Catwalk fun!

Wow! - it’s been hard to find the time to do a quick bit of blog after such a busy time here at BRIDE headquarters. The Bride team’s combined energy and creative talent has been channelled into organising and presenting our annual expo at Jeff’s shed in Melbourne.

From my end of the business – fashion – it has been exciting and triumphant! The array of simply gorgeous bridal creations on our stunning catwalk was inspiring.

There is so much for brides to choose from today. Brides are SO lucky! From the ethereal 1920’s style from the designer Gwendolynne to simplicity and elegance from Baccini & Hill – theatrical and unusual creations form Dimitria, Annette Of Melbourne and Mathieu Salem Design, traditional romantic looks from Gulderen Sivasli and the grand dame of Melbourne bridal fashion Mariana Hardwick proved her worth again with gorgeous fabrics and beautifully cut designs. From innovative looks, funky style to conventional bridal they are all so beautiful.

Spunky boys (yes I will get some pics up here soon!) strutted their stuff in the latest men’s formal wear – and you have got to love a guy in a kilt! They looked great. If you have a bit of Celtic blood it’s a fantastic option. Guys really do look handsome in a skirt!

We are really lucky to have so many excellent designers in our small neck of the woods and seeing them up close and personal is one of the major advantages for brides going to a quality bridal event.

I think we all still like to get a feel for fabric and how it moves when we walk – how it flows or shimmies, drapes or sparkles - this is the best part of catwalk shows. It’s exciting and super glam – bridal is allowed to be over the top and Hollywood. Dreamy music and lighting add to the atmosphere. Even if you’re not getting married it’s so much fun.

It’s all over for another year but we can start imagining the next grand fashion show now!

Kirstie

Trains, not the choo choo variety

It’s a mad mad fashion world these days. All sorts of wildly impractical shapes and designs take our fancy. As I sit here thinking of Bride magazine’s latest fashion shoots which I am in the thick of planning right now and also our spectacular fashion catwalk show that takes place in late June, I am contemplating what does today’s bride want to see and want to wear??

In days gone by there was quite a desire for the formal train – luminous fabric that flows elegantly behind like a princess (think Princess Grace of Monaco)!

What an exquisite look but is it for today?? Can this work as you trudge around the winery in your high heels or have a funky modern wedding in the park, beach, restaurant or the Art gallery? Of course if you are still doing the church it’s an elegant option. Church aisles are perfect for this – aerial shots of royal weddings have stayed in our imaginations. Let’s consider the train as a practical option.

There are 2 categories of trains– the integrated or attached train and the detached or removable. These 2 are fairly self-explanatory – one being integrated as part of the gown and the other can be removed. Simple? No - far from it. If you delve into the subject of trains it could do your head in as there’s a bamboozling amount of variations that exsist. Try this and guess what they all mean?

“The Watteau”(sewn across the back then falls to the floor),

“The Empire” (attached at shoulder blades and trials to the floor),

“The Natural”,

“Floor length”,

“The Sweep” (extends 1 foot from the body),

“The Chapel”,

“The Cathedral”,

“The Royal” (not for us mere mortals as this one needs several attendants to move around as it’s 25 feet long! That’s why they need the aerial shots!).

IF you are a blushing bride- to- be you can ask a gown designer to show you drawings of all of the above, but the fact is I have seen less and less of them at modern weddings. Are they practical? Well what has practical to do with it? Again I come back to this. It’s one day and one WOW moment. If it’s your dream to glide in trailing a like a princess - go for it!

Kirstie