Category: Bridal Fashion

Julie Vino Orchid Collection

by gaby

Brides, get ready for some serious dress lust. Julie Vino‘s Orchid collection is AMAZE – a combination of red-hot sexy and extremely feminine and romantic, it really stands out. Based in Tel Aviv, Julie’s a new designer on my radar (although already well established) and I just can’t get enough of her sleek silhouettes and glamorous details. And oh, those details. Hand embroidery, ornate beadwork, shimmer, lace, a shiny gold belt, an Olivia Palermo-style short/skirt combo… This collection has it all. And while it’s currently only available to buy in Israel and the US, I just had to share the inspiration with my South African brides!Read More

Rosa Clara 2015 Collection

by gaby

You know, when it comes to wedding dress features, I always love featuring Rosa Clara, not just because the gowns are gorgeous (which they are) but because this is a collection that’s available in SA, so I don’t feel like I am taunting my SA-based readers with forbidden fruit. Rosa Clara is one of the ranges carried by the fab Olivelli, so after sighing over the swooniness of this Spanish label, you can get yourself down to your closest store and try on many of the dresses in person. It’s a huge range as wedding collections go, but that means there’s really something for everyone each season, whether your style is Jackie O. preppy, fairytale ballgown, or Daisy Buchanan chic, all created in a range of luxe fabrics with an amazing attention to detail. The 2015 collection is particularly breathtaking – so excited to be sharing it with you today!Read More

Mira Zwillinger 2014/2015 Collection

by gaby

You know, there are some wedding dress designers that each year when they release a new collection, I think they’ve outdone themselves – surely reached the tippety top of as pretty as their dresses can be – but lo and behold, the next season I’m dying over their new collection all over again. Mira Zwillinger is one of those designers, and true to form, her 2014/2015 collection is my favourite yet. Holy embroidered and illusion lace amazingness. Combined, as Mira does, with super soft, billowy skirts that combine into the ultimate mix of drama and elegant femininity. Long story short, I’m a huge fan. So let’s schedule some sigh-time to have a look at this latest bevy of beauties from the Israeli designer (not available in SA as far as I know, but can be found at Browns in London).Read More

Veluz Reyes RTW 2014 Collection

by gaby

As you probably know by now, I’m a HUGE fan of Veluz Reyes, the powerhouse designer behind some of the most pinned wedding dress images since ever. Based in the Philippines, her fame has spread worldwide, and with her first ever Ready to Wear collection last year, finally international brides were able to get their perfectly manicured paws on her creations (the heart of the business is still custom dress design from the studio, which is wildly in demand among lucky local brides). So of course I just have to share the latest installment in the Ready to Wear line, the 2014 collection. Like Veluz’ previous RTW, it’s awash with silky, billowy skirts, intricate beading and the most spectacual portrait backs, but it also manages to be fresh and modern. And be sure to scroll to the end where there’s a super fun little video (with bridal models who actually SMILE, but then, who wouldn’t smile wearing one of these beauties?).Read More

25 Sparkly Wedding Dresses for the Bride Who Loves Glitter

by gaby

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Sparkly wedding dresses? Now that’s a bridal fashion roundup I KNOW you all are going to LOVE. Because we’re all a little addicted to glitter, right? In fact, I’m pretty sure a meeting of brides and wedding pros could double as a glitter addiction support group, which should totally be a thing, because I for one would be a member. Then again, why resist when you can choose one of these sequin and sparkle gowns that will catch the light and make your guests (and groom) gasp. Here are 25 of the most gorgeous glittery, embellished and altogether sparkly wedding dresses to inspire. And PS, they make the perfect shimmery reception dresses too!

