A new Plymouth bridalwear business has pulled off a major coup by securing a 12-day trunk show from famous London designer Suzanne Neville that will put the city on a list of the world’s fashion capitals.
The Ivory Lounge opened in Whimple Street in the city centre in April 2021 and is already receiving interest from post-lockdown brides-to-be.
It stocks dresses from top London designers such as Ellis Bridals, Kelsey-Rose, Halo & Co Accessories and the award-winning Ms Neville – who has dressed Tess Daly, Amanda Holden, Katherine Jenkins, Little Mix and Christine Bleakley when she married ex-Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard.
Now Ms Neville will be bringing her trunk show, and gowns from her latest collection, to the city in June, putting the city on a list which also includes New York, Venice and Paris.
“We are one of only 13 bridal stores worldwide to be hosting in 2021,” said Ivory Lounge founder Lei Turner. “Some of the others are in New York, Texas, Venice and Paris. So pretty glam for Plymouth.
Trunk shows are common in the fashion business, being an event at which designers or companies present their merchandise to potential customers, usually in a store.
The Ivory Lounge will host the Suzanne Neville trunk show from June 10 to 22 and Mrs Turner said: “Brides to be will have the opportunity to visit The Ivory Lounge for a private consultation where they can view and try on gowns from the 2021 Modern Love Collection as well as a number of favourites from previous Suzanne Neville collections.
“Spaces are limited so anyone wishing to attend this exclusive event is advised to get in touch with the Ivory Lounge early to avoid missing out.”
Brides can also receive a 10% discount on any Suzanne Neville purchases during June 10 to 22, Mrs Turner said, and she added: “Our brides are absolutely loving our in-store Suzanne Neville Collection and we cannot wait for the trunk show to arrive next month to be able offer them even more options and exclusive sampling of these beautiful gowns.”
The Ivory Lounge was founded to offer a “high-end bespoke bridal experience”. Mrs Turner, an entrepreneur behind a number of Plymouth businesses already, got the idea for the Ivory Lounge when Sam Cox closed her Barbican bridal business in March 2019 for family reasons.
Mrs Turner secured some of the UK’s top designers, including the very high-end Ms Neville, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry. Bespoke dresses ordered at the Plymouth business are handmade in London with a turnaround time of four to six weeks.
Other designers being featured at the Ivory Lounge include Ellis Bridals, which has been operating since 1912, and Halo & Co Accessories, which has worked alongside many international designers. There are off-the-peg dresses too, including sought-after Kelsey-Rose designs.
Mrs Turner also runs Plymouth businesses MLT Recruitment, Glasshouse Media and, with husband Mitch Turner has been a driving force for the Plymouth Armed Forces Awards.
