Berta new collection launch in Belgravia

The Wedding Club hosted an exclusive European launch event in Belgravia for the new Berta collection – giving brides an opportunity to enjoy palatial surroundings and get up close to these beautiful new-season gowns

Photos: Nadine Van Biljon

Berta event models long view — The new Berta collection was launched in Europe by The Wedding Club at One Belgravia – fitting surroundings for such glamorous gowns

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he arrival of new gowns by Berta is always greeted eagerly by brides-to-be. Word has spread about the phenomenal cut and fit – and the ability of these sculpted designs to work real magic by instantly transforming the wearer into a glamorous bride. So bridal boutique The Wedding Club – as UK exclusive stockist of Berta Bridal gowns – chose to make the European launch of the new collection a celebration party, hosting an invite-only event for brides-to-be and friends in a smart SW1 setting right opposite the walled grounds of Buckingham Palace.

berta launch model shots 1ab — Ready for the party, the models wore regal crowns and mingled with the guests at this exclusive event

With all eyes on the gowns, The Wedding Club team and a group of top London hairdressers and stylists had enlisted a cast of elegant models – complete with crowns and regal demeanour – as stars of the party. Unusually, rather than hosting a formal fashion show, the models mingled with the guests.

Berta launch 1 — The venue was spectacular. Part of the One Events collection, and located in Grosvenor Place, it features a grand marble staircase and interlinked party rooms that can host a crowd

Our venue was as sumptuous as the gowns – One Belgravia is a fabulous period mansion in Grosvenor Place. With its imposing marble staircase and grand ballroom-style space for partying, it needs minimal dressing (although the flowers and lush greenery designed by Petal to the Metal were wonderfully decadent).

With live models mingling with guests, it was an unrivalled opportunity to see the fluid lines and fine detailing that mark these gowns out as Berta designs. Guests were entertained by the brilliant brass ensemble Brass Funkeys – definitely a band capable of getting any party started.

As to the new Berta collection – we love it. It has all the high-glamour features we’ve come to expect, such as illusion panels, fine lace and form-flattering cuts. There are some more stately gowns in the collection too – we particularly loved the fuller skirts and showstopping trains that were a feature of some designs in this new collection.

A Berta fuller skirts — Fuller skirts are a feature of some gowns in the Berta collection – although illusion panels and transluscent fabrics are still firmly in the mix

As guests mingled with models, many brides-to-be and their trusted companions were busy shortlisting, some even taking shots of their favourite styles to add to their wedding-gown moodboard. The sparkly crowns worn by the models also attracted attention – these delicious confections by Tallulah’s Trinkets were all designs that are exclusive to The Wedding Club too. The decadent drop earrings were by Terry Terry.

The fine lace that is such a feature of many of Berta’s gowns looked spectacular up close – and the trademark sexy details such as cleverly designed splits, low and cut-out backs, plunge necklines and glittering crystals were all in evidence. These are definitely gowns that work for a day-into-evening or destination wedding.

We loved the festive atmosphere – and fizzing prosecco of course. The Wedding Club team definitely helped all the brides attending to be inspired by the possibilities of a Berta gown, and get into the mood for the party of their life.