A DRESS company has launched its first “bump to baby” range.

Perfect Dress Company founder Sunny Bird said that during her own pregnancy with daughter Sophia in 2017, maternity wear was “not only uncomfortable, it was really unflattering”.

“The idea to launch a maternity and beyond range had always been a goal of mine, but it came to the front of my mind last year when a few of my friends were pregnant and complaining about the lack of gorgeous maternity wear available,” she added.

The company invited applications to take part in photo shoots and chose among its models Lucy Langford, a Bournemouth-based midwife; Jemma Robinson, a finance worker from Bournemouth; Megan Bracken, a model from Bournemouth; Kristy Dixon, a local authority worker from Dorset; Maddy Gaines, a mother from Dorset; and Kayleigh Moore, a hairdresser from Portsmouth.

Bournemouth fashion company promises you "The Perfect Dress"

Sunny Bird said. “After I gave birth to Sophia, although I loved my body for the amazing gift it had given me, it just wasn’t the same as it used to be and I still looked pregnant.

"My self-confidence was at an all-time low and I didn’t want to go out and meet people as I struggled to find stylish dresses that were comfortable and flattered my new mum figure.

The future's bright for Perfect Dress Company and Sunny

“As women our bodies are always changing, so we believe fashion should be specifically designed to fit, flatter and complement our bodies no matter what our shape, size or stage of life.”