Benjamin Roberts
Benjamin Roberts Limited is a renowned British manufacturer and creator of luxurious wedding dresses. The brand's outfits captivate with their timeless elegance. Benjamin Roberts combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements. In this article, we will tell you in detail about the history of the brand, its range of dresses, describe the most popular models, and give recommendations on choosing and caring for wedding dresses.
Year of foundation | In the early 1980s, but officially registered on 20 February 2003 |
Year of closing | 12 June 2018 |
Dresses | (2409, 2553, 5507, 2720, 2762, 2610, 2426, 2721, 2601, 2624, 2130, 2058, 2732, 2509, 930, 2224, 2604, 2506, 5508, 2217, 2352, 2622, 2366, 2706, 2606, 912, 2416, 930, 2406, 2758, 2650, 2713, 2228, 2710, 2504, 951) |
Awards | ‘Best Wedding Dress Manufacturer’ according to the British Wedding Fashion Association (2010), ‘Best Luxury Collection’ (Tia Bridai), ‘Best Collection for Plus Sizes’ (Gorgeous With Curves) and ‘Best Wedding Manufacturer’ (Perfect Wedding Awards) (2011 and 2012) |
Address | Swansea SA5 4AJ |
Site | benjaminroberts.co.uk |
History
The Benjamin Roberts wedding dress brand began its rise to fame in the 1980s, but its active development took place in the first half of the 2000s, with the company officially registered in 2003. The brand began to actively conquer the British market. It started participating in major fashion shows and collaborating with salons.
Note: Sources say that Benjamin Roberts Ltd began operations in 1975 in Cardiff (Wales).
The company's headquarters and showroom were located in Swansea for a long time, where active work was carried out with retail partners and the media.
In the spring of 2017, the company made an official announcement about the termination of the brand's activities after fulfilling existing orders. The liquidation of the legal entity dates back to 2018.
Why did the brand close?
The company's management announced that it would cease operations after fulfilling its current orders. The main reasons for the closure were related to high market competition and changes in sales channels (growth in the share of online retail, distribution profitability), and the renewal of the portfolios of large fashion houses.
Brand lines
The Benjamin Roberts brand is known for its classic designs and dresses that create romantic looks, often decorated with intricate lace details. Their distinctive features are soft silhouettes and flowing fabrics. They are designed for brides who want to combine modern elegance with classic charm.
The brand's main lines:
- Benjamin Roberts is the main line, which includes classic and modern silhouettes: from popular A-line dresses to elegant mermaid dresses and ball gowns. Distinctive features: clean lines, emphasis on the figure's strengths, no unnecessary decoration.
- Tia by Benjamin Roberts. A more affordable, ‘lightweight’ line. Lightweight and comfortable dresses made of mixatin, chiffon, soft tulle, with a predominance of trendy details without excessive pretentiousness.
- Gorgeous With Curves. A collection of dresses for plus-size brides with modified styles, in particular corsets with reinforced support, a well-thought-out waistline and neckline.
Collaborations: In the British market in the 2010s, Benjamin Roberts collaborated and participated in shows with Blue by Enzoani, thanks to which fashionable silhouettes and fabrics of the season appeared in the line.
