The June long weekend gave us yet another reason to celebrate this year. From June 5th to June 7th, Sydney-siders were privy to the first inaugural Australian Bridal Fashion Week and as promised, it was a breathtaking and exquisite event. Held at the historical Sydney Technology Park, guests were treated to couture bridal fashion and style for as far as the eye could see.
To celebrate the launch of the event, bridal bloggers and much of the bridal industry gathered at midday on June 5th for an exclusive runway event that showcased a snapshot of the gowns that were on display across the weekend.
It was a weekend that allowed each and every guest to completely immerse themselves in all the beauty of bridal fashion, with guests also having the opportunity to meet with the designers. Having such a high calibre of designers certainly made this next part a difficult one, but here are our highlights from the weekend!
BRIDAL GOWNS
With so many exquisite gowns showcasing on the runway and throughout the event, we’ve selected our highlights for Sleek, Embellished and Vintage gowns to get you started on choosing your bridal look!
Sleek & Minimal
Looking for a contemporary style that highlights your figure in a luxurious fabric? Minimalistic styles are the ultimate in sophisticated chic and here are our top selects.
Jennifer Regan
With a luxe collection of fitted designs in both full lace and satin, the Jennifer Regan gowns were chic and contemporary for the modern bride.
Lust Have: A sleek silk satin design with low back and lace detail is the perfect combination of minimalistic design and couture detail.
With a beautiful collection of both minimal and embellished styles, it was the minimalistic styles of Lilli Marcs finished with couture detailing that really caught our eye! In luxurious, lustrous fabrics that fall gracefully from the body, these gowns are contemporary yet timeless.
Image via Lilli Marcs
Lust Have: The beautiful fitted cowl neck design is just timeless! With a fitted waist and A-line skirt silhouette, this gown will give you a touch of Hollywood glamour on your special day.
Embellished
A look that has stood the test of time, a beautifully embellished gown is a timeless style for the contemporary bride.
The Queen of decadent embellished gowns, the Anna Campbell creations are something from a fairytale world, fit for a princess. With a silhouette to suit each bride’s style, the ‘Spirit’ collection that was showcased is a romantic’s dream come true. The collection features both full-embellished lace styles as well as chiffon gowns.
Lust Have: The fitted style that graced the runway at the media launch was flawless! Richly embellished and finished with a delicate chandelier cap sleeve, this statement style is sure to be a favourite with brides everywhere.
Flying across the seas to showcase at ABFW, renowned couturier Liz Martinez showcased an exquisite collection of tulle, lace, beading and beauty. Whether it is a more relaxed (yet still artfully detailed) shorter style that you’re looking for, a strapless fitted gown or a plunging v-neck A line gown, this collection is for you.
Image via Bridal Fashion Week Australia
Lust Have: The contemporary Cinderella gown that opened the media launch with a plunging V neck, cinched waist and A-line skirt was flawlessly embellished and just simply stunning!
Since launching in 2012, the Leah Da Gloria brand has quickly become a darling within the Australian bridal industry. Infusing her trademark ornate embellishment with luxe sleek gowns, this collection cemented the designer’s place as one of the countries most exquisite couturiers.
Lust Have: Lace, texture and silk organza – what more could you want! Pictured far left, this fitted gown is structured yet feminine, contemporary yet classic.
Walking into the Nektaria space was like falling down a magically embellished rabbit hole. Featuring figure-skimming gowns with complete lace and embellishment, these gowns are decadent and luxurious for the contemporary bride.
Lust Have: A sheer style with organza sleeves, a regal scalloped neckline and flowing train.
Unveiling a luxurious couture collection this Bridal Fashion Week, the Sant Elia brand showcased a vintage inspired glamorous selection of bridal and occasion wear gowns. A brand to watch!
Image via Sant Elia
Lust Have: Opt for a royal style with the ‘Valentina’ gown. Artfully embellished in earthly and regal tones, this gown is a beautiful feminine style.
Grandeur and Couture artfulness is what we have come to expect from the luxurious work of Mariana Hardwick and this collection was even more beautiful than anticipated. Featuring complete lace styles, nude looks and a touch of colour, this collection is unique and simply gorgeous.
