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Finding the perfect dress is often the first and most exciting part of the wedding planning process and this week for ‘Behind the Door With…’  I’m taking you behind the scenes at Mariana Hardwick’s flagship store in Brunswick. You can’t really miss the giant letters spelling out “Hardwick Building” as you drive past on bustling Sydney Road, a hint at the grandeur and history I find inside.

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The name Mariana Hardwick has been synonymous with luxury wedding couture for many years now and it’s a delight to be shown around by Ellen, one of Mariana Hardwick’s design team. The team is also made up of Rebekah Hardwick (Mariana’s daughter in law and now head of the company) and Mariana’s own daughter Clara. Ellen explains that the team strive to design dresses that are different from the norm, a little rebellious even, and they try to reflect that in the large window displays at the front of the store. Indeed I get a sense straight away that for their customers this is more than just a dress shop, it’s an art gallery and an inspiration!

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The building’s namesake Mariana Hardwick bought the old warehouse over ten years ago and converted it into a bridal salon complete with reception area, six luxurious fitting spaces, workroom, offices and multiple client meeting spaces.  There are high ceilings, lots of natural light; original floorboards and industrial beams that make the space feel almost a little ethereal.  There’s a faint smell of sweet perfume and soft music playing that completes the dreamy atmosphere. Rebekah tells me that the space was not without its challenges. “It is an old building and has its quirks – noise travels especially with the upstairs floorboards but it adds to the ambience – being able to hear the machines going and the workroom buzzing from downstairs is actually lovely” she says.

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Downstairs, brides are greeted in the light filled reception space and then escorted into the showroom to admire and try on dresses to their heart’s content.  There are many glittering cabinets filled with veils, accessories and headpieces to complete the look. After the bride has selected her dress, it is created from scratch in the workroom upstairs before her first fitting. How amazing that Mariana Hardwick are still making all their dresses on site, it must be such a treat for brides to have something made to measure!

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Ellen shows me the “finishing department” where beads, embellishments and lace are being hand sewn onto dresses and the “archives” where samples are kept of special and popular gowns.  There’s some giant cutting tables and the whir of sewing machines in the workroom and I’m surprised at how calm everyone seems amongst the busy work to be done; they clearly take a lot of pride in what they do.

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Downstairs again and Ellen explains to me that the giant staircase makes a great backdrop for collection launches and catwalk parades that are often held in the store. Sometimes the space even becomes its own mini expo with local businesses such as Babylon Flowers putting together floral displays and Jessicakes giving out yummy cake samples to excited brides to be. Rebekah says “We have done many of our photo shoots in and around the building – the dramatic windows and amazing light are just perfect”.

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Photos by Nick Blair

Such an amazing building is meant to be shared and Ellen is excited about a new upstairs space for other creative businesses to rent. They already have plans for photographers and a modelling agency to move in which will surely come in handy.  The Hardwick Building certainly is the heart of Sydney Road’s bridal showcase and is such an enchanting experience to visit.

 

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Ms Chinoiserie Says: What a amazing and special look at such an iconic wedding gown couturier; such a wonderful sense of history!

About Amelia Waddell of Make Your Day Wedding Styling: I’m a wedding stylist and proud store owner who loves to chat weddings with everyone and anyone! I love to talk shop with other business owners (particularly over some chocolate cake!) and am the first to try and have a sticky beak behind the scenes of any event. My free time is spent ‘investigating’ new cafes, stores and events.