Tag: bridal fashion

Stunning Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Off The Shoulder Wedding Dress

*UPDATED FOR 2021* I think I may have mentioned this before, but the first wedding dress I fell totally in love with was off-the-shoulder. It was also bloody hideous. Does anyone remember Jennifer & Jack’s wedding from Days of our Lives? (Don’t blame me, it was the ’90s.) Anyway, then like everyone else, I went off of off-shoulder, because nothing dated a dress more quickly, right? And then, the fashion pendulum swung, as it always does. Princess Charlene rocked a gorgeous off-the-shoulder, then so did Amal Clooney, and hey presto, they’re officially one of bridal fashion’s most trendy and romantic looks. And like every good soap opera character, I’m desperately in love again. This time around, the off the shoulder look is all about the fabric – soft lace sleeves and swishes of tulle, ornate jewelled beading, or boho fringes. Instead of creating weird, giant artificial ‘shoulders’, the sleeves fall softly across the arm, giving brides the best of both sleeved and sleeveless dresses. I’ve rounded up 25 of my absolute favourite off-the-shoulder bridal looks to inspire!

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Persy Bridal Collection 2014/2015

by gaby

Time for some more gorgeous fashion inspiration, ladies! I must say, I am loving how far bridal has come in the last few years, from cookie cutter meringues to truly amazing, one-of-a-kind creations that often wouldn’t look out of place on the red carpet. Because a bride shouldn’t just feel like a princess, but a  starlet, right? And talking of Hollywood-worthy looks, I’m super excited to be introducing you to the work of another international designer today, Yaniv Persy. This ultra-feminine, beautifully structured and exquisitely made collection is really making waves, and when you see the pics below you’ll know why. Born in Israel and raised in South America, Yaniv has worked with some of fashion’s biggest names, including John Galliano, Roberto Cavalli, and Donna Karan. He’s now established his own label and launched the Persy Bridal Collection.Read More

Julie Vino Provence Collection

by gaby

So you know how a couple of weeks ago we were telling you all how sexy wedding dresses were one of 2015’s top trends? And how it was all about the details: slinky silhouettes, deep V-necks, low backs, nude lace, and Angelina-style thigh-high slits? Well, Julie Vino‘s latest collection has IT ALL. Last year, when I first introduced you to this Israeli designer, I mentioned how I loved the way Julie mixed red-hot sexy and delicately feminine styles – which pretty much describes this latest collection to a tee also. Beaded and floaty fabrics combine with lavish laces and a touch of vintage, a fitting tribute to beautiful French Provence, but with contemporary cuts and a glamour that is very much of the 21st century. There’s no doubt these are gowns for a confident, modern bride, but while they’re daring, they’re always romantic. And as if the dresses weren’t inspiring enough, the lookbook was shot in and around a stunning chateau in the middle of vineyards and olive groves – très chic! And très sexy.Read More

Bo & Luca: Now in South Africa

by gaby

I’ve been doing this wedding stuff for a while now, and there are a few days when I feel like I’ve seen it all. That’s why having Candice on the SBB team has been so refreshing, because she’s like my own awesome-o-mometer. I always know if I send her something and she comes back all “OMG I love it!” that I’ve found something special, and that makes me excitable all over again. Well, when I sent Candice a link to Bo & Luca, an Australian bridal brand that has just launched in South Africa, there was a lot of squealing going on. From both of us. Because, hello gorgeous dresses! I’m SO thrilled to see labels like this appearing on the SA scene – labels that take a fresh look at bridalwear for more fashioney or relaxed, boho brides, and I can’t WAIT to visit Bo & Luca‘s new Cape Town store in person. Let’s take a look, shall we?Read More

From Catwalk to Aisle: 10 Key Wedding Dress Trends for 2015

by candice

Hello lovely readers – Candice here! With all the top designers hitting the runway late last year at New York Bridal Week showing off a variety of new trends, we really have been spoilt for choice. If you’re like me, you get a bit overwhelmed by all the magnificent options. So we’ve picked our top ten, stand-out runway and bridal fashion trends for 2015 – see which style you most identify with and how these trends can be interpreted into your dream wedding dress.