Lust Have: A beautifully white-corded lace overlaying a nude silhouette was a standout piece!
Vintage
Whether you’re looking for a hint of old world glamour or you’re having a Gatsby themed reception, there is a special Vintage inspired gown to suit each inspiration.
What could be more vintage than a brand with the word ‘vintage’ in its name? The Forever Vintage collections are made up of only the finest vintage pieces from the 1940’s through to the 80’s. With Parisian couturiers included in the mix, this is the must see label for those wanting an authentic vintage piece. Opt for a gorgeous ruby or royal toned ball gown style if traditional white isn’t for you.
Image via George Azmy
Lust Have: The beautiful ‘Vene’ gown with a full tulle skirt, belted waist and sheer cap sleeves is a romantic and beautiful style for the traditional bride.
With a hint of 1920’s inspiration, the beautiful Johanna Johnson gowns were contemporary infused with a touch of vintage glamour. With styles featuring drop waists and heavily embellished shift gowns, this collection creates a romantic statement for the modern yet vintage inspired bride.
Lust Have: The fully embellished shift style dress was an absolute highlight across the whole event. Styled with a matching headpiece, this look is the ultimate in vintage luxe.
If you’re opting for a vintage inspired bridesmaid look, For the Love of Grace is your ‘go to’ designer. Combing delicate laces with sheer chiffons in earth and romantic tones, these exquisite designs not only make for the perfect bridesmaid gown, they are also a piece that your maids will love for years to come.
Image via George Gittany
Lust Have: The whimsical ‘Summer Shadows’ gown in dove grey with a fitted bodice and full sheer skirt will perfectly compliment a romantic bridal look.
ACCESSORIES
Looking to highlight your bridal look with a statement jewellery piece? Whether you’ve chosen a sleek minimalistic gown or a heavily embellished and ornate style, the right accessory will accentuate your look and draw attention to your features.
Renowned in the bridal industry for her 25 years of creating exquisite and ornamental bridal jewellery, Stephanie Browne is a ‘must see’ designer for the vintage inspired bride. Showcasing a lust worthy selection of hair accessories, headpieces, and jewellery, each piece is artfully created for a luxurious and glamorous look.
Lust Have: Looking for a beautiful headpiece? Opt for a classic comb in a stunning embellished style.
Being one of Australia’s most sought after jewellery brands, the Samantha Wills bridal collection is a flawless display of trademark luxe aesthetic. With a collection of highly ornate accessories in gold, silver and metal tones, this is a heavenly collection for the boho and vintage inspired bride!
Lust Have: We can’t go past the ‘Precious Dreamers’ cuff in silver! An absolute statement piece that you will treasure forever.
Shoes
Whether they will be hidden under layers of tulle and silk for the most part of the day or on display to complement your cocktail length dress, choosing the perfect pair of shoes for your wedding completes your bridal look Cinderella style.
Entering the event, one of the first displays that guests came across was the fairytale world of The White Collection. With a beautiful gold swing chair and glass tables for display areas, this was one of the standout displays across the event! Featuring both Australian and International designer bridal shoe brands including Badgley Mischka, Charlotte Mills and Jakii, there is a little piece of heaven for everyone.
Lust Have: Harriet Wilde ‘Marina English’ rose peep toes with silver leaf detailing.
An Australian brand of positively divine bridal shoes! Created with only the finest fabrics and Swarovski crystals, Panache Bridal Shoes work closely with Australia’s top designers to ensure your bridal shoes complement all the latest wedding styles and trends.
Image via Panache Bridal Shoes
Lust Have: Opt for one of their luxe pale blue styles for your ‘Something Blue’ bridal addition!
With an amazing and unforgettable showcase, that wraps up our top picks from Australian Bridal Fashion Week for 2015.
Thank you to the beautiful team from ABFW, I can’t wait for the 2016 show!
All images unless otherwise credited are via Ms Filagree
Ms Chinoiserie Says: What a beautifully elegant event with Australia’s leading bridal designers – a stunning selection for every bride.
This designer has taken my deposit and hasn’t turned up to any of my appointments. I flew to Melbourne with my bridal party from Adelaide and she left us in the street, no one was at the studio – I’m still waiting for my deposit but she is just sending rude text messages.