Mae is Johanna Hehir‘s new diffusion line comprising of  young, fresh and feminine dresses which are every bit as detailed and exceptionally made as her main collection, only a little more affordable. Fabrics like soft georgette, silk crepe and vintage style lace are used to make the dresses floaty and light giving them an elegant, dream like sway as you move in them. Johanna’s signature classic, slimline silhouettes remain a prominent feature with the addition of fuller skirts as seen in the styles ‘Elspeth’ and ‘Esme’. Each dress has stunning details such as elegant bows, diamante waistbands and sheer back paneling. The sheer panels and the lace and chiffon shrugs give the more revealing styles a modest cover, keeping the church and your mother happy!  Retailing at between £1000-1500 they are at least a thousand pounds cheaper than the more couture pieces, meaning that modern brides can afford luxury at a time when many of us are keeping our purse strings tight!

‘Pearl’, below, is one of my favourite pieces from the new collection. With it’s timeless elegance this style could easily have stepped out of the 1930s, as could ‘Ella’. The simple straight lines and beautiful back details make them simply sublime and the draping to the front is so flattering for a woman with a smaller bust, giving the illusion of being more well endowed than you really are. Hugging the curve in your hips they then spray out into a gorgeous train giving curves to even the most boyish frame!

There is a style to suit all in the Mae collection and using the stunning bolero’s and shrugs on offer at Jo’s  boutique, women who are self conscious about their arms can cover up without covering the dress. Or try either ‘Elspeth’ or ‘Lila’ which already come with a short sleeve that hide the upper arms already. For more information about the various styles contact sales@johanna-hehir.co.uk or call to make an appointment at the London store in Marylebone on 0207 486 2760. Please note they are closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.