A pair of entrepreneurs are taking their love of classic styles to a new market, writes Diane Parkes

Something old takes on a new meaning with a Digbeth-based business selling vintage wedding dresses.

Luxe Bridal has been launched by two friends, Shelley Jukes and Becci Bradley who both have a love of vintage fashion and saw a gap in the market when it comes to styling the big day.

The women have sourced vintage dresses from across the country in all shapes, periods and sizes and have opened a fitting room in a unit at the Custard Factory in Gibb Street where brides-to-be can try on the gowns.

“We have both always loved vintage and are real vintage hoarders,” said Ms Jukes, 36, who grew up in Dudley and now lives in Stirchley. “Vintage has become really popular but there didn’t seem to be places offering wedding dresses.”

To be declared vintage, a dress needs to be more than 25 years old and the women have found fashions going back to the swinging sixties and beyond.

“I think what women like about vintage is that nobody else will be wearing that dress,” said Ms Jukes. “And they are really beautiful dresses. If you were to try and get one made new it would cost a lot of money as a lot of them would have been expensive at the time.”

And with a background as a dressmaker and seller of vintage style, Ms Jukes is able to carry out any alterations needed to ensure the gowns are made to measure.

With vintage style becoming increasingly popular and nostalgia fairs taking place across the country, Ms Jukes says it seemed the perfect time to launch Luxe Bridal.