Label Love / Wendy Makin

One of the world’s leading bridal brands, Wendy Makin is known to many in the industry as one of Australia’s best bridalwear designers. Wendy Makin has two collections sold in boutiques throughout the UK – luxury label Wendy Makin and French Collection, which is more bohemian, with a whimsical feel to the dresses, perfect for destination weddings.

Wendy handpicks the best quality Italian silks and French and Italian laces for her couture collection and matches this with elegant, understated handiwork to create her masterpieces. The collections fuse modern elements with classic styling and luxe fabric, perfect for the contemporary romantic bride.

When Wendy spoke to us for her WINterview recently, Wendy said: “My signature is simple, stylish elegance. Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly are my style muses so I like to design gowns they would want to wear.”

She went on to say: “Each bride is distinct, with her own flair and character. My designs aim to cater to this vast spectrum. From the boho-chic bride to the classic romantic, the Wendy Makin bride could be anyone seeking elegance with a unique touch.”

Just in case you missed seeing Wendy Makin at Bridal Week Harrogate, we present the low-down to the latest collections and tell you a little bit more about the wonderful Makin Makin…

When asked to describe her 2024 collection, Wendy said: “My new collection continues my signature looks with a few choice experimental ideas included. I have a new design in a floral fabric which I became known for and pioneered some years ago. I have continued with plainer fabrics like Mikado but have introduced a beautiful satin organza into this collection. Crepes still feature heavily as well. I’ve also continued my theme of sleeves including a 'Cold' sleeve look, and cuffed sleeves and I have introduced a couple of gowns with detachable sleeves. My French Collection carries its surprises this season with exposed-boned bodices, capes, and overdresses, adding layers of depth to the designs.”

As a brand, Wendy Makin is looking to build a network of core UK stockists who not only understand the direction of the label and its vision for the future but are an extension of the brand. It’ll be a network woven with the spirit of Wendy Makin and its key aesthetic, creativity, ongoing support from the UK team and generous exclusivity areas for stockists to cater to a wider customer base.

Stockists who commit to each line will be able to offer a wider array of designs to brides without increasing upfront investment as the label plans to offer gowns on consignment to complete retailers’ collections. Not only will this allow for better inventory management and reduce the risk of being left with excess sample stock, it will also allow retailers to fully embrace the brand’s spirit and become a coveted Wendy Makin destination for brides.

Via this nurturing relationship, the label intends to fully support its retailers on a digital level too. By utilising social media and other advertising channels in a collaborative manner, Wendy Makin plans to maximise exposure for their stockists with targeted advertising which, in turn, will click through to a dedicated stockist landing page, increasing the chances of attracting brides who are actively looking for wedding dresses in their area.

This concept, teamed with additional promotion via regionally specific press channels, will aid the creation of a truly thriving network of exceptional Wendy Makin destinations for brides.

And the last word from Wendy?: “My simple elegant look and the meticulous cut and fit of my gowns truly set them apart. Every bride deserves to feel comfortable and breath-taking, and I ensure that happens.”

Where do we sign?!

To find out more and to enquire about stocking Wendy Makin in your boutique: Contact James, at uksales@wendymakin.co.uk or 07802 939442

Follow @wendy_makin_bridal_designs_uk See the latest collection at www.wendymakin.com