It’s that time of year again! I love these annual trend roundups, writing them always fills me with excitement for the year ahead. Of course, trends aren’t the most important thing in planning your wedding – they’re not even close to the most important thing – but as with fashion and interiors, it’s good to know the sort of looks that will be big (and more easily available!) in the year ahead. The other thing to bear in mind is that unlike fashion, wedding trends tend to have a little more longevity, so there’ll still be plenty of the trends I identified last year (and the year before) in 2015. Many of them have simply evolved. But for today, we’re focusing on the new and the beautiful. Here are my Top 10 predictions.
Tag: wedding dresses
Best of 2014: Wedding Dresses
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.
Casey Jeanne Showcase
South Africa, you are so talented. I’m always amazed and proud at the awesome that keeps coming out of our little nation, and up-and-coming local talent Casey Jeanne is definitely one of those. Based in Durban, Casey’s just started her journey as a designer and she’s already gone from strength to strength. For example, just a few years ago, she was part of the Durban July Young Designer Award, then went on to win the Gateway Young Recycled Designer Award and the Fashion Challenge. This year, she was an Invited Designer. The theme was ‘The Big Screen’ and Casey chose to combine her trademark illusion lace with the glamour of Hollywood with a touch of Game of Thrones – an absolutely bewitching combination. Sequins AND illusion lace? Yes, please! And speaking of local talents, Casey Jeanne paired up with both photographer, Alexis Diack, and videographer Michelle Rabe to capture the showcase on film. Absolute gorgeousness. Be sure to scroll to the end to check out Michelle’s video!Read More
Introducing… Janita Toerien
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
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
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
Pearl & Ivory Spring 2014 Lookbook
Who’s ready for some wedding gorgeousness? Well you, obviously. And also me. And we’re both about to get our wishes granted with a whole heap of prettiness courtesy of the fab Pearl & Ivory, a bridal label based in Somerset West, South Africa. These fine folks (who sell everything from dreamy dresses and accessories to elegant stationery) are relaunching their website today, and SouthBound Bride is super happy to be able to share their latest lookbook, which also happens to have been shot by one of our favourite photographers, Yolande Marx. Happy dances all round!Read More
Truvelle 2015 Collection Now Available in South Africa
Brideys, I have such a lovely treat for you today! A few weeks back I spotted the dresses of Canadian label Truvelle and fell in love with their style, especially when I spotted ombre grey lace, glittery feature backs and even a gown that looked like it had been dripped in rose gold glitter. So I was absolutely over the moon when I received an email from the Truvelle team last week, not only sharing their drop dead gorgeous lookbook, but telling me that this exciting label is now available at LOCA Vintage Bridal Lounge in Port Elizabeth. Which is brilliant news for Eastern Cape brides, and means that this time I don’t have to taunt you lovely locals with beautiful international-label dresses you can’t go and try on in person. So let’s get to it! These are about to be your newest dress crush.Read More
Pink & Blush Wedding Dresses
*UPDATED FOR 2020* Afternoon lovelies! As I mentioned yesterday, this week we’re thinking pink for breast cancer awareness, with a pink-themed post every day. Today is all about pink and blush wedding dresses and man alive, they are gorgeous. I mean, dreamy, super feminine, get-me-to-a-dressmaker-right-now-because-I-want-one, Vera Wang, ballerina fantasy GORGEOUS. There are quite a few dresses included here from real South African weddings – this is definitely one trend that we’ve embraced here and I couldn’t be happier. And while there are other colours that are also making a big impact on wedding dresses (cough cough, lilac), I think pink and blush will always have the edge on other shades (other than white, of course). So here we go: 25 beautiful gowns to inspire you (including some of my Etsy faves!).
*Links in bold denote affiliate links. The cost to you remains the same, but SBB may receive a commission for any sales made.
BHLDN Fall 2014 Lookbook
If there’s one store I REALLY wish would come to South Africa, it’s BHLDN, Anthropologie’s wedding branch, who never fail to inspire me on a browse through their website. I’m particularly in love with their line of wedding gowns, especially since the prices aren’t bad considering how beautiful the dresses are. Even though I can only dream about visiting one of their stores, the good news is that BHLDN do ship to SA, so for today’s fashion feature I just had to share their latest lookbook with you all. This is romantic city style at it’s finest – proving that even a registry office wedding doesn’t have to be short on style. It stars models and real-life couple Ava and Ryan, and I just love the chemistry that they have in these gorgeous pics! For all BHLDN’s latest dresses and international shipping information, head over to their website.Read More