Wholehearted Range Plan and Website

As my new bridal brand has taken shape, the idea of creating a range plan for the boutique has developed and become more appealing. It seems only right that after designing the boutique and identifying my customer, I present the garments Wholehearted will offer. Presenting a range plan will enable me to further illustrate the style of my brand and will evidence my buying skills.

Although I am unaware of the exact costs of the dresses I have included, I have tried to be as realistic as possible. I have chosen designers that share a fairly similar ethos to Wholehearted’s to ensure the brands compliment one another. I have also  chosen a collection of dresses which incorporate different features however are of a similar style genre in order to appeal to Wholehearted's target market and form a cohesive, united collection. Through incorporating a variety of features and dress shapes, the collection will appeal to a wider range of people and cater for a variety of body shapes.

Below I have included an image of a website page I have designed for Wholehearted.

Wholehearted Bridal Boutique Exterior

Wholehearted Bridal Boutique Exterior

The image above illustrates the exterior of Wholehearted Bridal Boutique which takes inspiration from research I have carried out into boutique exteriors, window displays and brides impressions of bridal boutiques. I have been conscious to design a fresh and inviting boutique frontage which eliminates any possible feelings of intimidation from the brides perspective on entering the boutique.

The boutique exterior is white, a fresh and welcoming colour that is closely associated with the bridal industry. The clean, tidy and stylish frontage appears luxurious and professional and well highlights the black and lime green Wholehearted logo.

Taking inspiration from a couple of London boutiques and Kleinfeld (USA), I have designed a quirky and elegant shop front which consciously uses colour to create a unique, relaxed and contemporary feel. The large, simplistic yet effective window displays are vibrant and quirky in order to catch attention. Within the window displays, two solitary dresses which best illustrate the style of the Wholehearted are exhibited. In an attempt to reduce the mannequins static nature, the mannequins are positioned creatively in flowing postures which give the dresses shape and life. Through the suspension of the dress fabric viewers can appreciate the texture and drape of the beautiful fabrics. On exceptionally busy days, the fabric could even be gently blown using a wind machine. This would exhibit the beauty of movement in the fabric and create a very eye catching and imaginative window display.

Kate Walker Bridal, Honiton Interview

Kate Walker Bridal Shop Front

Kate Walker Bridal Interior

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my interview with Kate Walker and learnt a great deal. In the same way I was inspired by the success of Wedding Time, I am very encouraged by the success and demand for designer bridal gowns in the local area. I was interested to hear of the increasing popularity and demand of bespoke wedding gowns however perhaps this is another indication that consumers have an increasing desire for quality products that justify their cost.

Kate’s boutique is very similar to how I envisage Wholehearted Bridal boutique; it is modern and luxurious however so homely and welcoming that it eliminates any feeling of intimidation. I love the fact Kate can be so hands on, designing and constructing her own bridal gown designs as well as altering other designs.

Kate has many years of experience in the bridal industry which without doubt has helped her to understand what it takes to run a successful bridal boutique.