A WORCESTERSHIRE businesswoman is aiming for fashion success with the launch of a high-end dress agency. Wedding Pearls, the brainchild of entrepreneur Kirsten Dowty, specialises in selling discounted designer outfits and hiring accessories especially for the mother of the bride or for special occasions.

The new venture, based at Top Barn Farm at Holt Heath, near Worcester, offers women the opportunity to wear pieces by renowned designers at a snippet of recommended retail prices. A qualified accountant, Mrs Dowty was made redundant last year, but the 42-year-old has turned her idea and passion for fashion into a business.

She said: “Women want to look fabulous for their son or daughter’s wedding as it’s the most important day of their lives. However, that has always come at a high price as it means spending a fortune on an outfit which may only be worn once.

“By launching Wedding Pearls I wanted to change that trend, especially in the current economic climate, by making our immaculate outfits accessible and offering them at a fraction of the normal boutique cost. It’s also about presenting people with a friendly, non-intimidating environment to browse in and choose new or nearly new designer outfits from top designers.”

Wedding Pearls stocks designer names such as John Charles, Condici Ispirato, Linea Raffaeli, Ann Balon and Luis Civit.