Tag: bridal fashion

Robyn Roberts Collection 2016

by gaby

Over the years here on SBB, we’ve featured a lot of real weddings and gorgeous wedding dresses, but the days that there’s a Robyn Roberts gown on the books, are always special. One of SA’s top bridalwear talents, Robyn’s gowns walk that perfect line between modern and romantic, contemporary and whimsical, and make brides feel both like supermodels and princesses on their big day. Honestly, I’ve never met a Robyn Roberts dress I didn’t love, and so I’m absolutely delighted to be sharing the brand new collection exclusively on SBB today. These gowns are ah-mazing – bang on trend, but oh so wearable! According to Robyn, the idea was to create a range of dreamy dresses with a modern edge. Textured effects were created by layering multiple ethereal, whisper-soft fabrics, and focusing on back details and soft, comfortable skirts. The colours vary from crisp white to creamy ivories and rich blush undertones – swoon! And not only do we get to bask in all the fashion glory, but we also get to enjoy some drop dead gorgeous florals from our faves at Green Goddess flower studio as well. Told you it was a special day!

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Hanrie Lues Fleur de Ballet Collection

by gaby

If you follow us on Instagram (and if you don’t, you totally should!), you may have seen that some exciting mail arrived at SBB HQ the other day, specifically the brand new lookbook from Hanrie Lues Bridal. Durban-based designer Hanrie is part of our sponsor family, and while we’ve always loved her beautiful bespoke gowns, she’s just launched a demi-couture collection which will be available both from her studio and from Calegra Bridal House in Cape Town and Joburg, and I couldn’t wait to see it! Called ‘Fleur de Ballet’, it was inspired by the ballet, which I absolutely love, and it has the same combination of structure and sheer femininity that makes ballerinas’ gowns the stuff that dreams are made of. With the most gorgeous fabrics and an inspiration straight from the ballet, these dresses are perfect for the modern South African bride, employing breathtaking illusion elements and elegant shapes and details that make each gown special and unique, and will make each woman who wears them feel like a prima ballerina on her own opening night.

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Dreamy Beach Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Dreamy Beach Wedding Dresses

*UPDATED FOR 2021* All of this month we’ve been talking tropical weddings, and a tropical (or any beachy) wedding deserves a beautiful beach wedding dress that’s perfect for sand and sunshine. And, while a girl can pretty much rock whatever she wants as far as I’m concerned, the practical aspects of a beach wedding (sand, heat, humidity) definitely lend themselves to a gown that’s lighter as well as less formal. I love the way that soft textures (which happen to be light and perfect to wear) look in photographs, especially in beautiful beach portraits with the setting sun or the wind ruffling out layers of sheer fabric, so that’s what I’d personally opt for, and while simple shapes work well, there’s no lack of creativity you can apply when adding touches like portrait backs or lace or beading. I’ve rounded up 30 shut-the-front-door-that’s-amazing beach wedding dresses from editorials, real weddings and Etsy – each dreamier than the last.

*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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Martina Liana Separates Collection (Together.Forever)

by gaby

I mentioned in my trend roundup for 2016 that for me, this is the year of bridal separates, i.e. two-piece wedding gowns. I think this is such a lovely trend, and I’ve been stoked to see bridal designers make it happen, and create so much more flexibility for brides who aren’t ordering custom gowns. After all, most brides know the feeling of “I love this, but not the skirt” or “I love this skirt, but I wish it was with a different neckline”. Plus, two piece gowns sit differently, which can really suit certain body shapes. So when I saw that Martina Liana (sister brand of the popular Essence of Australia line) had created a dedicated line for bridal separates, I was super excited. I’m not sure if this collection will be available in SA as the rest of the Essence gowns are, but here’s hoping, because this collection of 18 pieces, is absolutely gorgeous. Whether you’re a short dress girl opting for the swishy Sachi skirt or a true romantic opting for the layered blush Stevie skirt, a glamazon who falls in love with the moonstone beaded Ciara corset, or a boho bride who loves the soft crop draping of Tyler, there’s a perfect combination both for you and for your wedding style/location. Let’s take a peek, shall we?

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Sareh Nouri Fall 2016 Collection

by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! I have an INSANE week ahead (but oh, what a week to follow – more on that soon!) and I can’t think of a better way to start than with some calmingly beautiful fashion. That’s what you can always rely on Sareh Nouri to deliver, both when it comes to dresses and lookbooks, and the new Fall 2016 Collection is certainly no exception. These dresses are fit for a queen, and so is the gorgeous estate the team used as a backdrop. I’m especially loving the soft layering and texturing in the skirts of these gowns, not to mention that one of them comes in the dreamiest, most sophisticate shade of icy grey-blue – the perfect subtle take on the pastel wedding gown trend. Brides will also find much to inspire in the hair and makeup, and especially in the fantastic headpieces by Jennifer Behr. So let’s get this pretty party started, shall we?

