FOCUS | Lulu Jackson Bridal
A brand that totally embodies the Lucy’s Bride ethos, Lulu Jackson Bridal is a Mount Maunganui Designer doing beautiful things. Lulu's dresses are hand made by her, using only premium natural materials - think luxx silks, bias cut perfection and subtle unique details. LJ Bridal is all about simple, modern dresses that make you feel like the absolute best version of YOU, easy and comfortable to wear, super chic, perfectly fitted.
WHERE DID THE DREAM BEGIN FOR YOUR BUSINESS? WHERE DID IT ALL START?
Lulu Jackson Bridal started by accident! When one of my best friends got married 5 years ago, we were desperately trying to find a simple, modern and comfortable dress and there was nothing - there was such a gap in the market. I offered to take on the task and it all started from there. I am a pattern maker so I had all of the technical knowledge to do it, I’d just never imagined making a wedding dress, but it was such a fun process, I learnt a lot, and our friendship really grew from it.
I made a few more wedding dresses for family and friends and when I started to work with other customers I still found the friendships we made really fulfilling, so I have just kept on going!
LJ Bridal has been a very natural process alongside my other womenswear brand Molly Perkinsons, and I still feel like it’s yet to really begin! I’ve got big ideas to bring to fruition when the time is right.
WHAT HAS THE LAST YEAR IN OUR INDUSTRY TAUGHT YOU? OR SOMETHING YOU HAVE TAKEN AWAY FROM THE LAST YEAR.
“I’VE TAKEN QUITE A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON THE CRAZY YEAR WE’VE HAD... I LEARNED TO REALLY APPRECIATE THAT THE SMALL SIZE, STEADY PACE AND THE RELAXED WAY I DO THINGS IS AN ADVANTAGE! “
When my brides plans have had to change with very little warning it’s been no biggie for me to adapt and I think that’s been really helpful for my customers.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE GOALS FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
First things first, I’ve just launched a website, which I feel sort of marks the start of the next step. Currently all of my dresses are fully custom designed and made from scratch for each customer but eventually I would like to do a little range, for customers to browse, try on, and be able to purchase as is if they like or with customisations.
LJ Bride's put all their trust in me, only seeing their dress become a reality at the sample stage - I think a customisable range would help to show brides what LJ Bridal is all about, and provide a tangible starting point to craft the dress of their dreams.
YOUR ADVICE FOR BRIDES TO BE, FEELING OVERWHELMED ABOUT THE FIRST STEP WHEN BUYING THEIR WEDDING DRESS.
I think I do things a little differently. I don’t follow any strict process or timeframes. My consultations are really casual chats over coffee, free of charge and with no obligations. I never put any sort of pressure on my brides, I try to cater to their specific needs and I think they find that really refreshing.
