Finding the perfect wedding look – or looks – is more than just a choice; it’s an exploration of identity and style. I’ve been searching London’s bridal boutiques for a truly unique Evening Look for my wedding next summer. At first, I thought I was looking for a mini dress to dance into the early hours, but I then discovered the jumpsuit of my dreams. Eliza Jane Howell is a boutique unlike any other; it’s the epitome of timeless elegance.
The look:
Eliza Jane Howell is a brand where sartorial history meets avant-garde sophistication. The name is rooted in 1890 when Gill Harvey’s grandmother first unfurled the brand as a wool merchant, specialising and made-to-order stockings. Fast forward to 2012 where the bridal brand was established; the visionary duo of Gill Harvey and Andrea Cutts embarked on a collaborative journey, reshaping the narrative of bridal couture. They shared a vision: a resounding call for a contemporary resonance in bridal fashion. No longer confined to tradition, Eliza Jane Howell emerged as a brand where the modern bride could elevate “I do” into a high-fashion statement. In the magical hands of Harvey and Cutts, Eliza Jane Howell transformed into an homage to timeless sophistication with a dash of the contemporary bride’s savoir-faire.
The essence of an Eliza Jane Howell dress lies in each hand-made, hand-beaded detail made combining traditional and modern beading techniques and patterns to create something truly unique. Each design is made-to-order; meaning you receive a bespoke approach without the hefty price-tag. And, most importantly, it means the pieces are designed to flatter every shape and size.
A snapshot of the space:
Stepping into the Eliza Jane Howell boutique is like entering an emporium of timeless elegance and unparalleled bridal charm. Located in Connaught Village, this is an oasis for brides with a love of exquisite craftsmanship and vintage-inspired allure. There’s no bridal shop quite like it. From the moment you walk through the door, the ambiance is enchanting, with soft lighting casting a warm glow on the twinkling gowns that line the racks and a wall of glittering accessories.
Past the showroom is a spacious fitting room, adorned with velvet, embellished curtains, wall-to-floor mirrors, and plush seating, the perfect backdrop for the experience of finding “the one.”
Who is dressing you?
On the day of the appointment, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from co-founder Andrea and stylist, muse, and model Chloe. Whether you arrive with a clear vision or seek guidance, Andrea and Chloe ensure that your journey to discovering your dream dress is as magical as the final dress itself. The experience feels impressively intimate and there was no limit to the options I was allowed to try.
The experience:
There’s no limit to the number of designs you try-on in the 90 minute allocation. Here experimentation is not just encouraged; it’s celebrated. From boot-cut jumpsuits that dance with exuberance to gowns that command the spotlight like a leading opera diva, the collection is a symphony of styles curated to embrace the diversity of personalities.
But the journey doesn’t have to end with choosing a design. Eliza Jane Howell believes in the art of customisation, offering the possibility to transform your gown into a bespoke masterpiece. Imagine altering sleeves to add a quirky flare, adjusting the length for that perfect dance floor twirl, or playing with necklines to accentuate your figure in all its glory.
There’s no restriction to the number of guests, but it’s advised that you bring no more than two guests to minimise distraction. Brides are advised to book an appointment six to eight months in advance to ensure a comfortable amount of planning time, however Eliza Jane Howell dresses have been made-to-order in shorter amounts of time.
The collection:
Take a virtual stroll through the digital wonderland and dive into the twelve curated collections at your fingertips—past and present. Although there are other stockists in the UK, Eliza Jane Howell’s boutique is home to exclusive “only girl in the world dresses” as well as our entire collection of coloured gowns and best sellers from all our past bridal collections. They can design fully bespoke dresses for those who are keen to take a step further in the creative process.
The extras:
Alongside their divine array of dresses, you’ll stumble upon a treasure trove of delights – embroidered veils, capes, belts that cinch with just the right drama, headpieces, and jewellery to create the perfect look. These aren’t just accessories; they’re the secret weapons for seamless day-to-night transformations, ensuring your bridal look evolves as effortlessly as a good love story.
The budget:
Dresses range between £1,800 to £3,500.
There is – rather gloriously – no appointment cost.
The brides:
The need-to-know:
15 Connaught Street, W2 2AY
020 7436 2992
Stockists www.elizajanehowell.com/our-stockists/
The perks:
A totally couture experience…
Related Article: A Guide To Mother-Of-The-Bride Dressing