Nadine Merabi

For a special occasion, many shoppers say yes. The brand is built around glamorous occasionwear and signature dresses with elegant, timeless silhouettes, the kind of piece you reach for at a wedding, a hen party or a red-carpet-style event. It is positioned as a considered splurge rather than an everyday buy.

Shoppers commonly find the fit on the snug side, so checking your measurements against the size guide before ordering is wise. The pieces are designed for a sculpted, occasion-ready silhouette, so if you are between sizes it can be worth seeking sizing advice before you commit.

The label's reputation rests on its dressy, detailed finish, and its designs are known for their timeless and elegant silhouettes. These are occasion pieces meant to feel polished on camera and in person, which is much of why customers treat them as a worthwhile splurge for milestone events.

Start with the brand's signature dresses, the pieces that drove its relaunch. A demand for those signature styles is exactly what prompted Nadine Merabi to relaunch her MERABI brand, so they are the truest expression of the label and the most natural first buy for an occasion.

Nadine Merabi is a British-Lebanese fashion designer, born on 19 January 1982. Before fashion she was an international field hockey player, representing England for around a decade until 2007, which is an unusual path into design and part of what makes her story distinctive.

She was born in Manchester to an English mother, a teacher, and a Lebanese father, and spent her first four years in Tripoli, Lebanon before returning to Manchester. She attended Oldham Hulme Grammar School and later studied at the University of Bath on a hockey scholarship.

After her hockey career she explored options like event hosting before turning to design, teaching herself to sew through YouTube tutorials. She was 29 in 2010 when she decided to pursue it professionally, first showcasing her clothes in a local Manchester boutique.

She originally launched her own label, then was appointed creative director at the fashion company ONO UNO. Four seasons later, driven by demand for her signature dresses, she relaunched her MERABI brand, the occasionwear line the name is known for today.

Her designs have dressed numerous actors and celebrities, including Catherine Tyldesley, Michelle Keegan and Katie Piper. They have also appeared on red carpets at events such as the National Television Awards, the Cannes Film Festival and the BAFTAs.

Because these are detailed occasion pieces, treat them gently: follow the garment's care label, favour professional cleaning for embellished or delicate styles, and store them carefully between wears. A little care keeps a special-occasion piece looking its best for years and future events.