A bridal boutique is to open in Hull’s Fruit Market, bringing an exciting blend of exclusive designer gowns, cool indie labels and unconventional chic to the world of wedding fashion. 

Ghost Orchid Bride is the latest new business to be drawn to the Fruit Market by the waterfront quarter’s creative spirit and bohemian atmosphere.

The growing business is the creation of former Hull School of Art and Design fashion student Katey Headley and boasts fashion-conscious clients from as far afield as Ibiza and Dubai.

Katey said: “I’m really looking forward to moving to the Fruit Market. For me, it’s a place I love going to and every time I visit there’s something new and exciting popping up.

“Our style is bohemian, urban and contemporary, so the Fruit Market is the perfect place to reach our target audience – fashion-oriented brides who want a luxurious yet modern vibe.

“The Fruit Market is such a vibrant and creative place to be. Many brides come from out of town so they’ll be able to experience the area and make a day of it, rather than just visit the shop and then leave.

“We offer a personal, relaxed appointment-only service and work with some of the world’s most creative designers.

“Our brides come to us because they don’t want a traditional dress – they want to make their own style and break a few rules!”

Ghost Orchid Bride will join other independent operators in the ever-growing retail community in the Fruit Market, including Cocoa Chocolatier & Patisserie; vintage fashion brand Poorboy Boutique; hair salon Mousey Brown’s; arts and stationery shop and studio Form; and modern corner shop The Store on Pier Street.

Katey is really looking forward to being part of the Fruit Market family. “The Fruit Market is full of like-minded creative businesses – I’m counting the days to our opening day,” she said. “I’m hoping to open before Christmas and to be honest I can’t wait!”

Ghost Bride Orchid offers a hand-picked collection of exclusive designer wedding gowns, accessories and bridesmaid dresses from some of the world’s leading indie bridal wear designers, including Alexandra Grecco; & For Love; Daughters of Simone; Vagabond; Chantel Lauren; Olivia The Wolf; and Marquise Bridal.

Katey added: “We have an extensive selection of dresses. They range from edgy and sultry to chic and minimal; luxurious and bohemian to festival and alternative – and we cater for all ages!

“These days, brides want to look amazing but still be comfortable, so our minimal, contemporary designs flow naturally from day into evening.

“Our dresses are luxurious, but at the same time are light and fluid so our brides can really enjoy their wedding day.”

The reinvention of the Fruit Market as Hull’s first urban village, featuring independent, creative businesses, shops, galleries and restaurants, is being driven forward by Wykeland Beal, the regeneration company formed by commercial developer Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, as part of The Fruit Market LLP joint venture with Hull City Council.

Ghost Orchid Bride will open in No. 22 Humber Street, one of four new build units being constructed to fill a gap in the street scene left by the demolition of dilapidated buildings which were beyond repair.

Tom Watson, Development Surveyor for Wykeland, speaking on behalf of Wykeland Beal, said: “We’re very excited to welcome another local independent business into the first of the new-build units to be let on Humber Street, with more to follow.

“Local independent retail is a key element of our vision for the Fruit Market as a vibrant community buzzing with energy and creativity and offering reasons to visit throughout the day and into the evening. We’re also delighted to be able to provide a platform for another young entrepreneur to grow their business.

“Ghost Orchid Bride will fit in perfectly with the independent spirit of the Fruit Market community and will bring visitors from across the region, the UK and even abroad to the area.”

Katey started her business in Hessle, East Yorkshire, two years ago. The opportunity in the Fruit Market will enable her to have a bigger retail presence and expand her business.

The interior design of the 1,000 sq. ft. unit will have an urban luxury feel with cool whites, splashes of pink and lots of fabulous foliage.

You can follow Ghost Orchid Bride on Twitter @BrideOrchid; on Facebook and Instagram @ghostorchidbride; and on Pinterest at @GHBride.