The Latest Bridal Trends, According to NZ Fashion Designers

By Danielle Clausen
Viva
Juliette Hogan Bespoke; Rue De Seine; Liam Celebrations; Annah Stretton. Pictures / Supplied.

STAPLE AND CLOTH OCCASIONS
A curated collection of dresses from Staple and Cloth's archive, this range consists of pieces that have been loved by customers. There is a focus on fit, offering dresses for every body shape in a wide range of fabrics. Think easy slip and shift styles in delicate silks and lace. Every piece is made-to-order in New Zealand, starting from $359. Contact sabrina@stapleandcloth.co.nz

Bridal Trend
"In fashion, we're seeing fringing coming back recently, and this has made its way into bridal dresses, too," explains designer Sharyn Condon, "Pale blue even made an appearance last year as a preferred wedding dress colour, as well as brides wearing beautiful separates as a wedding ensemble. Our dresses won't follow trends through the years, we prefer to take feedback from satisfied customers and build on a collection that works."

Staple and Cloth Ocasions. Picture / Supplied.
Staple and Cloth Ocasions. Picture / Supplied.

JULIETTE HOGAN BESPOKE
Juliette Hogan offers bespoke wedding gowns that are a sleek, contemporary take on traditional wedding attire. The range is made up of her most popular cuts that can be tweaked slightly to suit the bride — along with the option of selecting the fabric, including delicate sequins, lace and silk crepe de chine. The understated designs fit beautifully with weddings that have a more modern setting. Dresses start at $499. Contact bridesmaid@juliettehogan.com

Bridal Trend
"We are seeing such a shift from bohemian styling to cleaner lines. Ivory and muted sequins are being requested more and more for bridal gowns," explains designer Juliette. "A beautiful example of this was Lani Momoiseia in our ivory sequin 'Simmons' dress — she was just so effortlessly glamorous on her special day."

RUE DE SEINE
Offering dresses for the unique, carefree bride, Rue De Seine's focus is on lace that embodies the free spirit of the bohemian lifestyle. The hand-beaded gowns are intricate and rich, made using a variety of techniques and beads to create silhouettes that enhance the feminine form. Crochet and fringing also feature throughout the collection, with gowns starting at $2500. Contact appointments@ruedeseine.com

Bridal Trend
"We wanted our latest 'Nomadic Love' collection to embody the many landscapes, textures, and charming details you see when exploring this beautiful Earth," says Rue De Seine designer Michele Corty. "From the bohemian desert festivals in the US, to the folk art of Eastern Europe, these gowns are a true representation of everything we love about the world. Emphasising the female form is always key. We have focused on channelling low, detailed backs and varying necklines this season. We want our brides to feel feminine, youthful and unique."

LIAM CELEBRATIONS
The pieces in the Liam Celebrations range stay true to the polished ethos the brand is known for — confident, assured and classic with a twist. Designer Emily Miller-Sharma focuses on playing with little details that maybe only the bride will notice. Starting from $700, the dresses are made-to-measure and take approximately eight weeks to create. A special showcase of the latest collection will be held at Ruby's Newmarket store on April 2, with the team on hand to answer questions and take customers through the full collection. Contact celebrations@rubynz.com

Bridal Trend
"I'd say the strongest trend would be confidence — the brides we work with feel comfortable to wear what they want to wear on their wedding day rather than what they feel like they should wear," explains Emily. "It's a really exciting thing for us as we get to make a wide variety of styles."

ANNAH STRETTON
For the past 25 years, Annah Stretton has offered wedding dresses through her stores. There is a wide range of ready-to-wear options as well as made-to-order gowns where the bride can choose her favourite style then select colour and fabric from an extensive range. Annah's team aims to offer fairy tale gowns for a moderate price, starting at $900. Contact sheryl@strettonclothing.co.nz

Bridal Trend
"We have introduced a two-piece concept with wrap elements, which enables a bride to adjust to fit, so weight loss or gain, and longevity of wear doesn't become a problem. A large flowing skirt with all the Princess Bride elements (or one that's a little more serious in character — you choose) with a gorgeous wrap lace top is the result," says Annah Stretton. "This top can look fabulous at your next event with a high-waisted pair of black flared pants. Annah Stretton Bridal is all about separates this wedding season — yes, we have the wonderful dress shapeswe are known for, and as we all know, there will be many a dress tried on before this major decision is made, so the ability to re-purpose is an attractive proposition."

Miss Crabb. Picture / Supplied.
Miss Crabb. Picture / Supplied.

MISS CRABB
Miss Crabb's special-order dresses are relaxed, singular, earthy and modern. The goal is for the wearer to be comfortable, choosing a garment suited to their individual style, while still feeling beautiful and special. Cult favourites such as the 'Summertime' dress are offered in a range of fabrics and colours, with the option of adding additional elements, such as a train. The dresses take approximately 4-6 weeks to make and prices start at $420. Contact claire@misscrabb.com

Bridal Trend
"We always try to create a feeling of luxurious simplicity for our special-order clients," explains designer Kristine Crabb. "Bias-cut styles such as our 'Helena' slip in a heavier double-weight silk crepe de chine or our 'Summertime' wrap dress customised with a train that pools as the wearer moves create a kind of sexy beauty and naturalness that is timeless. Veils are also a favourite at the moment, in soft, draped tulle that finishes at the fingertips at the front, then cascades to the floor at the back."

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