It’s that time of year again where spring is literally days away and everyone seems a little happier. I know that I certainly had a pep to my step as I entered Brisbane’s City Hall for the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival – Monili Jewellers Bridal Group Show.

I was expecting beauty, hoping for something new, and I can say that I was not disappointed on either front. Six ridiculously talented bridal designers showcased their efforts and below are my pick of their top three gowns:

Brides Desire by Wendy Sullivan

Wendy opened the show with her latest collection, saying it “features double layering of mixed lace components and some soft sequin underlays to create a delicate shimmer on movement. I have also introduced a new lace design  and colour tone, this is in the shade of “Oyster”, a delicate tone that will work well over champagne, ivory and platinum tones.”

Gown: Fontaine

Gown: Lassandra

Gown: Hillary

Paddington Weddings – Bertossi Brides

Anne Bertossi says she “was over the moon to be invited to launch my 2014-15 collection at Fashion Week again, having only recently arrived back from Italy with some beautiful new fabrics to showcase on the catwalk. As always with my designs it is all about the fabric so I wanted to create simple, elegant designs, to allow the silks and laces to shine. I have continued with my ‘Modern Vintage’ feel with this collection including some stunning plunging V neck and boat neck gowns in a fabulous sequin lace from Milan.”

Darb Bridal Couture

“This seasons collection is a mix of luxe fabrics. I really like to keep simple lines and traditional silhouettes with a modern twist. The collection is about interesting details but not overpowering the simplicity.”

Brad Webb of Darb Bridal Couture has given us the insights to his gowns below:

“Ivory silk organza with a bodice of layered bias strips of silk organza alternating with spotted organza ribbon, subtle and elegant.” This gown was pure beauty and one of my favourites from the night!

“Gorgeous latte silk organza teamed with hand beadwork at the waist.”

“The Alexandra – this gown is soft and floaty and all about movement. It really comes to life when it is on the catwalk or walking down the aisle.”

Rayner Lee – Regalia Bridal Designs

Rayner has kindly provided details for each of her gowns pictured below, along with their respective codes should you wish to make one of these pretties your very own:

“Perfected fitted bodice covered by French lace. Rushed tulle skirt overlay wedding satin. Embellished belt adding more elegance.”

Dress Code: 1678

“Knee length wedding dress with cap sleeves.” I personally loved seeing the shorter length dresses featured this year which are great for a warmer wedding, and perfect for a relaxed garden setting.

Dress Code: 1677

“This is a full length princess style wedding gown in white or ivory which features French lace overlay on top of bodice and skirt. Zip or lace up back finish.”

Dress Code: 1645

George Wu

Flowing on from George’s 2013 collection reflecting the Garden of Eden came his latest inspiration – Paganism.

“I have discovered Pagans understood the relationship between people and nature which made me think about how to take that inspiration through my work. The shape of the silhouettes are very effortless and with an ease of movement as it reflects that free-spirited belief they had. The laces are a big part of the collection as Pagans have shown to use foliages and florals to celebrate milestones and occasions, so the details of the laces are bold, rustic, and combined with diamond netting to symbolise their hunting background. The overall mood of the collection is kept simple, effortless, ceremonial, monumental, dark, romantic, rustic, and ethereal.”

Jack Sullivan Bridal

Jack may only be in his mid-twenties, yet he possesses a wealth of experience and creativity, both of which were evident as he closed the Monili Jewellers Bridal Group Show.
“My latest collection has steered away from strong silver Swarovski elements like in previous collections, and I have a  used bold laces instead to add depth and texture to the gowns. The show was very well received and everyone seemed to love the gowns, can’t wait till next year.”
Neither can I, Jack!

Images provided by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane