the event. There were plenty of knee-length and tea-length 50s-style dresses to be seen along with the classic long length.

Vikki McCarthy-Wright of Mooshki fame, who used this exhibition to launch the stunning new Grace Philips collection, said “I cannot believe the reception this new collection has had. It was awesome.”

In the event's feature Monday seminars, run by experts for experts, everything from entering awards, to dealing with difficult customers, to closing sales successfully, to working with suppliers was covered. The key attraction at The London Bridal Show, the catwalk, saw some breathtakingly fresh collections stepping out and signalling the newest silhouettes for the season ahead. (HO)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India