Favoured by celebrities the world-over, Bernshaw dresses regularly grace red carpet events and high society celebrations, attracting comment from fashion critics far and wide.

But it's the company's ability to stay one foot ahead of fashion trends that has made it so very successful. Its affordable recreations of designer and Hollywood looks allow women of all ages to make their very own grand entrances without compromising on style.

Still owned by the same family, Bernshaw was founded in 1945 when Phyllis and Edward Bernstein began designing and manufacturing evening wear from premises in South Molton Street, London W1.

"The post-war period saw a return of the glamour of the past, with women keen to leave the years of 'make do and mend' behind them," says Director Alex Bernstein. "The re-availability of silk and satins from abroad saw formal wear enjoy resurgence, with Bernshaw enjoying mass success from the start."

As the designs gained notoriety, so the company began to receive orders from increasingly high-profile stores, with Bernshaw dresses selling in both Harrods and Selfridges from the 1950s.

When in the swinging Sixties, hemlines raised daringly as never before, Bernshaw's evening wear was soon incorporating the mini skirt. "Eveningwear became racier, catering for free-spirited party-girls," says Alex. "The ball gave way to the high-society party, with designs changing accordingly and Bernshaw dresses were worn by the likes of Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton - style icons of their day."

Fast forward to the Eighties and the arrival of Dallas on British TV screens. The soap's stars' fabulous wardrobes were the envy of every British housewife and Bernshaw was soon creating its own glitzy Dallas-style gowns. When the show contacted Bernshaw requesting the company dress its stars for a Dallas ball, Bernshaw's celebrity following began in earnest.

"Not only did we then get requests from celebrities for dresses, but we began to create our own versions that they were wearing on the red carpet," says Alex.

When The Princess of Wales raised eyebrows with an off the shoulder Christina Stambolian chiffon evening gown slashed to her thigh, Bernshaw re-created it for the wider market. In 1993 Bernshaw interpreted Demi Moore's Indecent Proposal dress which became a best seller still sought-after today. And when media exposure of Versace's safety pin dress made Liz Hurley an overnight star in 1994, Bernshaw's more affordable version sold across the world.

Today, the company's designs are created by 3rd generation Design Director, Sara Brett, who learnt the ropes from the bottom upwards, joining the family business at just 16. Over the last ten years, Sara has diversified the collection to encompass a wider and younger audience.

"I think part of our recent success has been to pick up on the huge focus on celebrity fashion," says Sara. "With so much publicity surrounding contemporary stars, the dresses that they wear are highly coveted. Bernshaw can produce similar looks that cater for all sizes whilst also retaining that all important wow-factor."

Today Bernshaw dresses draw inspiration from the Oscars, contemporary Hollywood films and of course, the ever-changing world of designer couture.

"Our dresses not only look beautiful on and feel lovely to wear, but also accentuate the confidence and poise of the women who wear them."