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Introducing… Anna Georgina

by gaby

Afternoon gorgeous ones! As I mentioned yesterday, we’re upgrading fashion on SBB this year – think of it as a series regular here now rather than a guest star. And I’m never happier than when I’m showcasing South African designers, because we have some serious talent on these shores! A name that won’t be a stranger to any of you is Kobus Dippenaar, and today we’re shining the spotlight on Kobus’ bridal label, Anna Georgina, for the first time. These dresses are… well, WOW. Beautifully crafted, with the same beautiful detailing that Kobus’ red carpet gowns are known for, and undeniably feminine. We’re smitten. And the best part is that we were able to steal Kobus away from his studio for an exclusive interview, to go along with the latest Anna Georgina collection.Read More

Best of 2014: Wedding Dresses

by gaby

Okay fact: it’s hard to narrow down all of the categories in our annual ‘best of’ roundups. But harder than hard – almost impossible, in fact – is selecting just 20 dresses that represent the absolute amazingness that our fashion-forward brides bring to the table each year. I swear, 2014 has been the most difficult choice yet, because so many of our real weddings showcased an incredible, on-trend, super-flattering and often original take on current bridal fashion, making each bride look like a movie star. From illusion lace and portrait backs (and boy, was this ever the year of beautiful lace!), to soft colour infusions, statement backs, shoulders and sleeves, and beautiful accessories – as well as some one-of-a-kind standalone creations – SouthBound Brides had it ALL going on. The result is not only a gallery of gorgeousness from SA’s top designers (and the world’s, hello Vera Wang!), clever brides and talented family members, but a collection of inspiring and stylish ideas for brides-to-be. Bravo, brideys, bravo. And to make it extra special, I’ve let those very brides describe each creation and how they chose it in their own words.

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Introducing… Janita Toerien

by gaby

Afternoon lovelies! Today we’re carrying on our showcase of some my favourite local designers with the fantastic Janita Toerien, whose work I have been stalking ever since I first saw it, and whose breathtaking gold bodiced, lavender tulle dream of a gown, Amber, has already made waves here on SBB and around the world. But Amber’s just one jewel in Janita’s crown, and I’m super excited to introduce you to more of her incredible dresses today, as well as sharing an exclusive Q&A with the designer herself (who by the way, is totally lovely –  thanks so much Janita!). Get ready to be completely inspired…Read More

Introducing… Elbeth Gillis Enchanting Collection

by gaby

I’m always super excited to bring you news of beautiful bridal fashion – even more so when I get to show off local designers – but I’m especially thrilled to bring you Elbeth Gillis‘ latest collection because I know how many of you LOVE her designs. Elbeth’s dresses have graced our pages many times over the years, and lots of our real brides have even told me they first heard of her right here. Her studios are like a little haven of refinement in the busy centre of Cape Town, the kind of place where you step in nervous and walk out bursting with excitement to wear the dress of your dreams. It’s a kind of magic, so it seems completely appropriate that Elbeth’s latest collection happens to be called ‘Enchanting’. And is it ever. Lace tattoos, delicate beadwork and hidden detailing characterise the collection, and I was so smitten I just had to know more. I’m so thrilled that Elbeth found time to give us this exclusive interview and share her latest lookbook with us today!Read More

Sareh Nouri Fall 2015 Collection

by gaby

We’re edging into the last hours of our working week, and ending it off pretty with a peek at Sareh Nouri’s latest collection. Round SBB we’re a huge fan of this Persia-born designer, with her flowy feminine lines and touchable fabrics, and this latest set of dresses is no exception. As Sareh’s team shared: “The classic collection is complete with hand embroidered French lace, and various silhouettes’ that will draw your eyes with their beauty. Beautiful hints of blush, mint and rustic gold can be found throughout the collection.” For the first time, the collection also includes evening wear. I’m so looking forward to seeing these gorgeous creations on real brides!Read More