Model | Description | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
912 | French taffeta dress decorated with beads, sequins and paillettes at the top. The dress is gathered at the sides, creating soft folds that disappear into the folds of the dress and give it a magnificent voluminous, multi-layered look. The dress has a presentable train and a corset that emphasises the waist. The corset fastens with buttons. | No data available | No data available |
930 | Dress with a large train, open shoulders and neckline, decorated with beads at the top. | £550-1295 | stillwhite.com. |
951 | The perfect wedding dress with a long train. Elegant style, delicate ivory colour with silver. The corset is decorated with beads, pearls and delicate embroidery. The train can be detached. There is lacing in the corset area. | from £604 | no data |
2058 | The fairytale dress of the decade! Tulle complemented by lace falls from the waist, emphasising the lush skirt. An additional belt with exquisite flowers completes the look. Original lace inserts create a ‘hidden detail’ effect when walking. The dress has a hidden corset. There is a zip fastening at the back. | from £650 to £1250 | stillwhite.com |
2130 | The draping at the front gives the dress an original look. The dark ivory shade of the dress looks exquisite, complemented by a flower gathering at the waist and a luxurious train. | from £200 | oaktreebrides.co.uk |
2217 | An ivory pleated taffeta dress with an elegant A-line silhouette, a mid-length train and embroidery at the hip. There is a button fastening at the back. Another feature of this model is the built-in corset. The set includes an embroidered sleeveless bolero with buttons at the back. | From £200 to £1,050 | stillwhite.com.au |
2224 | A-line taffeta dresses with a sweetheart neckline, full skirt, train and sleeveless design. | from £481 | no data available |
2228 | This delicate ivory lace dress has a fitted cut and flared silhouette, a strapless neckline and sleeveless design. The long train adds a touch of luxury to the outfit. The intricate lace details give the bride a romantic look. | from £250 to £1,200 | stillwhite.com |
2352 | Short wedding dress decorated with lace | no data available | youfashion.net |
2366 | An elegant dress, ideal for a non-formal wedding ceremony. The classic retro silhouette is in the style of the 1950s New Look — the shortened skirt flares out from the waist, forming a lush A-line. The waistline is emphasised by a draped ribbon. The top is a wrap bodice with open shoulders (off-the-shoulder), complemented by semi-transparent lace inserts on the chest. The ¾-length sleeves are made of thin lace that covers the shoulders. The skirt is made of thick fabric with a slight sheen and is decorated with floral embroidery. The ivory shade with a soft pearlescent sheen looks elegant. | No data available | No data available. |
2409 | A fishtail dress with a train from the 2014 collection, white in colour. The lace decoration gives the dress an original look. | No data available. | No data available. |
2416 | A closed dress with a train and corset from the 2014 collection. | From £368 to €1,495 | stillwhite.com |
2504 | A white dress from the 2015 collection with a train and corset, heart-shaped neckline. | No data available | No data available |
2509 | A seductive wedding dress with a sensual silhouette and a presentable, beaded back. The tulle lining and easily attachable train give the dress a glamorous look. | From £250 to £1,200 | stillwhite.com |
2553 | White wedding dress with train from the 2012 collection, mermaid style. The lace decoration on the front gives the dress an original look. | From £200 to £1,100 | stillwhite.com. |
2610 | Floor-length tulle dress with open shoulders and neckline, satin belt at the waist. | From £220 to £720 | stillwhite.com |
2622 | Elegant wedding dress made of sheer tulle fabric with a neckline, heart-shaped lace insert and a fluffy tulle skirt with lace details. | From £340 to £1,200 | stillwhite.com |
2650 | A flowing trumpet silhouette complemented by sheer inserts and a keyhole back. | £300 (bu) | stillwhite.com |
2713 | Comfortable to wear and truly stunning dress with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt starting at the waistline. | From £400 to £1,300 | stillwhite.com |
2720 | Satin wedding dress with lace trim and back cut-out. | From £300 to £1,257 | stillwhite.com. |
2758 | Organza dress combined with lace with shortened ivory-coloured sleeves. | From £450 to £1,600. | stillwhite.com |
2507 | Straight wedding dress with train from the 2015 collection. | No data available. | No data available. |
Design signature and fit
Benjamin Roberts wedding dresses are distinguished by their characteristic design signature:
- The use of an internal corset that emphasises the curves of the figure.
- Precise professional tailoring.
- A wide range of colours from snow white to ivory, gold, silver and other interesting shades such as lilac and graphite.
- A train that is easy to attach so that it can be lifted and let down without any effort.
Other features of the brand include silhouettes: A-line and trapezoidal with a smooth skirt line. The fishtail with an elongated thigh line is an excellent choice for brides who want to emphasise their waistline.
Most models use internal boning, soft cups and waist-cinching belts. This helps the dresses keep their shape and fit perfectly.
In terms of materials, the brand most often uses microsatin, taffeta, lace (including corded lace), tulle and organza. The decor is created with lace inserts, hand-made embroidery, glass beads, and occasionally ribbon belts or embroidered belts.
Characteristic details in many Benjamin Roberts dresses include closed backs with buttons, illusions created with soft mesh, V-necklines and sweetheart necklines. Train lengths vary from short to ceremonial.
Benjamin Roberts Ltd has won over many brides precisely because of its unique features. Designer dresses allow you to create luxurious wedding looks.
