A new luxury store dedicated to mothers of the bride and groom has officially opened in North Shields, offering a completely new experience for women at the heart of the wedding journey.
Anela, based at The Exchange 1856, has been created to celebrate the role of mothers in a way the wedding industry has long overlooked, offering a carefully curated destination where women can feel confident, celebrated and truly seen.
Founded by Jo Stott and Brogan Owen, Anela was born from their experience in the bridal industry and a desire to create a space that recognises the emotional and symbolic importance of mothers on a wedding day.
The luxury store officially launched on Friday 27 March, welcoming guests to experience its beautifully designed space, luxury collections and highly personalised approach to occasion wear.
Speaking about the inspiration behind Anela, co-founder Jo said, “Mothers are such a central part of the family and of the wedding day itself, yet so often the experience isn’t designed with them in mind and we wanted to change that. Anela is about celebrating the amazing women who raise us – helping them feel confident, stylish and completely themselves at such an important moment for them and their family. It’s about giving them the space, the time and the experience they truly deserve.”
Anela is more than a boutique, offering an intentionally personal and unhurried experience. Every appointment is designed to be individual and immersive, with a focus on exceptional fit, luxurious fabrics and thoughtful craftsmanship.
The brand has described its mission as “celebrating family, style and the fabulous women at the heart of it all,” and the boutique’s interior reflects this, combining soft textures, warm tones and elegant design to create a calm, elevated environment.
Collections at Anela have been curated to offer a quietly confident alternative to traditional occasion wear, featuring contemporary designs and carefully selected labels that prioritise comfort, confidence and individuality. Cofounder Brogan has designed their first in-house collection which emulates their vision.
Since announcing its launch, Anela has already generated excitement across social media, with many praising its focus on recognising the emotional significance of mothers during one of life’s most meaningful moments.
Jo added, “For many women, this is a huge moment, watching their son or daughter walk up the aisle, and they deserve to feel incredible. Everything we’ve created at Anela is about honouring that.”
With its coastal location and emotionally driven concept, Anela marks an exciting new chapter for the North East’s retail and wedding landscape, offering a fresh, empowering approach for women who want to look and feel their best on a day that means so much.
anela.co.uk