This morning on the blog we’re thrilled to be giving you an exclusive look at the fabulous flagship boutique of our talented Sponsor, Felicity Cooper Bridal.
The stunning label was launched by designer Fiona Cooper back in 2010 and was initially stocked among other designers at The Wedding Boutique in Cheshire, owned by Fiona. Following an amazing response from brides, the Felicity Cooper name went from strength to strength and officially launched onto the international bridal buying platform at London Bridal Fashion Week in 2015.
In line with its popularity and success, Fiona has now relaunched, rebranded and refurbished her Cheshire boutique in the chic town of Knutsford, transforming it into the Felicity Cooper Flagship Boutique, stocking the label’s full collections and offering a bespoke designer service for those that desire a one-of-a-kind dream dress for their big day.
Here to give us a tour of the stunning flagship boutique is the leading lady herself…
Felicity Cooper – The Wedding Boutique from Viva La Wedding on Vimeo.
Tell us about the location of Felicity Cooper Flagship Boutique and how you first came to set it up?
fiona says:
The flagship boutique is on King Street in the historic town of Knutsford. Having opened The Wedding Boutique in 2008 and stocking my own collections from early on, relaunching as the flagship boutique for Felicity Cooper seamed the natural progression.
Why did you decide to solely stock Felicity Cooper dress designs at the boutique and how has the store changed since the relaunch?
Felicity Cooper had become the biggest selling brand in the boutique, largely because we could offer the bespoke service, our designs always stood out and brides just loved them. The relaunch has meant a rebrand and refurbishment of the boutique. The feedback so far from brides and their guests has been fantastic.
Tell us about the look and the feel of the boutique?
The interior design of the flagship boutique remains true to our vintage styling and design but has a modern geometric twist. It’s sleek, clean and a little bit quirky.
Does the boutique stock both the 2016 and 2017 Felicity Cooper collections?
Yes the flagship boutique stocks all the Felicity Cooper designs from all collections. The 2016 First Love collection has a slightly more traditional feel to it whereas the 2017 Natural Soul collection pushes the boundaries a little, with stunning embroidery and cotton laces. We tried to make sure that over all the collections there is something for every style of bride.
For brides wanting a totally unique dress you also offer a bespoke designer service at Felicity Cooper Flagship Boutique. Can you tell us about the process of having a dress specially made?
At a bespoke appointment the bride will come in and initially have an appointment similar to any other bride. We will discuss the wedding, find out the bride’s like and dislikes. Look at the different shapes and fabrics. It’s once the bride has confirmed the shape that we start to get into more detail, researching the right fabric. We then build the dress gradually to ensure the bride is happy along the way. This does mean the bride would have to have two to three more fittings than a bride choosing a dress from the current collection. But it is a great way to create a totally original dress just for the individual.
What is it you love about designing a bespoke gown?
Every bride is totally different and I love bringing their thoughts and ideas to reality. Getting to know them more with the number of visits and all the bespoke brides leave genuine friends.
Do brides-to-be need to make an appointment to visit Felicity Cooper Flagship Boutique and, if so, what can they expect from their appointment?
Yes, we do run by appointment as the boutique is small and we want to offer a personalised, exclusive experience. Dependant on the time of day, brides are offered a tea, coffee or something a little bubblier. We chat through their day and whether they have an ideas of what they would like. Then our experienced stylists, or myself if you are having a bespoke appointment, will run you through the collections, suggesting styles that suit what you have told us. We may throw in a few wild cards that the bride hasn’t considered but importantly if a bride has set ideas we don’t force her into dresses she doesn’t want to try. Mostly we want to make the experience fun, relaxing and a memorable time with the bride’s closet friends and family. We are only a small boutique as I said, so only have seating for three guests. We also feel any more than this and the bride becomes overwhelmed with opinions.
Do you stock accessories at boutique as well?
Yes, we make all our accessories at Felicity Cooper Flagship Boutique. Natalie, our senior stylist, is accessory queen bee and makes them bespoke to match the bride’s dress; from headpieces, belts and garters to jewellery. We also have a wonderful selection of veils to complement our dresses.
What is the top piece of advice that you give to brides at the boutique when trying on dresses and accessories to help them make the choice that is right for them?
We always tell brides to stick to their gut feeling and don’t be swayed by anyone. We are not the ones wearing the dress on the day and a bride must feel totally comfortable with her choice. Of course we offer our advice when asked, and try and guide the bride in making customise changes to create her dream look.
How has the flagship store been received by brides so far?
We are overwhelmed by the reaction so far by brides, their guests and also our wedding industry friends. The appointments are continuing to increase and more and more brides are choosing Felicity Cooper for their big day. We couldn’t be happier right now.
What next for Felicity Cooper Bridal?
We already have five stockists around the UK and Europe but we are looking to grow these and increase our awareness of the brand and the collections. We want our stockists to have good exclusivity but we also want to make sure that brides all over the UK have access to a Felicity Cooper stockist.
