Based just outside Manchester city centre, is Imani - The Designer Studio. Considering this shop is in my hometown, I'd never actually visited the store before, so I decided to go this weekend and have a browse!

After browsing the Imani website, I was keen to see if the outfits from the pictures were as beautiful in person.



The store itself is well lit and spaced out, but not so spaced out that you're scared to touch anything! It's split into two main sections, with their casualwear and menswear in one part, and their designer outfits/bridalwear in another area.

It's not called the "designer studio" for nothing, Imani stock an impressive range of outfits from well-known Pakistani designers including: HSY, Maria B, Nickie Nina, Sublime by Sara, Tazeen Hasan and Yasmeen Jiwa. Obviously, these designer names come with designer price tags, but don't let that put you off - the staff instore are really friendly, and bridalwear starts from £800.

They also know their stuff too :) I spoke to Ferhat, the co-owner, and ended up having an unofficial bridal consultation! We browsed the designer rails, and discussed what I had in mind...I conveniently happened to have a picture of my "dream wedding outfit" and she was happy to take a look even though it's not an outfit they stock.

A beautiful blue outfit from the Maria B collection caught my eye, and even though they only had a size M (medium) in store, I agreed to try it on, knowing I would drown in it! The designer outfits are made to order, so the items in store are mainly for demonstrative purposes.
With a few safety pins, and a borrowed pair of heels I looked at myself in the mirror with the outfit on and felt like a bride! A beautiful bride!

Whilst I was busy dressing up like a bride, another customer came in, and she was trying on loads of gorgeous outfits from HSY...ah if only I had the money!

My budget wouldn't stretch to the £2000 price of the Maria B outfit I tried on, but there was a lot more in store and the next time I'm looking for a party outfit, I'll definiteley be back at Imani :)

If you're a bride who wants the BEST and you want something designer for your big day without the hassle, then a visit to Imani is definitely worth it!


Imani - The Designer Studio will be exhibiting at the upcoming Asian Bride Show in Manchester this weekend, they're also offering free bridal consultations at the exhibition, so check out their site for more info, or give them a call on 0161 834 3367 to book yourself in!