“The dream! Hair-up, no make-up, joggers… I’m surprised I’m still married.”” Louise Hynes, Owner of Isabella’s Closet on her lockdown attire
Get ready Liverpudlian brides, there’s a new bridal boutique on the block. Founded by owner Louise Hynes – a former fashion buyer intent on bringing an appetizing offering of romantic bridalwear and luxury International designers to the table for modern brides – Isabella’s Closet will soon be heading to the top of your must-visit list. Enveloped in leafy South Liverpool, Isabella’s Closet is all set to help you discover ‘the one’ – champagne in-hand. Explore their current list of designers, which include Tara Lauren, Jane Hill, Beccar, Daisy, Daalarna Couture, Sash & Veil and soon…Anna Campbell. Yep, that’s right. You’ll soon be able to delve headfirst into the bohemian, aisleworthy dreams that the Aussie designer creates at Isabella’s Closet! I caught up with boutique owner, Louise to get the lowdown on her lockdown…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
Before “Anxious, scared and sad.”
After: “Proud, grateful and motivated.”
#2 What time do you get up? Did this change in lockdown? Was life a little slower?
“My life before lockdown was extremely fast-paced and chaotic! Since getting married last year I had been busy planning the launch of Isabella’s Closet alongside working full time as a fashion buyer. When we went into lockdown it was right before we were due to open, pushing back our launch plans and forcing me to slow down. After giving up my career to start something new, it was definitely a very scary time but allowed me to reflect and make sure we created the perfect space for our beautiful brides!”
#3 How did lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you now?
“For us it was that initial delay in launching and the financial costs of not being able to open as planned. Thankfully we had such amazing support from our suppliers, family and friends – which I will forever be grateful for! I am sure my husband didn’t really mind months of our house piled high with wedding dresses and boutique furniture…
When we first opened our doors, we couldn’t believe the response we had. We had an overwhelming number of brides book in to find their dress, more than we could have ever imagined in our first few weeks, and meeting so many amazing brides has been the highlight so far.
Lately Covid-19 is causing even more heartbreak for brides with ever changing restrictions and guidelines. The uncertainty over the next few months and what 2021 will bring means we have had lots of brides postponing or cancelling appointments, or nervous to commit to a gown when they are having to make difficult decisions and changes to wedding plans.
I think the wedding industry is being hit really hard and we all need to stick together and support each other as much as we can, not just our brides but all the suppliers who are severely being impacted by Covid-19, keep communicating, supporting across social and know that brighter days are coming <3.”
#4 Name three local businesses/small Instagram businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “@bookerflowersandgifts – Bookers Flowers & Gifts – our stunning local florist who has been so supportive and kind since we opened!”
No.2 “@crust_uk – our local Liverpool restaurant feeding my Italian obsession every weekend.”
No.3 “@wooltonpicturehouse – Liverpool’s oldest remaining independent cinema who have been hit really hard and are iconic to so many people in the area.”
#5 What is/what was your favourite isolation snack?
“That’s a hard one as I do enjoy a good snack! I think it will have to be Walkers Thai Sweet Chili Sensations, full size bag to myself and a bar of Galaxy caramel with a cup of tea!”
#6 Before lockdown eased slightly, what was your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you were feeling down?
“I was so thankful for the sunshine during lockdown and the daily lunch time walks with my husband definitely kept me sane!”
#7 What’s the item you could NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dreamt continuously about) during lockdown…
“Cadburys Orange Twirl!”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“Two of my closest friends having babies and not getting to see them grow and spend this special time with them.”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“WhatsApp and Facetime!”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Video calls – everyone knows you haven’t washed your hair and no longer own mascara.”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Quality time with my husband!”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“Our gorgeous brides who find ‘the one’ while wearing a facemask! I cannot wait to give them a squeeze!”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“Our amazing landlord who was nothing but kind when our opening was delayed and helped to make sure we did not fall at the first hurdle!”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“Stunning designer Anna Campbell will be joining us from November. We are so excited to add another Australian label to our collection and we will be the exclusive stockist in the North of England! They are the perfect fit for our modern brides, offering beautiful romantic dresses and separates to our range.
We will also have new styles from our current designers which will launch next year for our late 2021/2022 brides. We are so lucky and grateful that we can invest in new pieces for our brides and we have so many amazing things to look forward to!”
Anna Campbell 
Anna Campbell
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “My lovely husband! The amazing relationship we have and getting to spend so much time together during lockdown.”
No.2 “My family, without them Isabella’s Closet would not exist. The shop fit was a family affair and everyone played a part in turning our dream space into a reality.”
No.3 “Our amazing designers who have been so supportive and provided us with amazing content to share with our brides during lockdown.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“We visited Mowgli for my birthday in July. It is the BEST Indian restaurant, the chip buttie is to die for….!”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“My favourite has definitely got to be Selling Sunset!”
#18 What would be on your quarantine book list?
“During lockdown I looked for light-hearted easy reads, my two faves were Normal People by Sally Rooney and The Switch by Beth O’lery.”
#19 For a little Instagram-escapism, what three accounts would you recommend?
“Apart from bridal, my other loves are fashion and interiors:
No.1 “@thedresstribe – keeping me engrossed and inspired with amazing bridal!”
No.2 “@lydiamillenhome for amazing home inspo.”
No.3 “@alicedyson – my fashion blogger bestie keeping me up to date with the latest trends, making me want to update my wardrobe daily…”
#20 Name three things you bought online during lockdown.
No.1 “Everything I needed to furnish the boutique.”
No.2 “Clothes.. I know I have issues!”
No.3 “Flowers to send to family for lockdown birthdays.”
#21 What was your ‘lockdown’ outfit most days?
“The dream! Hair-up, no make-up, joggers… I’m surprised I’m still married.”
Anna Campbell 
Anna Campbell
#22 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“Hugo Spritz! Proseco, Gin, Elderflower Liquor, Soda water and Mint leaves.”
Discover more about Isabella’s Closet here.
To read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal designers, brands and boutiques on Bridal Editor, click here.
