Bridal shopping can often feel like a whirlwind, full of ups and downs, but at You&I Bridal in Dubai, it
transforms into a delightful journey. This boutique isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a haven where Hollie
Briant’s personal touch elevates the entire experience, ensuring every bride feels cherished and unique.
“My mission is to empower women through body positivity, stylist education and, most importantly,
states the founder.
believing every woman is unique”
After spending ten years in the corporate realm, working closely with female-led brands, Hollie Briant felt it was time to forge her own path. This led to the creation of You&I Bridal, a name that beautifully embodies her vision. The “You” in the name represents the bride, while the “I” stands for Hollie’s dedication to helping each bride discover her dream dress. It’s a reflection of Hollie’s commitment to providing a personalised and memorable experience for every bride she works with.
Reflecting on her experience, Hollie Briant recognised a significant opportunity in Dubai’s wedding market. While the city boasted numerous bridal shops, she observed a notable lack of personalized service. With You&I Bridal, Hollie set out to bridge this gap by curating a thoughtfully selected, hand-picked range of designers from around the globe, including the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. Her goal was to bring a unique and tailored approach to bridal shopping, ensuring each bride receives the individualised attention and exquisite choices she deserves. “You&I Bridal is about more than just wedding gowns; it is about a space where everyone feels welcome and part of something special,” ends the founder.
1. What drew you to bridal fashion? Was it always a dream, or did something spark the inspiration?
I started my journey in bridal fashion when I was just 17, working as a bridal stylist in a boutique in the UK. It was an experience that left a lasting impression on me—I still vividly remember the brides I worked with and how much it meant to be part of their special day. Afterward, I left that world to go to university and eventually entered the corporate world, where I had great success. However, there was always a feeling that something was missing.
In 2019, I lost my father, which served as a reality check for me—a reminder of how short and precious life is. That moment of reflection pushed me to return to what truly made me feel fulfilled. Starting You&I Bridal was always my dream, and it was then that I realized that being a bridal stylist was something I was meant to do.
2. For brides just starting their dress search, what is your number one tip for them?
My number one tip for brides starting their dress search is to avoid over-trying dresses and to live in the moment. Bring along the loved ones who you truly want by your side during this special time. Also, don’t forget the difference between Instagram and reality—every woman is unique, and that’s what makes each bride so special. It’s important not to get too caught up in photos or comparison. Trust the process, and focus on what makes you feel your best.
3. Body positivity is huge at You&I Bridal—how do you ensure every bride feels confident and beautiful during her fittings?
At You&I Bridal, body positivity is at the heart of everything we do. Before I begin styling any bride during her appointment, I always take the time to have a conversation with her. I want to understand what she loves and what she might not be as confident about when it comes to her body. This helps me guide her toward dresses that not only highlight her favorite features but also make her feel comfortable and beautiful. It’s all about making sure each bride feels confident and celebrated for who she is.
4. Dubai’s bridal market is growing fast, How do you see it evolving, and do you think there’s still room to fill some gaps?
I truly believe that Dubai is on its way to becoming a top destination for weddings worldwide. The city’s unique mix of luxury, culture, and incredible venues makes it a perfect place for couples who want something truly special. Dubai is also becoming a leader in the wedding industry, with so many talented designers and vendors. As the market grows, there’s still room to fill certain gaps—whether it’s bringing in more diverse bridal styles or catering to the different cultural and personal tastes that couples here are looking for. The potential is huge, and I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve.
5. As a female entrepreneur in such a personal industry, what core values drive your work and vision?
my work and vision are driven by core values of truth, honesty, and kindness. Brides entrust me with one of the most important moments of their lives, and I feel deeply honored and touched by that trust. I believe that trust is built on transparency and genuine communication; brides can only feel confident in my guidance if I’m honest with them. Creating a supportive and kind environment not only helps me connect with my brides but also ensures they feel valued and respected throughout their journey.
6. How do you add that special, personalized touch to each bridal gown to make it truly one-of-a-kind?
At You&I Bridal, we believe that every gown should be a true reflection of the bride’s personality and style. All of my gowns can be customized, and I work closely with my designer to incorporate bespoke touches that make each dress truly one-of-a-kind. The essence of You&I Bridal is about the collaboration between me and the bride—it’s about ‘us’ from start to finish. I take the time to understand each bride’s vision, preferences, and unique story, ensuring that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a gown that feels entirely special and personal.
7. Do you have a signature detail or personal flair that shows up in every dress you create?
All of my designers are exclusive to me within the Middle East, which means there’s truly only one dress in the entire region for you to try on, and that gown is located in my private boutique. I take great pride in curating a unique collection, with designers hailing from London, Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, Canada, and Miami. This exclusivity ensures that each bride experiences something truly special and distinctive during her journey with us.
8. Every bride is unique—how do you discover what makes each bride’s personality shine through her dress?
Every bride shines in her wedding dress; it’s truly a magical moment. Just as no two wedding dresses are the same, neither are the women who wear them. To discover what makes each bride’s personality shine through her dress, I take the time to get to know her. I ask about her style preferences, her story, and what she envisions for her special day. By understanding her individuality, I can help her find a gown that not only flatters her but also reflects her unique essence. It’s this personal connection that makes each bride’s experience so special.
9. Now the big question: Will you be designing your own wedding dress? And can you give us a sneak peek into what might make it uniquely yours?
Unfortunately, I can’t share too much because I want to keep the surprise for my husband! However, I can say that I will be getting my dress from my designer. It’s important for me to incorporate elements that reflect my personal style, and I’m excited about the unique touches we’ll be adding to make it truly mine. The process of creating something special that embodies my personality is what I look forward to the most!
