bridal fashion - SouthBound Bride

Mira Zwillinger Stardust Collection

12 May, 2015 by gaby

Some things are an annual tradition for me. Buying peonies as soon as I can find them. Getting excited when a new season of Greys hits my TV screen (not no more though, thanks Shonda). And every year, when I see the latest collection by Israeli mother and daughter-run label Mira Zwillinger, I declare that this is it, it couldn’t possibly get more lovely and amazing. Except that every year it does. And this year… Wow. I mean, seriously. Wow. Sparkle and lace and illusion and softness and romance and elegant silhouettes. Every single gown in the new Stardust collection is absolutely breathtaking, heart-stopping, knee-melting. As beautiful wedding dresses go, I can’t imagine it gets any better than this. Except that, as is tradition, it probably will ;) Until then… let’s fall in love.Read More

Casey Jeanne’s Jeannelle la Amour Collection

8 May, 2015 by gaby

Hello beauties – time for some wedding fashion inspiration, courtesy of one of my favourite South African designers. Casey Jeanne is a star on a pretty meteoric rise (and you’ll remember we’ve featured her bespoke gowns in the past). Now, she’s come up with a splendid ready-to-wear collection, Jeannelle la Amour, that’s spreading the word far beyond her home in Durbs. Featuring the designers signature love of detail in lace tattoos, beading and sumptuous fabrics, each one of these gowns is a whisper of loveliness. It’s just hard to pick a favourite! I also love that the collection is a tribute to Casey’s French grandfather, who was orphaned and adopted during the war and moved to South Africa. Alexis Diack took the beautiful pictures, and be sure not to miss the fab video by Wes of The Shank Tank at the end.Read More

30 Super Chic Short Wedding Dresses

22 April, 2015 by gaby

*UPDATED FOR 2020* With micro weddings and minimonies on the rise in a big way right now, I couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity to showcase short wedding dresses. I know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you think about it, some of our greatest fashion heroes over the years have opted for chic and short for their weddings over long and lovely. Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Kiera Knightly, Natalie Portman, Carrie Bradshaw… With that kind of inspiration, it’s actually surprising that more brides don’t opt for the cropped cut. Of course, there’s also a ton of variety under the short dress banner – from mini to tea-length to hi-lo, and so on. All of them have a sassy elegance that’s beautiful at any wedding, but has become especially synonymous with stylish elopements and small weddings (or even as reception dresses for the bride for whom one pretty dress just won’t do). So it’s high time I rounded up my favourites, no? Maybe I can even convert some of you fashion-conscious brideys to the short dress brigade ;)

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

Blair Nadeau 2015 Yester-year Collection

27 March, 2015 by gaby

Happy Friday, lovelies! What do you have in store for the weekend? With the sun out in a big way in Durban, I suspect I am going to spend most of it glued to the side of the pool. But first, it’s time to share some more lovely fashion inspiration, and today it comes to you in the form of Canadian milliner Blair Nadeau‘s latest collection. Which just happens to fit beautifully into our boho month – especially with this styled shoot photographed by Whitney Heard, which is all kinds of boho gorgeous! Be sure to check out the Blair Nadeau Etsy store to order some of these lovelies.Read More

Boho Bridal Accessories from Bo & Luca

17 March, 2015 by gaby

I don’t know about you, but whenever I see a bride in a gorgeous chain or jewel headpiece, it stops me in my tracks. They’re so… goddessy. Which should totally be a word, Oxford. But where to find these boho beauties? I was thrilled to discover that one of my favourite labels, Bo & Luca, is just such a place, and with a Cape Town store, I’m sure we’ll be seeing lots more of these lovelies making their way down the aisle in SA this season. So of course I had to share some pretty pictures with you all, because pretty pictures and awesome accessories (and alliteration, apparently) are just my THING.Read More

Kelsey Genna Bridal & Eveningwear 2015

10 March, 2015 by gaby

Afternoon, SouthBound Brides! It’s already been an inspiring day, what with a beautiful wedding this morning, but before the sun goes down, we’re carrying on the loveliness with a peek at Kelsey Genna (aka The Flower Bride)‘s latest collection. Kelsey is a talented young designer from New Zealand whose work I have featured before, and many of her designs are absolutely perfect for a bohemian bride. This time around, as well as lovely laid-back lacey gowns in both short and long lengths, there’s a playful selection of dresses in colour and pattern, which could work either as gorgeous eveningwear or a more daring bridal style. From shimmery overlays to rose-shaped ruffles, each dress in the collection has its own unique something that makes you stop and go: ‘wow’- it’s impossible to pick a favourite. And here to prove that, are some absolutely spectacular images of the dresses in action from Kate Grewal. Let’s take a look, shall we?Read More

20 Romantic Bohemian Wedding Dresses

2 March, 2015 by gaby

Nevaeh Floral Lace Open Back Wedding Dress by Wear Your Love

*UPDATED FOR 2020* Looking for the most gorgeous romantic bohemian wedding dresses for hippie, festival or indie brides? Whether you’re getting married in a field or on a beach or just have a free spirit, these gorgeous gowns from Etsy will set your wild heart aflutter. And while I know buying gowns online can feel like a risk, but I think the boho style particularly lends itself to it, since the cut is usually a little looser, the style a little more flowing than your average ballgown. Plus, there are lots of small, up-and-coming designers in this space (where many an independent bridal label began). I’ve rounded up just 20 of my favourite romantic bohemian wedding dresses, but be sure to click through and see more from each of these fab Etsy stores.

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

Fiona Mauchan Demi-Couture Collection

27 February, 2015 by gaby

Dress crush alert! I’m super excited today to be featuring the work of up-and-coming South African designer, Fiona Mauchan, who has just launched her demi-couture collection. Up until now, Fiona’s only made one-of-a-kind dresses, and while she’ll continue her bespoke service, she’s also created this exciting ‘petite’ ready to wear collection, comprised of three breathtaking gowns: Angelica, Anise and Annabel. The collection made its debut just last weekend at the Canal Walk Bridal Show, so this is really hot off the press news. And even better, we have some beautiful lookbook images to share, courtesy of the talented Claire Thomson! Now that’s how you kick off a Friday. ;)Read More

Phase Eight Spring/Summer 2015

16 February, 2015 by gaby

Gorgeous dress alert! Phase Eight havebrought out their 8 Bridal collection of wedding dresses, and I just had to share the brand new lookbook with you today. This sophisticated UK label really has something for everything in their bijou range, whether you’re a classic, vintage or contemporary bride. Short or long, sparkle or lace – I think everyone will find a favourite. Mine is Hope (pictured above), a spectacular beaded and embellished 1920s-inspired gown, with a sheer blouson top and sweet little train (total steal at £595, no?). It’s details like this that raise Phase Eight from high street to high fashion. And the best part is that the gowns are available online from different retailers, so South African brides don’t have to miss out. Winner winner, chicken dinner.Read More

Contemporary Cinderella Styled Shoot by Samantha Jackson

6 February, 2015 by gaby

Hidey ho, brideys, happy Friday! It’s time for some editorial inspiration, courtesy of the lovely Samantha Jackson Photography. The theme for this one was a loose ‘vintage versus glamour’ style, with two separate tables sure to please both modern and vintage glamour brides! There’s also a cute shoe theme (because who doesn’t love SHOES, right?), with lots of pretty footwear from Anella, and did I mention, absolutely gorgeous dresses by Janita Toerien and Eve’s Bridal? From head to toe to table, there’s plenty here to inspire. And unlike actual Cinderella, you’ll get to take both your glass slippers home at the end of the night.Read More