
Our wedding suppliers and stockists are truly fabulous boutiques and shops that dedicate their whole lives to all things bridal and beautiful and when we caught up with the truly talented Laura Daly recently, she was certainly no exception!
Tell us a bit about your company
Bellissima Weddings opened as small boutique, run by myself, but demand far outstripped our changing room space and we moved premises to accommodate the ever-growing sea of brides. Nine years later finds us with a shop covering 3,000 sq feet of retail space!
How did you get into the industry?
I trained as a dancer and moved to Rome to work on the TV. I also used to act in commercials and got into modelling, finding my niche in Bridal modelling.
Which designer from your industry inspires you and why?
Ian Stuart because he constantly pushes the barriers of what a bridal gown ‘should’ look like and he isn’t afraid to take chances. Even his most way-out designs are always super-flattering and well-constructed.

Celebrity shoppers- who buys your product or who would you love to see wearing your product?
Although it would be great to dress celebs, I am more than happy to do what we do now and dress ‘normal’ girls – but make them FEEL like a celebrity themselves. I do think that Rachel Simpson shoes should be walking up every red carpet in the world – I’m sure it’s only a matter of time!
In your industry, tell us what you think is going to be hot next season
Vintage lace, cap sleeves, ribbon belts with flower corsages, boned corset tops instead of the ruched ones we have seen so much of lately
Describe your personal fashion style
Eclectic! Depending on how I feel when I wake up – sometimes I’m an All Saints girl – sometimes I like to be a Vintage Queen and sometimes I like to be all blinged up!
What is your biggest fashion faux pas?
Suede hot pants bought in Morocco –don’t remind me – please!
Think back to an early ‘shoe’ purchase when you were younger, describe them please
I had Clarkes shoes until I was about 14 – no heels and all black or brown lace ups! After constant nagging I was allowed a pair of fashion shoes – Tan wedge sandals with a cream sole – How I loved them – I wore them until they literally fell to bits! To compensate now I celebrate my inner Imelda and own about 100 pairs of shoes and sandals!
What is your favourite pair of Rachel Simpson shoes?
That’s a hard question – I love them all but I have a soft spot for ‘Marilyn’ – soft suede and silk combo – yummy!
Pick a pair of Rachel Simpson Shoes and match it to something you sell, why this combination?
Lilly in Ivory and a new Ian Stuart gown ‘Japonica’ – vintage lace at its best – delicate and timeless but sexy too!
Describe Rachel Simpson Shoes in three words
OUR FAVOURITE SHOES!
If Rachel Simpson Shoes is known for its vintage inspiration and simply beautiful shoes, what is your company synonymous with?
Happy, Stylish Brides X