An Interview with Marguerite Hannah -
The Award Winning Designer Behind the Alan Hannah Label

Alan Hannah are one of the most respected labels in international designer bridal fashion.  Alan and Marguerite Hannah are a husband and wife team who are at the forefront of British bridal fashion and highly respected by everyone who meets them, not only because they are two of the loveliest people you could meet, but because of their solid commitment to continued excellence and for upholding that famous British craftsmanship. 

Know for their luxury wedding gowns fit for a princess, the Hannah’s recently received Royal approval when the Princess Royal visited their magnificent London HQ.  Proud flag bearers for British bridal fashion, they design and hand craft every beautiful gown with tender loving care in their UK studio and recently received a tremendous accolade when they were nominated for a UKFT British Fashion Award for ‘High Octane Glamour’ in recognition for their contribution to British fashion export.

I recently caught up with Marguerite and Alan Hannah at White Gallery when they unveiled their exquisite collection for next season with a stunning catwalk show.  As you would expect, it was a huge success.  They were surrounded by well-wishers, their lovely young family and the extended family behind the stunning Alan Hannah label.

Marguerite speaks about her beautiful designs with tremendous pride, and after 20 years in the business, the much loved, award-winning designer still manages to keep each collection fresh.  Her passion is what drives her and she has never lost sight of how important her own wedding dress was to her and makes sure that each Alan Hannah dress receives as much loving care as her own wedding dress did.

What inspires your collections?

I take my inspiration from life, from nature and the seasons, and of course I am always influenced through fashion, art and the world of film.  Each collection is inspired by something new.  Our previous collections were very glamourous -inspired by Hollywood, the red carpet and icons from a bygone era.  Our new collection has taken its inspiration from nature and is inspired by a whole bouquet of beautiful flowers.

Do you have a signature style?

Our emphasis is on the cut and structure of the gown so that it transforms your figure to show it at it’s best.  Traditionally, Alan Hannah dresses are known for their pure and clean styling and the ‘less is more’ approach, though many of our gowns are also beautifully detailed with dramatic embellishment and colour.

Each and every one of our wedding gowns are incredibly important to us, so whatever I design I am always sensitive to the wonderful occasion and ensure that whatever the design, it has that special ‘pure touch.’

What are your favourite gowns in your current collection?

My recent design ‘Georgia’ is one of my favourite gowns. Soft roses follow the lines of the bodice from the shoulder, it defines the contours of the body beautifully, and the roses look like they have fallen as confetti onto the full skirt – it is very romantic.

Tell us about your wedding, did you design your own gown?

Alan and I were together for quite some time before we were married, only when I had designed the perfect dress did we book the wedding! After 18 years of marriage, I have never forgotten how important my dress was to me on my wedding day, and I never loose site of that when designing for brides, it is so important and each and every member of our staff upholds the same principles in everything they do to make that perfect gown for each and every bride.

If you could walk down the aisle with your lovely husband Alan all over again, which of your gowns would you wear and how would you accessorise it?

If I could go back in time and be that young, slim tall bride, it would be Zsa Zsa.  It defines the female form perfectly and has beautiful detailing on the bodice, so I would accessorise this with very simple pieces.

If I were to marry Alan all over again now, I would choose Giovanni.  It is the most beautiful full-skirted gown in slipper satin - perfect to accentuate curves.  It’s ‘gentle ‘swish’ is so lovely; it’s a very special gown with a romantic feel. I would accessories this with lovely long pearls of different textures and sizes by my favourite jewellery designer Katzi and an exquisite tiara from the very talented Halo and Co.

Red carpet glamour and vintage is really hot at the moment, what changes do you see on the horizon?

We have really enjoyed the vintage and red carpet trends and these have featured heavily in our previous collections. Finally, there are changes on the horizon there is a new mood, which is much more romantic, there is still a vintage influence, but it is much softer and more romantic.

What might we expect to see in your forthcoming collection?

Our new collection has a lovely romantic feel, and I have used a wide range of luxurious fabrics including silk, organza and tulle.  Different flowers have inspired this collection, and it features flower embellishments throughout, including three gowns that have been hand painted with beautiful flower designs. Some of the new gowns have romantic full skirts with long flowing trains, though elsewhere, I have stayed true to our classic clean- cut silhouettes.  It is quite a collection and will have wide appeal! 

So what next for Alan Hannah?

We are busy launching our new 2011 collection and ensuring that they get into bridal boutiques so that brides can try the new romantic styles that will define 2011.  Also we will be at the Modern Bride Exhibition at Excel in London in November, so we are really looking forward to meeting all of the brides who will be coming along to meet us and see our wonderful new collection on the catwalk.

To see more of the beautiful Alan Hannah wedding gowns visit:

http://www.alanhannah.co.uk/

Or visit Alan and Marguerite in person at The Modern Bride Exhibition and see the beautiful collection on the catwalk.

http://www.modernbrideshow.co.uk/home.html

Featured Bridal Boutiques

Alan Hannah wedding dresses can be found at the following bridal boutiques:

Morgan Davies, London and Hitchen
Brides of Odiham, Hampshire
Brides of York, North Yorkshire
High Society Bridal, Vale of Glamorgan
Jo Christoferides, Somerset
Mears Ghyll Bridal Rooms, Lancaster
Teokath of London
Teokath of Canterbury
Rosella Gowns, Cirencester