Category: Dresses

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

Supplier Spotlight: The Demetriou Girls Collection

by gaby

When I was a little girl (just a few years ago, haha) I DREAMED of being a flowergirl in somebody’s wedding. Sadly, I’m an only child and an only grandchild so it never happened, but I still have such a soft spot for dreamy little dresses for the mini members of a bridal party and I think they deserve to look every bit the princess that they feel being part of your day. So I couldn’t help but fall head over heels when I came across the Demetriou Collection on Etsy. Hand made in Cyprus and shipped worldwide, these luxurious little creations are frothy ballerina fantasies, walking that perfect line between innocent sweetness and elegant chic. The range includes accessories like shoes for babies (oh, the shoes!), head pieces and capes, as well as the dresses themselves. Let’s have a little look, shall we?Read More

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

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

Casey Jeanne

by gaby

It’s Friday Friday, and we’re kicking off the day with a world of loveliness from one of my personal favourite up-and-coming local designers. If you haven’t heard of Casey Jeanne yet, then I’m about to introduce you to your next fashion crush. That’s certainly what I had from the second I saw one of our own SouthBound brides in one of Casey’s creations last year. Today, the love affair continues, as I showcase more of her beautiful gowns, photographed by the awesome Alexis Diack. The attention to detail on every one of them is amazing, and I just love the combination of glamour, elegance and luxury that Casey’s work embodies.Read More

Mira Zwillinger 2014

by gaby

Happy Friday, folks! We end off this week of loveliness with one more piece of lovely that will have you swooning your swooniest swoons. I’ve been in love with Mira Zwillinger‘s dresses ever since we featured them in this shoot, but I think it’s a love that has gone to a whole new level with the 2013/2014 collection. Like the previous one, it’s built on a combination of soft fabrics and fine lace details, but if it’s possible, this year it’s even more feminine and beautiful. These are the kind of dresses you just want to wrap up in tissue paper and sigh over. They’re definitely the kind of bridal couture that will make a breathtaking impression on any bride. My favourite is the New Beatrice (first below), a revision on one of the incredible dresses I worked with – I didn’t think it was possible to make it more beautiful, but Mira has. So here we go. Meet your new favourite dresses.Read More

Inbal Dror Paris 2013 Collection

by gaby

Get ready, wedding dress lovers, because you’re about to have a brand new style crush. I am completely smitten with the incredible Inbal Dror‘s gowns, one of a crop of Israeli designers who are taking the world by storm. The 2013 collection was themed around Paris, and I think that’s perfect, because even though she’s based in Tel Aviv, you can also see the influence of the years Inbal spent in Milan. I can imagine these gowns on a European princess, a Monaco socialite, and of course on a stylish South African bride! French lace, pearls, tulle… all the textures combine into the most sophisticated and romantic cocktail of gorgeousness. Not to mention some breathtakingly beautiful photos… as Audrey once said: Paris is always a good idea! Enjoy – and have a fab weekend!Read More