ELEGANT, STYLISH & INDIVIDUAL
Bringing a luxurious city feel to Whalley, Luxe Occasion Wear is the brain child of two local business women. Gail Bailey attended the launch evening to find out more. Photography: Rachael Ronnan
In what was formerly Maureen Cookson’s Ladies Wear shop, a brand-new fashion house has arrived and has brought a real sense of difference into the village of Whalley. Rachael Ronnan and Celia Lupton had a strong vision of what they wanted to create and on entering the shop with its fabulous flower wall, luxurious seating and chic décor it is clear to see how perfectly they have achieved this: “We both have an interest in fashion and when our partners took over the building we just saw an opportunity to bring something different to Whalley,” explains Celia.
Both women have already had successful careers in business. Rachael worked in e-commerce for The Hut Group in Manchester on completion of her cinema and photography course at Leeds University, and Celia, who studied fashion at the University of Manchester, went on to work in corporate sales: “We both had a passion to be business owners and when the chance to do something special in Whalley appeared, we were ready and eager to take up the challenge,” said Rachael.
Luxe Occasion Wear has certainly brought a very different, elegant style to the village, and along with it a new innovative way to shop.
“We want our customers to know they will have a very personable experience when they visit Luxe – we want to spend time with our clients and ensure we offer an individual and quality service,” Celia explains.
The spacious shop has three distinctive areas. As you enter rails of beautiful clothes greet you, catering for any special occasion such as parties, weddings or the races. There is an array of wonderful labels including Lavish Alice, Jarlo, Forever Unique, Nadine Merabi who has dressed many actors and celebrities, Outline London, Halston Heritage, Moda in Pelle and Australian designer Shona Joy, whose amazing clothes have only previously been available to buy in Australia or online. Also arriving in the summer will be LK Bennett. These elegant ranges surround a stunning seated area where clients can relax, take their time and enjoy being guided in their choice by Celia and Rachael.
A stylish make-up desk is also housed in this area where two expert make-up artists have been invited to join the team, meaning customers not only have the opportunity to buy the perfect outfit for any special occasion, but are also able to have their make-up professionally applied too, which perfectly complements the individuality of the service.
Towards the rear of Luxe is an exclusive bridesmaid dress area to provide an innovative way to browse, try on and choose the perfect gowns: “We wanted to create a relaxed space, where bridal parties are able to exclusively book the room, have a glass of fizz and enjoy trying on our fabulous range of dresses,” Rachael says. “We have hand-picked our bridesmaid designers to ensure we have a wide range of styles to suit all shapes and sizes. We want our bridesmaid bookings to be an extension of the wedding celebrations as we see it as another chance for the bridal party to get together and make memories.”
The final room houses a selection of beautiful prom and evening dresses including those from the exclusive Pia Michi label, which specialises in dresses for any glamorous occasion. Luxe have also sourced their own stunning range to ensure you are prepared to make that perfect entrance on a big night out. The dresses are in a range of eye-catching colours and designs that will help you to really stand out in style.
At a stunning launch event guests, family and friends were there to celebrate with champagne, and toast the success of these two inspirational business women. With future plans to have their own range of bridesmaid dresses and a restaurant in the upstairs of the building, these really are exciting times to look forward to: “We want to be a one-stop destination for those coming to buy a special outfit for a special occasion,” Celia adds, and this beautiful new shop truly does epitomise everything the women aim to achieve.
Luxe Occasion Wear
7 George Street
Whalley
BB7 9TH
01254 433133
info@luxeclothing.co.uk
www.luxeclothing.co.uk
facebook/luxeoccasionwear
Open seven days a week.
