"I am very proud to be able to present a special contribution award for dedication and commitment to the Bridal Industry.
As a youth they trained as a tailor in high fashion, cutting patterns and designing. Then In 1960 and the start of there bridal empire, opened the LARGEST independent retail shop in the UK, Bride be Lovely . This grew into a chain of several stores throughout the UK that stocked well known names such as Pronovias, Ellis and Ronald Joyce. They even had a holiday with Mr Pronovias himself!!
They quickly turned there attention to manufacturing and Jean Elizabeth was born. Designing own label Wedding gowns and importing them from Asia into the UK. It was his designs that started the heavy beaded revolution, setting the trends and being a market leader throughout the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
When Princess Diana married Prince Charles he had the dress copied and in the shop window before everyone else, which was reported around the world by the media and then again when Prince Andrew married Sarah Ferguson.
Projects with Jeff Banks and David Emmanuel are just some of the names of high profile designers and celebrity’s he has worked with.
When the first bridal trade association was set up, the Wholesale Bridal Association, he was elected as chairman.
He has been a mentor to fellow bridal peers over the years, and is always at the end of the phone giving help and advice to both retailers and competitors.
Now when he should be retired and putting his feet up he is still working in the business and is a key member being involved in every decision that is made. He works alongside his daughter and grand daughter. 3 generations working side by side.
If you haven’t already guessed when I say he is the President of Amanda Wyatt & Charlotte Balbier you will now know this award for Special Contribution to the Industry goes to the much loved Alan Wyatt."
What a wonderful evening!!! Much fun was had by everyone, and I was so proud to see my grandpop win such a fantastic award
xx
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