Our Shopfront profiles give you the chance to take a peek behind the scenes and get to know some top-shelf talents that we work with regularly. Today we bring you the lovely Alexandra Thompson, owner of Sydney bridal boutique Hope X Page, who we interviewed for issue 21. If you want to see it in print, as well as hours of real wedding inspo, and recommended vendors, there are still copies available via our online store here. But back to what’s below… You’ll find gorgeous pics by our friend Scott Surplice Photography (also a talented wedding photographer, guys- see his work here) as well as all the deets on dress shopping at Hope X Page, and some pretty sound advice from Alex, too. She’s been in the industry for years, so listen up!
Firstly, where can brides find your beautiful boutique and do they need to make an appointment to visit? We’re around 40 minutes south of Sydney CBD in Caringbah. 1/296 Kingsway, Caringbah NSW to be specific! And yes please. We have one-on-one appointments with brides to ensure you get the time and attention you need. Also, we like to have a good gas-bag and find out all sorts of unrelated details about your life!
What designers will brides find in Hope X Page and what is the price range? Bo & Luca, Daalarna, Marquise Bridal, Dan Jones, A La Robe, Mariana Hardwick, Charlie Brear, Daisy by Katie Yeung, Willowby by Watters, Sally Eagle. Most gowns sit around the $3500 mark, but $2000 – $5000.
Do you stock anything else besides gowns? Some killer accessories that they’ll wear long after the reception wraps up, super sweet bridesmaid’s frocks, cool stationery from friends and all-around legends, Blacklist. Oh, and some wonderful indoor plants- feel free to compliment us on them upon arrival.
Can you reveal the three most popular designs on your racks that you sell the most of? Bo & Luca– The attention to detail and quality of fabrics is just mind-blowing. I throw the term ‘sewing porn’ around a lot when talking about Bo & Luca. Daalarna– Made in Hungary, Daalanra was one of the first brands I decided I MUST have in the boutique and a huge risk, as I’d never seen their gowns in person, but they were everything I’d imagined and more. Their gowns are unashamedly whimsical and feminine, but always have a modern edge- like a sheer panel, slightly lower-than-usual neckline or unexpected button detail. Marquise Bridal– Not only is the designer of this Australian brand an absolute joy, Megan knows what a woman likes. Her elegantly minimal gowns and separates show off all the right curves and make brides feel like a trillion bucks.
Any advice for brides searching for ‘the one’? Come in open-minded. We’re there not only to help you with the mechanics of getting in and out of gowns, we’re also pretty darn clever (if I do say so myself) at choosing a gown that suits not only your bod, but also your personality.
How far in advance do you recommend a dress is ordered before the big day? It’s good to leave six-seven months, we actually don’t book brides in further than a year out from their wedding date, which some brides are a little taken back by, but it’s just too long to have to second guess your decision. We implemented that policy for the mental health of brides, trust us.
Favourite trend you’re seeing come out of the 2018 collection releases? It made my heart pitter-patter to see that 3D flowers aren’t going anywhere. The whimsy! It’s too wonderful.
Trend you can’t wait to see the back of? Hate to sound like a fence-sitter but I’m not one to poo-poo any bridal trends. I think if you, the bride love it, then wear it with gay abandon and give zero shits about what anyone else thinks.
Fave Sydney vendors? Willow & Bear. Aimee is just one of the loveliest humans I know and a killer florist to boot. She does the prettiest installations that always have this romantic twinge to them. Oh, and we share an obsessive love of roses. Scott Surplice– not only is Scott taking my picture right now and making a tired, business-owning mother look not-appalling, he is just a legend. I always say your photographer is essentially a guest at your wedding, so not only do they need to take killer pics, they also need to be delightful humans. Tough ask, but Scotty fits the bill.
What’s new for Hope X Page? We’re always welcoming new gowns to the fold because we fall head-over-heels pretty often. We’d love to hold more in-store events helping brides with other aspects of their weddings (like bridesmaids looks) and of course keep holding designer days, having the designers themselves in the store is always so fun.
Fave part of the job? That’s a toss-up between finding and championing new designers and the general banter with brides. We are really laid-back and have incredibly inappropriate conversations with brides that leave us in stitches.
CREDITS Photos Scott Surplice Photography Bridal Boutique Hope X Page.