The Saavy Shopper

Last month we held our exclusive EBD event where our guests, 5 industry experts had to choose the final 10 dresses made by up-and-coming designers in association with not-for-profit organisation Fashion Capital. It was the judges’ job to pick exclusively for you, the BrandAlley member, the UK’s hottest design talent and the ultimate EBD for your wardrobe.

The countdown is over and the sale has begun, but what did our judges make of the competition? We caught up with our fantastic panel to find out what they enjoyed most from the designs, and ultimately, which dress is their favourite.

Laura Puddy – Cosmopolitan

Fashion Stylist & Writer

“Last month, myself and other fashionistas from the industry sat down to take the first peek at the potential EBD collection for BrandAlley.   We spent the day viewing and discussing picks from a range of UK based designers championed by Fashion Capital.  The short list consisted of 21 dresses and it was our job to pick the cream of the crop from the UK’s new hottest fashion talent.

As a panel, we discussed the final dresses and decided on the 10 styles that would give the BrandAlley customer a diverse collection of dresses so there would be something to suit all shapes and sizes.

My fave is the Geisha dress by Maninha.”

Anna Dowd – ITV

Fashion Producer

“I’m a massive believer in supporting and nurturing new talent so it was great to be involved in the EBD judging process and meet the finalists. There is so much amazing talent out there so it’s important that there are organisations like Fashion Capital who offer support and funding to budding designers.

Amongst my favourite dresses were the tango inspired ‘The El Huracan’ dress by Ella Sharp and ‘The Geisha’ by Maninha which was inspired by Japan.”

Marian Kihogo

Renowned Blogger & Celebrity Stylist

“The entries put forward an interesting mix of design perspective to suit the BrandAlley member. My favourite had to be the Tango inspired lace dress (The El Huracan dress by Ella Sharp); incredibly well constructed, and memorable.”

Hannah Rochell – The Times

Fashion Writer & Stylist

“I was delighted to be involved in the judging of the EBD competition for BrandAlley. There was a wealth of talent on offer on the day but I think we managed to whittle it down to the 10 most original, wearable, desirable, timeless and stylish designs. My personal favourites were the Cathy dress by Vjera Vilicnik, with its incredible intricate workmanship, and the super-versatile Lucy dress by Zoe Boomer.”

Marie Davies – Drapers

Junior Fashion Editor

“My favourite dress in the sale is the Tutu Dress by Tobi Hannah. I love the full layered netted skirt and the black colourway keeps it from looking too girly. It could be worn both in a very traditional 1950s way or alternatively styled up with accessories to look more modern. The judging day itself was a great success and I think we were presented with some very desirable and commercially viable dresses by some extremely talented designers.”

The EBD collection is available exclusively at BrandAlley.co.uk until 30^th September.