Sizes and customisation
The brand's main line features standard European sizes. The Gorgeous With Curves line is different in that it covers an extended range.
Most salons offer the option of tailoring the dress to fit your figure: for example, shortening the length of the skirt, adjusting the corset, or selecting a different belt or decoration.
Many brides want individual changes when buying a dress. With Benjamin Roberts, this is possible. Upon request, the length of the train can be changed, the back can be closed or open, and the lace appliqué can be changed.
Awards and reputation
In 2010–2011, the Benjamin Roberts brand was constantly featured on the shortlists of British fashion awards, including those for best collections and fit. Salon reviews and customer feedback emphasised the ‘excellent fit’, ‘comfort in movement’ and ‘problem-free tailoring’.
In 2010, the brand was named ‘Best Wedding Dress Manufacturer’ by the British Bridal Fashion Association.
In 2011 and 2012, it won in the following categories:
- ‘Best Luxury Collection’ (Tia Bridal).
- ‘Best Collection for Plus Sizes’ (Gorgeous With Curves).
- ‘Best Wedding Manufacturer’ (Perfect Wedding Awards).
Karen Taft, CEO of Benjamin Roberts Ltd, received the Welsh National Award for ‘outstanding contribution to the wedding industry’.
The brand has established itself as combining high quality with affordable prices.
Even after the brand closed, Benjamin Roberts' name continues to live on in the world of wedding fashion- in the article Top 10 Wedding Dress Designers, he is mentioned as a legend who left behind an unrivalled legacy.
Where Benjamin Roberts dresses are sold today?
Today, Benjamin Roberts dresses can be purchased:
- On the secondary market. The brand's products are offered by eBay, Stillwhite, SecondHandWeddingDresses, CrysalisBridal and local classifieds. These platforms feature models from previous collections, often at a discount.
- In outlet stores. Leading Britain and Europe stores held a clearance sale of remaining stock after 2017 — new stock items appear on sale periodically.
It is also worth considering alternative options. If you want to buy a dress in the same style but new, check out the current collections of brands such as Enzoani (including Blue), Justin Alexander, Sincerity, Ellis, Catherine Deane and others, which offer elegant wedding dresses in a classic style.
Recommendations for choosing and verifying authenticity
- When choosing a wedding dress from a brand that has discontinued its new collections, pay attention to the labels and tags. Original items have a Benjamin Roberts or Tia label on the lining. The tags indicate the item number and size.
- Carefully examine the corset. On original dresses, it holds its shape perfectly, the boning does not crease the fabric, the inner seams look neat, and the lining is dense.
- Another important criterion is the fittings. The stitching should be even, and the buttons and loops should be neat. It is important to make sure that the zip works properly and that the edges of the lace are overlocked.
- When buying, ask the salon to provide a receipt or invoice, order card or proof of purchase — especially if the dress is ‘new from the warehouse’ and not second-hand.
- An excessively low price for a wedding dress advertised as new requires verification.
Summary
Benjamin Roberts is an example of ‘classic British bridal’. Dresses of this silhouette have refined silhouettes, stylish fit and moderate decoration. Despite the brand ceasing operations, its products are still in demand and are chosen for their high quality combined with universal aesthetics. When searching for an original dress, be sure to check its origin and condition. If you need a new equivalent, explore brands that use similar styles and materials.
FAQ
Does the brand still exist?
No. The brand ceased operations in 2017 and the company was liquidated in 2018.
Where can I find catalogues of past collections?
In the web archive (Wayback Machine) and on the pages of salons/blogs with fashion shows of wedding dresses from 2010-2012 — that's where lookbooks and articles are most often stored.
What size should I choose on the secondary market?
Focus on centimetres rather than the size indicated on the label: measure your bust, waist and hips, then compare them with the seller's size chart. Keep in mind that corset dresses allow for a little extra room for tightening.
Is it possible to widen/narrow the dress?
In most cases, this is possible, but much depends on the seam allowance and the structure of the corset. The dress should be examined by a tailor, who will then indicate the safe range of adjustments.
Does Benjamin Roberts have any recognisable designs?
Yes, the brand has many recognisable designs, mainly A-line silhouettes with lace-trimmed bodices and button-up backs, as well as the famous ‘fishtail’ with a train and simple dresses made of presentable mixatin.
