Without giving away too many spoilers, I’ve long had a notion of what dress I would wear on my wedding day and, as such, it wasn’t something I rushed into when I got engaged. In fact, I was so convinced it would be ‘The One’ that I waited 9 months to book an appointment.
That said, I was as surprised as the rest that we chose a December date for our big day, a factor that momentarily made me reconsider my decision.
While I’ve stuck to my guns, as the big day looms, it’s possibly not surprising that I have found myself toying with the idea of an evening wedding dress for after dark. Specifically one that will sparkle on the dance floor!
Enter: Eliza Jane Howell, purveyors of show-stopping, hand-beaded designs in timeless, vintage silhouettes.
A Boutique Snapshot
As bridal boutiques go, the Eliza Jane Howell flagship on Connaught Street in London needs to be seen to be believed. Sequins, beads and feathers, it is a feast for the senses that will stop you in your tracks, in part due to the ever-changing, always eye-catching window display.
Not for wallflowers, it’s perfect for brides-to-be looking for an evening wedding dress that is equal measures timeless, glamorous and elegant.
From bespoke, made-to-measure gowns to ready-to-wear designs off the peg, Eliza Jane Howell has it all and offers a size-inclusive range from 8 to 26 so that there is truly something for every bride-to-be.
A Bespoke Experience
If one thing is for sure, at Eliza Jane Howell, you will always receive the warmest welcome from Andrea Cutts— the boutique’s co-founder— and her assistant stylist and muse, Chloe. The pair radiate warmth and a generosity of spirit that is simply unparalleled at other bridal boutiques in London.
No matter your shape nor size, rest assured that Andrea and Chloe will have you feeling like a goddess and can tailor every detail and design to your desire.
To the untrained eye, it might be difficult to identify your Carlotta from your Harriet on the boutique’s racks, but Cutts knows the inventory and, most importantly, what bespoke alterations can be made to the intricate designs, inside and out.
An appointment at Eliza Jane Howell is, pleasingly, free of charge and there is no limit on the number of designs you can try on (a blessing when faced with such a glittering array of designs to choose from).
My one piece of advice would be to have an idea of what you do (and don’t like) going into an Eliza Jane Howell appointment but also be willing to throw in a wildcard or two. The way in which the exquisite hand beading falls on your figure cannot be truly appreciated until it’s off the hanger and on your body.
The Try-On
Dress 1: Trudeau
I’d had my eye on Trudeau since I visited Eliza Jane Howell with my mum back in February. With a square neckline— a style that is a personal favourite of mine— the silhouette was simple but oh-so chic.
If Andrea and Chloe hadn’t pulled more options for me to try, I may well have been one and done.
Dress 2: Shelley
It’s hard to do justice to Shelley and its iridescent, platinum sequins.
While not obvious from first glance, the sweetheart neckline was wired, which not only provided support ,but ensured the dress sat flush to my chest— and, most importantly, meant I could dance all night long without fear of a nip slip. The low back oozed sex appeal, and I felt like a Hollywood bombshell.
While the dress was a touch big on my waist, Andrea assured me that the boutique’s seamstress would see to that, no problem at all.
Dress 3: Feathers
How could you possibly take an Eliza Jane Howell design to the next level? With feathers, of course.
With a plunging neckline, spaghetti straps and a feather trim, the Miss Kitty dress was the definition of a show stopper. While I loved so many individual elements of this evening wedding dress, it was a little out of my comfort zone and I felt more “me” in other designs.
Fortunately, that’s something Eliza Jane Howell has an abundance of, and so we moved swiftly on.
Dress 4: Gigi
Confession: on the hanger, the Gigi dress was the one I was least drawn to. On my body, however, I felt a million dollars. It fit like a glove, the almost-nude shade complimented my hair and the way the crystals and paillette sequins shimmered… oh, the way they shimmered!
The Gigi dress is actually a part of Eliza Jane Howell’s evening wear collection which, in my humble opinion, means you can wear the dress time and time again, even after your big day.
The Verdict
It would be a crying shame to reveal which dress I did choose but, for now, the boutique’s seamstress is tinkering away to ensure the made-to-order design fits my frame and height perfectly; a personal service that is afforded to all Eliza Jane Howell customers.
The Need-to-Know
Eliza Jane Howell, 15 Connaught Street, London, W2 2AY
10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, by appointment only.
+44 (0)207 436 2992
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