Setting up a business in the middle of a recession may not seem like the most financially-savvy decision to make, but for two Manchester vintage aficionados it was the best thing they’ve ever done.
Meet Melanie Wilson the owner and designer of Ivory Tuesday, a bespoke bridal milliner and Jane Drayton, owner and creator of Popper’s Paper Factory, which produces bridal stationery.
These crafty women have joined forces to create The Case of the Curious Bride, the borough’s newest boutique bridal emporium.
Driven by their desire to provide brides with an alternative to one type of dress – a strapless, sweetheart neckline with full skirt number – they set up shop in Sale earlier this month.
Melanie explained: “After starting-up Ivory Tuesday I was hearing the same sentiment from the brides I was making headwear for.
“These brides told me they’d suffered never-ending searches for a wedding dress that reflected their individual style and that a number of them had ended up paying for a bespoke gown which most said took them over-budget.
“Many negative comments were also made about the overall experience of buying a dress in a boutique – snooty, bossy and unhelpful sales assistants were reported along with stark décor.”
Jane added: “We felt it didn’t need to be this way and an idea began to form of what a bridal boutique should offer to fashion-savvy women.
“A year later here we are – a fresh approach to choosing a wedding dress in surroundings which are cosy but stylish, with staff who are welcoming, honest and open.”
The shop offers a wide variety of purse-friendly and stylish dresses in addition to high-end gowns and original, pre-loved vintage wedding dresses.
“Our big designers, Johanna Hehir and Erica Stacey, create vintage-inspired dresses with beautiful fabrics,” said Jane.
“We have also taken on our own designer, Eve Horton, who has a real passion for vintage, and she is creating a range of 1920s-style dresses exclusively for us.
“Our original vintage gowns are sourced from various places, from mid-century brides who have decided they are ready for someone else to enjoy their pre-loved gown, to a Hungarian supplier who has been a keen collector of vintage bridal gowns for decades.”
When discussing the bleak outlook for some retailers, the pair revealed that the tough financial times have worked in their favour.
Jane said: “The current economic climate has actually worked in the opposite way you’d imagine.
“It’s really given us both the push we needed to build our dream.
“Nothing will stop people getting married, but couples deserve to have the right to stick with the budget they set out with, small or large.
“We had the experience of struggling to find dresses for our own weddings that reflected our style and that didn’t cost four months’ wages.”
BOUTIQUE: The Case of the Curious Bride owners Melanie Wilson and Jane Drayton
In addition to dresses the emporium also offers shoppers the chance to peruse over a variety of delectable accessories including handmade vintage-inspired headwear, jewellery and shoes.
They also offer a range of bridal stationery including save the dates, place names and personalised scrapbook, and an in-house photographer.
The Case of the Curious Bride can be found at 72 Marsland Road, Sale.
For more information visit the Facebook page or Twitter.
Pictures courtesy of The Case of the Curious Bride, with thanks
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