About Studio 18

Studio 18 is an independent, family-run bridal, prom and evening wear boutique in Newcastle-under-Lyme, founded in 2020 by owner Debby.

But the story behind Studio 18 began long before we opened our doors.

Fashion and garment making have been part of Debby’s life for as long as she can remember. Her mother began working as a seamstress at just sixteen before going on to establish her own manufacturing business, creating bespoke made-to-measure garments.

Growing up alongside her gave Debby an understanding of dresses that goes far beyond what looks beautiful on a hanger, from construction, fabrics and fit to knowing where the details really make a difference.

After a career spanning fashion retail, bespoke design and other creative ventures, Debby eventually returned to where she had always belonged.

“Opening Studio 18 has been one of the most exciting chapters of my life. I wanted to create the kind of shop I would want to visit myself, somewhere you feel welcome, listened to and completely comfortable taking your time to find the right dress.”

What began with bridal wear soon grew into prom and evening wear, and today Studio 18 helps women and young women to find dresses for some of the biggest moments in their lives.

Display of green evening gowns hanging on a clothing rack with tags, decorative zebra print boxes with pink accents on the shelf above, and a poster with a stylized woman wearing sunglasses and the words 'WALK IN STRUT OUT' in the background.

Personal, from beginning to end

Studio 18 may have Debby at its heart, but it takes a family to keep everything running.

Her husband Andy, who handles all procurement and the back office, our in-house head seamstress Hazel and the rest of our staff, are all part of the Studio 18 family.

It's deliberately personal.

From the one-to-one attention you receive while choosing your dress to alterations carried out here by people we know and trust, we take responsibility for your experience from beginning to end.

Because to us, you're never simply buying a dress.

You're choosing how you want to feel on a day you'll remember for years to come.

A young woman and an older woman are standing at the reception desk of a dress shop. The young woman is wearing a bright pink T-shirt that says 'STUDIO 18 PROM' and black pants. There are mannequins dressed in formal gowns in the background, including a large dark blue gown with ruffled layers.

Beautiful dresses. Chosen with purpose.

Every dress at Studio 18 is personally selected by Debby.

With years of experience in garment construction and fashion, Debby has a strong eye for the details that truly make a difference, from fabric, fit and finish to the overall look and feel of a gown. Each dress is chosen with care, balancing quality, design and value so that every piece in our collection feels special, considered and worth choosing.

Most importantly, we believe finding your dress should leave you feeling better than when you walked through the door.

Confident in your choice. Comfortable in yourself. Beautiful, excited and certain that you've found something that feels right for you.

A young woman in a pink dress shopping for prom dresses in a boutique with pink and purple lighting. The boutique has a clothing rack with various gowns and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Let’s Choose Your Next Favourite Outfit Together

Have a question about our stock, terms and conditions, or appointments? Send us a quick note—we’re here to help and can’t wait to style you.