Body positive real brides hit the catwalk to mark 25 years of trading

Former customers of a North Yorkshire wedding boutique took to the catwalk in a charity fashion show held to celebrate the store’s 25th anniversary.

Mandy Abramson, owner of Cinderella’s Bridal Boutique in Skipton, organised the event to mark a quarter of a century in business - and invited past customers to be part of the event by modeling the latest bridal designs.

A bevy of one-time brides in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s hit the catwalk, showcasing stunning gowns from Cinderella’s 2024/5 collection.

The event was held at Skipton’s EK at The Mill and raised over £300 for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, which provides respite holidays for children who are underprivileged, disadvantaged, disabled, have life-limiting conditions, or who have experienced poverty, trauma or abuse.

The idea was sparked by Mandy’s mission to challenge body image insecurities by using real women to model the gowns; it follows the boutique’s annual ‘Real Women Week’, when ladies are invited to try on wedding gowns, even if they have no plan to marry.

First to hit the catwalk was Mandy’s first ever customer, Susan Fleet, who purchased her dream dress from Cinderella’s when she was 32.

Since setting up her independent bridal and ball gown establishment in 1999, Mandy has supplied over 5000 wedding dresses to brides-to-be of all ages and sizes; her gowns range from £100 to £2000 and are available in all styles and variations.

Mandy, who co-owns and manages with her husband and business partner, Doug, commented, ‘We were delighted that so many former brides wanted to be part of our 25th anniversary celebrations.’

Mike Davies, MBE, founder of The Principle Trust added, ‘Thanks to our supporters, since launching the charity in 2011 we’ve provided respite breaks for 5000 children. We’re grateful to Mandy, Doug and everyone who supported this fantastic event; the funds raised will provide food hampers for families taking a respite break with us this Spring.’