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Clinton Lotter 2013/2014 Collection

by gaby

You know, I thought I was in love with South African-born, London-based wedding dress designer Clinton Lotter‘s 2012/2013 collection (okay, I definitely was). But this season’s collection is just… beyond. I’d go so far as to say that the Mia dress is my absolute favourite of all dresses I have seen this year so far. I mean, beautiful floor length French lace, covered buttons, a portrait back, a slinky silk crepe sheath and the most perfect combination of ivory and blush imaginable. And that’s just one of the gowns in this collection. Each of them is so elegantly tailored and has its own unique touches and details – I just can’t wait to see them on real brides. They’re exclusively sold through Blackburn Bridal in London, so those of you based in the UK, book your fitting!Read More

Elbeth Gillis 2014 Collection

by gaby

Well, folks, I promised you some wedding dress loveliness to slide into the weekend with, and I shall not disappoint you! As you know by now, SBB loves our local designers (as well as the international ones, of course) and one of our all time FAVE labels (and industry people) is Elbeth Gillis. I never hear a bride say a bad word about their experience with Elbeth, and it’s no wonder, when her dresses just keep getting lovelier and lovelier every year. The 2014 collection is my favourite yet, and it’s such a perfect combination of romantic, old world fabrics and flattering, modern cuts. Looking through all ten creations, I was also struck by how perfect each dress’s name is for it – how it seems to describe an individual personality, from the 1920s Paris glamour of the Zelda, to the Armani-esque simplicity of the Jennifer. For those of you who loved Princess Catherine’s dress (um, all of us?) there’s even a Catherine, which is a romantic lace-sleeved tribute rather than a tacky knock-off. They’re all so lovely that it’s almost impossible to choose, but I think Edith, with its chantilly lace overlay, delicate cap sleeves and deep V back is my personal favourite. Head over to see the full collection on the Elbeth Gillis website.Read More

Cymbeline Paris 2014 Collection

by gaby

Afternoon, brideys! Since this is our Week of Lurve, I couldn’t NOT let us spend a little time in the City of Love itself, Paris. Because, as you know, Paris is always a good idea, right? ;) This little slice of amour comes courtesy of one of my favourite international wedding dress design houses, Cymbeline. I am a big fan of the romantic Cymbeline gowns, but I must admit that I’m also smitten by the fact that their lookbook is beautifully shot around Paris each year, so it’s double the loveliness and inspiration. And while you may not be tying the knot in France, there’s no reason why you can’t bring a bit of Parisian panache to your bridal style. So come with me, as we jet off for a few moments to the most romantic place in the world, to enjoy some favourites from the latest Cymbeline collection.Read More

Wedding Dresses for Hourglass Shaped Brides

by gaby

Wedding Dresses for Hourglass Shaped Brides

*UPDATED FOR 2021* You know how on Say Yes to the Dress, there are those moments when a bride comes in and she’s adamant about a specific shape of dress she wants, and when she puts it on it just looks… wrong. And then, if she’s smart, she tries a shape the consultant suggests instead, and is instantly transformed into a goddess? I love those, because I KNOW the feeling of trying something on and it looks nothing like how it did in your head or on the hanger and you feel desperate because omigodnothingisevergoingtofitmeorlookawesome. Trying something on that is right for your shape is the opposite of that feeling, but the truth is that it only happens when you let go of some of the pre-set ideas you have, and work with reality. That’s what this series is about – making our brides feel like a zillion dollars, whichever of the main body shapes they are rocking. Today we are all about hourglass shaped brides, and I’ll be giving you some tips for dressing this curvy shape to perfection, as well as swooning over some incredible hourglass wedding dresses from Etsy.

*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.

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Sareh Nouri White Swan

by gaby

We’re rounding out the week with some wedding fashion loveliness, thanks to our friends over at Sareh Nouri. Sareh is one of my favourite designers – her dresses are so dreamy and romantic, and just perfect for the modern bride. I never fail to be beguiled by her latest collection. So I was thrilled when this gorgeous shoot featuring the stunning White Swan gown landed in my inbox. A garden setting, a horse, and a bit of Marie Antoinette styling… It all adds up to Friday afternoon perfection.Read More