Mother of the Bride or Groom
The Resale Collection
When it comes to special occasion wear, you need your outfit to be as memorable and perfect as the day itself, writes Kate Ford
In Lytham, you’ll find someone as determined as you are to make sure you look stunning on the big day. Entrepreneur and fashion expert, Pat Haslam, has 30 years’ experience of making women look their absolute best. Since opening her latest venture, as recently as September last year, she’s already built up a very loyal customer base.
Revente, tucked neatly away on Pleasant Street Parade in Lytham, is a high class, resale dress shop which specialises in luxury occasion wear. Unlike anywhere else nearby, it has a particular emphasis on outfits for the mother of the bride or groom. Here, in elegant and tasteful surroundings, you’ll find famous names such as Irresistible, Ian Stuart, John Charles, Linier Raffaelli, Condici and Zeila.
Standing in the shop, it’s hard to believe that everything isn’t brand new. “That’s because I only accept the very, very best,” explains Pat. “I’m extremely particular about what comes in, because all my customers are looking for something of exceptional quality.”
The quality is certainly there, but there’s something else alongside it that makes choosing your special one-off outfit with Pat such a joy. She has a meticulous eye and a sixth sense when it comes to fashion and occasion wear, but it’s her genuine warmth and her complete honesty that truly sets her apart.
“For me, it’s all about the service,” she says. “As soon as a customer comes through the door, I can see straight away what will suit her, but I also need to find out what she wants from her outfit. We’ll work through it together, it’s a very personal service. And I would honestly rather have a customer leave empty handed than sell her something that wasn’t 100 per cent perfect.”
That doesn’t happen too often though, as Pat and the stylists who work with her are just so talented at dressing people. For many ladies, buying that special outfit can be a bit of an ordeal, but Pat and the Revente team have a knack for turning a potentially stressful situation into an absolute pleasure.
Alongside the beautiful dresses are other objects of desire – hats, fascinators, shoes and handbags – from Gucci, Chanel, Prada and Mulberry. In just one visit, customers can complete their look, from top to toe.
Any last-minute alterations can be dealt with by the in-house seamstress, so customers can be assured they’ll leave with a perfectly fitting outfit for the big day. As well as mother of the bride or groom, Pat will find the perfect outfit for days at the races, Buckingham Palace garden parties or any other special occasion.
It’s clear from everything she says that Pat is passionate about what she does and that she derives great pleasure from seeing her customers transformed. Choosing an outfit under Pat’s guidance is a bit like shopping with a true friend, you know she will be honest with you, she has your very best interests at heart and she will fill you with a confidence you never knew you had.
There’s a genuine satisfaction too, in giving such luxury outfits a new lease of life. That’s the beauty of resale and Pat wants to encourage people with the right kind of items to bring them to her shop.
“This doesn’t deserve to be hanging in a wardrobe, never to be worn again” says Pat, holding up a stunning creation from Veni Infantino. “That would be such a waste, when someone else could, and will, look absolutely fabulous in it!”
Pat would welcome high end, luxury garments that have been purchased for a one-off occasion in the last two years. Wedding outfits can be the dress alone or the whole ensemble. “Ladies come here looking for the complete outfit, so the more I have to offer them the better. I am only looking for items of outstanding quality from the right labels.”
She really is on a mission to rescue your beautiful garments, which you’ve packed away out of sight, and to introduce them to somebody new, someone who will cherish them all over again.
“If you’ve invested heavily in a gorgeous, exclusive outfit and worn it just the once, then why not bring it to me for resale. That way, you get something back from your investment and your wonderful dress has another chance to make someone else look a million dollars.”
Revente
1 Pleasant Street Parade
North Clifton Street, Lytham FY8 5FN
01253 732035
www.revente.co.uk
