Guest Blog : Lydia Jones
Hello brides-to-be, my name is Lydia Jones, the designer for and founder of Miabelle. I’m delighted to be a guest here on Cristello Bridal’s blog and to talk about all the new and exciting things we have to offer their brides!
So, who are we?
Miabelle is a British Wedding Fashion House which I founded in early 2021. I started the label in my spare room with bags of enthusiasm, a whole lot of determination and not much else. I was a single mother at the time after recently adopting two little girls, so life was a rollercoaster! But I had a dream and saw a gap in the market. I had a vision for a brand which could cater for the bride, her bridesmaids and the wider bridal party. So, I worked really hard to put together my first collection (whilst my kids slept!) and soon after, Miabelle was born! We now have a design studio in Surrey and are lucky to be working with some wonderful bridal boutiques.
My background spans bridal and eveningwear design, retail and marketing, which prepared me for starting my own label. I grew up in Surrey and after finishing a degree in Fashion Design, spent time in London doing various fashion related roles, before settling in Brighton. Which is where I now call home. I started my love affair with bridal when I became manager of a Brighton bridal boutique. I absolutely loved styling brides and chatting all day about their wedding plans!
We launched the brand as a bridesmaid specialist. Fast forward to 2024, we have become known for our must have easy-glam bridesmaid dresses. The brand quickly became loved for its tailored gowns, in our signature crepe. Our bridesmaid range is now proudly stocked in over 20 boutiques, including Cristello Bridal. They were looking for something different, new, and exciting and we were it! Recently we introduced an occasion wear line, also stocked at Cristello, which blends simplistic with something a little extra. This year we’re beyond excited to introduce our FIRST EVER bridal edit. Sheffield brides will be the very first to try on these gowns at an exclusive event which will see Cristello Bridal host the collection for the entire month of April. So exciting!
What sets Miabelle aside from other labels out there?
I think we have found our niche and crafted our own signature look. The Miabelle look is generally very classic in design, upscaled with a glamorous detail such as a statement bow or beaded belt. We don’t stray too far from the fitted silhouette which works so well for our brides and their best girls. I’d describe our signature style as classic, sophisticated simplicity, with an edge. I would say the girl who buys our dresses is looking for understated sophistication and looking to invest in a garment that will last and have a story to tell long beyond the wedding day. I am very emotionally driven and appreciate the little things in life, but I do also love a bit of luxury and that feeling of being spoilt! Our bride is the same, she likes a little luxury in her life!
Something else that sets us apart is our commitment to creating dresses that can be worn again and again, they don’t scream “bridesmaid” or “mother of the bride”! Also, everything is made-to-order which means we are creating minimal fashion waste for the planet and helping keep the magic of independent shops alive, since we don’t sell our dresses online.
In addition, and unlike many wedding fashion brands, we are a small business (with a big heart!) The bride is at the centre of everything we do, and the quality of our dresses is our priority. My favourite part of my job is when one of our brides sends us her wedding photos and we have a chat about her wedding day and I always thank them for choosing Miabelle over all the other amazing designers out there. Seeing a couple’s wedding photos and our dresses featuring in them still makes me pinch myself, and is the reason I keep pushing to grow our brand.
So let me tell you about our collections!
Miabelle Bridal by Lydia Jones
.Introducing our very first bridal collection, a fashion forward edit of elevated classics, with an edge. The collection is defined by romantic fabrics and meticulously crafted silhouettes that strike the perfect balance between statement and wearable.
I was inspired by the confident women of the 1950’s with their black eyeliner, big hair and chic dresses. All bridal fashions come in and out, but this collection is timeless, to create a look that will date gracefully, rather than overnight.
Beyond the craftsmanship and attention to detail, what truly sets our new Miabelle bridal collection apart is its commitment to empowering brides to feel confident and beautiful on their special day. Each gown is tailored to flatter the figure and accentuate the natural beauty of the bride, ensuring that she looks and feels her absolute best as she walks down the aisle.
The collection will be available to preview and try at an exclusive hosting event during April, at Cristello Bridal.
MIABELLE BRIDESMAIDS
Our bridesmaid range is a premium collection of stylish, wedding ready gowns which are designed to be worn again and again. Minimal, elegant and chic, the Miabelle collection is for bridesmaids and guests that prefer a more structured and sophisticated look. You’ll find simple designs including draped back, elegant side splits and statement bows. The dresses are available in over 50 shades and from sizing UK4 – UK36.
THE GUEST EDIT
This occasion wear collection, made-to-order especially for it’s wearer is for any special event, from weddings to cocktail parties, and more. This luxury collection is a modern mix of chic, uncomplicated gowns, built for real women who love fashion. These gowns make the perfect Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom gowns. These aren’t just dresses; they’re a part of your celebration, a testament to timeless style and personal moments! Available in a variety of shades and sizes UK4 – UK 36.