Shops / New and exciting
Gorgeous gowns
The dresses fall from hangers on wooden drying rails; lace, empire line, fishtail, Art Deco and embroidery. They’re contemporary wedding gowns with traditional elements – chic, elegant and without even a whisper of a puffed sleeve.
The Ivory Secret just off Whiteladies Road is a light, airy space with enormous sash windows throwing light on the dressing and reveal area – where the companions sit on a pretty sofa and shed a tear at the bride in full wedding regalia. The accessories cabinet holds delicate headpieces, on top of which stands a longer length 1920s style veil made in Devon – the sheer fabric sweeps to the floor. Beautiful, warm and intimate, this relaxing bridal boutique opened in January and is run by Eleanor Rafferty. It is her second store – the first is situated in Devon. With a background in couture design, Eleanor handpicks select dresses from designers and is passionate about her business and the service they offer at The Ivory Secret.
is needed now More than ever
Tell us about your bridal store
My aim is simple; to establish a rapport, taking each bride’s ideas and dreams for their wedding gown onboard and putting them into reality. We want brides to take their time and feel pampered in our tranquil environment, while browsing through our couture collection of designer wedding gowns. Designers include Belle and Bunty, Lusan Mandongus, Claire Pettibone Romantique collection, Rachel Simpson shoes and Kye Tew jewellery. The Ivory Secret prides itself on presenting our brides with something unusual, with a relaxed vintage and bohemian vibe whilst staying true to bridal.
When did you open? How has the response been?
I proudly opened the doors to my second boutique in Bristol on Saturday 3rd January. A few well-earned bubbles were shared after several very hectic months getting the boutique ready for our blushing brides. The response has been wonderful, supportive and excitable! The phone rang at 10am on the dot as I opened the doors on my first day, and the momentum of interest from brides has continued with plenty of appointments. The collections have been swooned over, with passers-by taking the time to comment on what they have quoted as a beautiful space, saying it is a joy to admire and be part of the Alma Road independents.
Please describe the service and style The Ivory Secret offers a bride to be and their companions?
The Ivory Secret Bristol stays true to the boutique style service we have offered and been loved for in our Devon boutique for four happy years. We believe that buying a wedding gown is not only about falling in love with your dream wedding dress but also the service and expertise on offer; expert advice on the gowns, designers and the potential alterations to ensure a perfect and tailored fit of the gown. Every bride and her guests will always be welcomed with a warm smile and made to feel relaxed and comfortable and of course, offered a warm drink to warm the cockles in this chilly weather! In addition, we ask that in return our guests remember that we provide a complimentary service with all of the above to offer our brides. All we ask of in return is that the service and our lovely gowns are valued and respected by our guests.
You say you are The Ivory Secret family, are you a family business?
Yes we are a proud family run business. My Mum Liz plays a massive and essential role within the business. Mum’s background is in dressmaking and pattern cutting and mine is in textiles and design – these skills combined continue to be very complimentary. We offer our own ready-to-wear collection in Devon as well as a bespoke service.
How do you find being an independent business?
As with anything it has its pros and cons. We are very proud and passionate about being an independent – we believe supporting fellow local independents is of the upmost importance and that everyone should practice this theory where possible. Both Bristol and Devon folk are very active with supporting locally
What’s the future for The Ivory Secret?
My only plan now is to continue to offer an outstanding service and collections to our lovely brides. I know that any bride looking for something a little unusual and extremely dreamy to wear on her special day will just love the handpicked gowns we so proudly offer.
The Ivory Secret Bristol bridal boutique
66 Alma Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2DJ
0117 973 5960
www.theivorysecretbristol.co.uk
Gown prices vary from £1,500 – £2,900