In Business/ EventsRetailer-News

Maggie Sottero Designs and Lark Bridal Host European Gala Experience

9th-10th March, 2025 - Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg

Elevating the Retail Experience: A celebration of bridal fashion and enduring partnerships

Set against an extraordinary castle panorama in Germany, the Gala European Event hosted by Maggie Sottero International Distributor Lark Bridal Ltd. in March 2025, promises not only an exquisite display of the Maggie Sottero collections but also a celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration.


 

Ruth Larkin, Managing Director of Lark Bridal


We were pleased to speak with Ruth Larkin, Managing Director of Lark Bridal & International Distributor of Maggie Sottero, to discuss the vision behind this exciting new format, its benefits for retailers, and what guests can anticipate at this landmark occasion.

What inspired the idea of consolidating multiple events into one single European Gala event?

Listening to our retail partners and understanding their needs was a key factor in changing our approach to how we will showcase our collections going forward. Our partner’s time is so valuable, and we understand the balancing act of running a business and travelling to view and choose new collections. By consolidating our private Amsterdam and Milan Shows and different trade events into a single European Gala event, not only can we give our retailers an exciting, enjoyable new way to view and experience the collections, but also celebrate and show our appreciation to them with a magnificent Gala Party Night. A date in the diary to look forward to!

Can you share details about the planned venue or location for the Gala event?

While the final details are yet to be revealed, we are hosting our 2025 showcase and Gala event at a magnificent castle setting in Germany, perfectly located between Dusseldorf and Cologne-Bonn to facilitate easy driving, or easy flights and connectivity for all our domestic and international visitors from across Europe and the Middle East. We wanted a place that creates a relaxing unique luxury experience, reflective of the quality of the collections we showcase, and the service we provide. We also wanted to provide a location that creates an experiential event that our customers can enjoy and relax in, both professionally and personally, whether they travel by themselves, with their teams or with their families, we look forward to welcome them all.

What unique features or highlights can guests expect during the two-day experience?

We have so much planned, from full collection displays, to live music catwalks, and culinary delights throughout to create an exciting environment for our partners to choose their new collections, and a luxury gala event to celebrate and meet with colleagues, new and old. We will welcome the international press to cover the event and have industry experts for live personalized training opportunities. And of course event-only incentives to continue to support our retailers in the season ahead!

How will this new presentation format support retailers in their businesses and foster stronger partnerships?

We always choose to host our private events on a Sunday and Monday so that retailers can choose to avoid taking time out of the business, and also allow them to make the event into a break away and an opportunity to travel with family or colleagues as they best choose. We believe in a relaxed environment, with no pressure on time, but instead, a peaceful environment, with great hospitality to spend time together to choose the perfect unique selection to best support each retailers individual business. And enjoy a party after!

What is the one message or feeling you hope attendees will take away from this Gala event?

That we value and appreciate the partnership and loyalty of our retailers, new or existing, and continue to design and deliver to support their needs, dreams and futures! From our families to theirs – Nollaig Shona (Irish for Merry Christmas!)

For further information on the brand and collections, visit: Maggie Sottero Designs

European Distribution Contact: Lark Bridal Ltd


EUROPEAN GALA EVENT:

Location: Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg

Dates: Sunday 9th and Monday 10th March, 9am-6pm

Gala: Sunday 9th – 7PM, Join the team at Lark Bridal for a drinks reception, followed by a luxury gala dinner and event in an exquisite venue location overlooking the river and forests below surrounded by the best in the international industry of peers, press and PR.

Accomodation: For any retailers who choose to stay over, they will receive a credit on their account for the overnight bed and breakfast rate for them and their teams, provided they place a minimum sample order at the event.  Should they wish to stay more than one night to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and area, we can also offer them preferential rates.

Find out more and RSVP HERE

 

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