He asked. You said ‘yes’. He cried. You cried. And now it’s time to get down to the really exciting part of the whole wedding business..... the dress.   The picture in your head may be crystal  clear or slightly soft focus, but either way you know that you want elegance and sophistication, but with just a touch of red carpet  glamour perhaps. And you need someone to make that vision a reality.
Award-winning bridal couturier Melanie Potro, 35, not only understands the many and varied dreams of brides-to-be, but is eminently qualified to perfectly execute them. With over fifteen years’ experience in couture she combines creative flair and attention to detail, with a meticulous concern for fit an essential element for a bride looking for flawless beauty on her big day! Melanie’s speciality a lasting legacy of her work with renowned German costume makers Das Gewand, for the likes of the Bolshoi Theatre and Royal Opera House is corsetry. Providing support and comfort for fuller figures and adding curves for boyish silhouettes, her corset gowns and others with hidden corsets incorporated into the design, are created through a thorough knowledge of historical costume (always an interesting talking point) and the intricacies of manufacture involved.
Melanie’s design inspiration has its roots in a childhood love of Hollywood movies of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Gowns created for screen icons such as Ginger Rogers, Greta Garbo and Grace Kelly were not only effortlessly elegant, but were made for dancing in and Melanie admits to disliking “static� styles.   Her collection, in particular the Siena, Amiens and Chaville gowns, echo this easy, glamorous mood. Fabrics flow as they skim over the body, the slim-fitting cut accentuating a woman’s body, a seductive, feminine style that perfectly suits the modern bride, whose style sensibility draws her towards less-than-traditional white wedding conventions.
And a touch of glamour wouldn’t go amiss, think stunning brunette Eva Green as she sweeps down the red carpet for the Casino Royale premier. Melanie’s fully-beaded Siena gown in particular, borrows more than a little from modern Hollywood glitz, while remaining unfussy and simple in essence. Perfect for the non-traditional wedding ceremony, on a Caribbean beach or in an Italian palazzo perhaps?
She may have her favourite design influences, but Melanie is always open to new proposals. One of the reasons that her clients love their time with her (her skill and creativity aside) is that she listens.  Half German, half Indian, Melanie grew up in Germany among a broad international circle of friends and relatives. It has given her a love of different ethnic backgrounds and an understanding of different cultures. This is reflected in her business today as she sources her silks and accessories, such as exquisite and unique veils, from around the world.
She has also recently expanded her collection to include bridesmaids’ dresses.
Since moving to the City, Melanie has introduced evening appointments (Monday to Wednesday) to offer an extra service to the many professional clients, who work long hours and find it hard to take time out of their schedules.
Melanie Potró Bridal Couture London
Fashion Design
Studio 53 Craft Central, 33-35 St John’s Square, London EC1M 4DS
T: 07775 806084
Contact: Melanie Potró
bride@melaniepotro.com