This season’s New Zealand Weddings Bridal Collection started off with opulent and highly decorative bridal wear designed by Auckland couturier John Zimmermann. Plentiful sprays of Swarovski crystal appliqué made each piece glisten under the bright lights and come alive. The first piece, a long-sleeved scoop-necked form-fitting full-length number complete with dazzling crystals and topped with an amazing feathered fascinator was especially splendid, but a woman would be extraordinarily lucky to have any of these creations for her wedding day.
The next to show was Anna Schimmel’s collection. Her collection used soft billowing silk, making each model look ethereal. She also played-up a youthful and fun feel, the shorter hemlines sitting just above the knee on some bridal dresses adding a flirty element to what is normally a formal affair.
Crane Brothers showed a variety of hues. Elegantly cut single-breasted suites in dove-grey, black and sumptuous midnight blue all matched with pocket squares and were masculine and refined. One of the more noticeable numbers was a crisp black suit with white shirt unusually but successfully paired with crimson dress shoes.
Sweetheart necklines and full-bodied, voluminous white “princess” style dresses were the overall æsthetic for Vinka Design. Sumptuous layers of silk, tulle and dusk-pink satin sashes were admired by the crowd but it was the white one-shouldered, slim-fitting gathered piece with a heavily layered fishtail skirt that was the most eye-catching: unusual yet effortlessly chic.
Black satin sashes set against highly textured, stark white strapless dresses and lace and crystal embellishment on champagne based gowns highlighted the Sera Lilly section.
Modes focused on bridesmaids and “mother of the bride” outfits. Adorable children modelled candy coloured page-boy and flower-girl outfits, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience, successfully stealing the show.
The show was beautifully finished with the A La Robe collection, which dismissed tradition by showcasing an elegant, well pulled-off sheer black organza bridal gown complete with black lace décolletage and shoulder trimming, matched with a gypsy style black tulle veil and a bouquet dripping with rusty orange orchids.—Vicki Matias, Senior Writer
Lisa Wilson/Lisa Wilson Photography
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