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BHLDN Spring 2016 Heart/Soul Collection

by gaby

It’s going to be a fashionable Friday, if today’s bridal feature is anything to go by! BHLDN have just released their Spring 2016 collection and lookbook, and my goodness, it is full of couture detailing and dreamy fabrics and sequinned lace. This is the largest collection launched by the brand to date, and the first in which they’ve collaborated with high profile label Marchesa, who have contributed five incredible gowns to the line-up. My absolute favourite is Estella, with her lace illusion boatneck, flouncy sleeves, and cowl back – easily the most beautiful boho-ey dress I’ve seen yet. Whether it’s more classic pieces like long lace or illusion neckline dresses, or fresh innovations like a jumpsuit or embroidered sequin crop top and tulle skirt combo, there’s something in this collection for every stylish bride to fall in love with. Even the lookbook has that wonderful couture feeling, and no wonder, since it was shot in none other than Delphine Manivet’s Paris showroom. Le sigh.

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From Catwalk to Aisle: 10 Key Wedding Dress Trends for 2016

by gaby

Hello friends! After a couple of crazy weeks including a last-minute rush trip to Joburg to sort out travel docs for a suuuuuper exciting trip I’m taking at the end of this month (details soon, I promise), I’m back on schedule and ready to serve up some seriously awesome daily inspiration. Let’s get this party started! Last October, there were a lot of reasons I wished I was at New York Bridal Fashion Week (Aisle Society launch party, yay!), and of course the beautiful dresses were top of the list. It’s always awesome to see how the Fall catwalk will affect bridal fashion in the coming year, and if these trends are anything to go by, you brideys are in for a treat. I think if there’s one look that was predominant, it’s what I think of as #modestnotmodest. Traditionally modest elements like sleeves and high necklines, but reinterpreted with lace and sheer panelling for a very sexy and very contemporary look. So let’s take a look at our top ten runway trends for 2016 – which will you be coveting for your own dream dress?

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Best of 2015: Wedding Dresses

by gaby

In some ways, this is one of my favourite posts of the year, but in another, it’s always one of the hardest to narrow down. I swear, ever year the dresses get prettier! 2015 has been no exception, and after last year’s explosion of colour, it has definitely been the year of lace, with gorgeous portrait backs and illusion necklines, long lace sleeves, nude lace underlays, and plenty of soft, sheer contrasting fabrics. SO romantic. Not that colour didn’t get a look in – I think my absolute favourite gown this year was gold and glam and gorgeous all over, and there was also some seriously pretty ombre going on, as well as soft blush, peach and champagne. What will 2016 bring? I can’t wait to find out.

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Monsoon Bridal Collection 2016

by gaby

Here at SBB you know we love beautiful bridal fashion, and that goes from the top of the range designer couture collections right on to the more affordable side of the spectrum – every bride deserves to look AMAZING, whatever her budget. In fact, many of the brides we’ve featured who caused the biggest stir of pinning and liking were rocking off-the-rack dresses, and that’s why I was so excited to hear that Monsoon had launched a new collection of bridalwear. Pretty is the word that comes to mind – truly pretty, in a grown up, European princess at an chic event in Monaco kind of way. Silhouettes are sleek (and there are some lovely options for brides wanting to go for a short hemline), and there’s plenty of lace and metallic embellishment – both classic and on-trend. Best of all – they’re all under £500. Let’s have a peek, shall we?Read More

Phase Eight Bridal Collection 2016

by gaby

Hooray it’s the weekend! Unless you’re American, in which case you’re already enjoying a long Thanksgiving weekend. In the spirit of that holiday, today I’m thankful for many things, and just one of them is the fact that I get to deal with prettiness all day long. So it seems only appropriate that I share some of that prettiness with you today! Phase Eight have just brought out their latest bridal offering, and you guys, it is so good! You won’t actually believe that this is a collection from a high street retailer – with intricate beading, soft illusion lace and delicate draping, you’d expect it to come at a much higher price point. Plus, the exquisite Hope dress (which still prompted plenty of oohs and aahs when I posted it on Instagram the other day) is back, which will make many a budget Daisy Buchanan’s dreams come true for another year. Yay! (PS while you’re over on the site, be sure to check out some of the amazing deals Phase Eight has for Black Friday weekend – bridal’s not included, but it’s the perfect time to pick up a deal on a party dress or something gorgeous for a bridesmaid!)Read More