“To keep positive, that your wedding will happen, that it may not be in the way you thought, but in the end you have married the man you love still.” Emma of Miller White on her advice to lockdown brides
Miller White is the new bridal brand on the block, and they’re causing waves in the industry (and beyond) with their eco-conscious, sustainable approach and fabric choices – not to mention their achingly cool, modern bridalwear. A brand built on “simple iconic style made with people and the planet in mind,” Miller White was conceived in 2019 by the team behind the hugely celebrated bespoke bridal label, Emma Beaumont. Emma, the designer behind both labels, studied fashion design at the University of Rochester, completing the highly acclaimed fashion atelier degree (notably, the only course of its kind). Her love for bridal bloomed exponentially while at university – her mum was working for a top British designer – and has only proved to intensify going forward. Alongside the brand’s sustainable credentials, Miller White is passionate about their partnership with ChildHope. With £10 of every dress sale going to support the children’s charity, they work with ChildHope to improve the lives of children of garment workers who live in the Mirpur and Mohammadpur slums of Dhaka.
I caught up with Emma to discover life in lockdown (3.0) and more about the new exciting label filling our Instagram feeds and wish lists…
#1 We’ve just gone into Lockdown 3. In three words, describe how you are currently feeling…
“Apprehensive, positive, creative.”
#2 Talk to us about your usual daily routine for your business and how this will change in lockdown…
“As we started during a lockdown period, it gave us time to be able to start our new brand, Miller White and build on our passion to create an online collection for the ethical, eco-minded bride and develop some designs that would be fun and easy to wear for the fashion forward.
Having spent a year researching organic cotton denim we eventually found a small mill in Wales that weaved the cloth from organic cotton they partnered with in India.
Miller White’s first collection features a stylish range of elegant and contemporary bridal gowns and destination dresses. Handmade from a range of organic resources including cotton, denim and lace. The dresses are fun, easy-to-wear and kind to the environment. Unique designs with a distinctly modern twist, the range includes long, lace gowns and shorter chic dresses with statement sleeves. Our aim is to create further collections from organic and ethical fabrics that, as well as not compromising the environment, also – most importantly – supports the welfare of the cotton farmers and weavers.”
#3 How will/does lockdown impact your business, and how can people (brides/the wedding industry) support you throughout?
“Lockdown has impacted the wedding industry completely, especially bridal shops and our hearts go out to them. We are fortunate as we are online only and are still able to chat to girls wanting advice about sizing, details and some small design changes. However, due to weddings being restricted I am sure this has affected our sales so far.”
#4 Name three small businesses on Instagram you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “Nua Bridal“
No.2 “Jennifer Gibson Jewellery.”
No.3 “Nh Balayage”
#5 Favourite lockdown snack?
“We are vegan so no change, we just don’t buy any sandwiches at all, which has saved a fortune haha! We make everything at home and bring in. We are all salad and Veg box fans.”
#6 What’s your most recommended lockdown pick-me-up when you’re feeling down during lockdown?
“Family dog walking, open fires and dancing to music :)”
#7 Name a dinner/meal or beverage choice you feel might bring someone joy to their lockdown life…
“A good vegan burger like the one at Gustos or the Thai delivery in Sale, Manchester.”
#8 Talk us through what’s new at your brand…
“We are making further collections from ethically sourced and organic fabrics with a more ethereal and romantic theme from our organic denim.”
#9 What’s your lockdown outfit most days?
“Oh always a dress, it helps our mindset to feel positive.”
#10 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My grandson Max is three years old and Emma her grandma.”
#11 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated during lockdown?
“Just how lovely all the suppliers are we have done shoots with over the years sharing their shoots and chatting through messages to keep morale up.”
#12 For a little Instagram-escapism and positivity, what account would you recommend?
“Dragonfly Couture Stationery – her work with paper flowers is incredible and so inspiring. Also, Fiona Leahy Design.
#13 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Family.”
No.2 “Friends.”
No.3 “Time.”
#14 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted again?
“The Bulls Head Pub in Mobberley.”
#15 What would be your five film recommendations to watch during lockdown…
“The King, Crazy Rich Asians, Mary Queen of Scotts, A winters Tale, A little chaos.”
#16 What book would be top of your lockdown book list?
#17 Name an odd purchase you’ve made during lockdown…
“High heels.”
#18 The best gift you received this festive period?
“A shed full of logs.”
#19 Name a brand you would love to collaborate with…
“Beyond Skin.”
#20 What’s your advice to lockdown brides?
“To keep positive, that your wedding will happen, that it may not be in the way you thought, but in the end you have married the man you love still.”
#21 Your favourite beverage of choice?
“Rosé wine (vegan of course ) :)”
#23 Name your favourite magazine to curl up with…
“The Sunday Observer.”
To discover more about Miller White’s beautifully designed, sustainable bridalwear, head to the Miller White website STAT.
Want to read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite bridal brands, boutiques and designers? Head on over to the Bridal Editor WFH Diary page.
Campaign credits
Photography: Agnes Black | @agnes.black
Makeup: Nua Bridal | @nua_bridal
Hair: Daniella Hair and Makeup | @daniellamakeuphair
Flowers: Ewerr Roberts Flowers | @ewerrobertsflowers
Venue: The Holford Estate | @theholfordestate
Stylist: Sarah Rose Harrison | @sarahroseharrison
Model: @giftnyakuta
Jewellery: Jennifer Gibson Jewellery | @jennifergibsonjewellery
