Macgraw’s speciality in romantic silhouettes that often feature lace was echoed in the latest collection by LA-based Staud that featured a full-length white lace gown that will likely cost about $500 when it’s released in the coming months. And popular label Bec&Bridge also released a range of bridal gowns during 2020 in the $300-$500 range.
‘Elopement’ dresses
Sydney-based couturier Jess Andreatta had about “99 per cent” of her brides postpone their 2020 weddings. And when they’re returning to her studio,many are rethinking their dresses for a range of reasons,including budget,location or a change of attitude.
Andreatta says one such bride was meant to marry in Tuscany in a full-on ball gown by an international designer but when the wedding went ahead recently in NSW with just a handful of guests,something more modest was required.
Together,Andreatta designed a ’60s’-style mini-dress that incorporated some tulle from the bride’s mother’s dress.
Loading
“So many girls went crazy when the photos went online,” Andreatta says. “It makes you think outside the square.”
She predicts so-called “elopement” dresses,encompassing shorter styles,or styles that are more versatile for small venues,such as restaurants,and dancing,will be popular right through 2021.
“The girls still wanting the big wedding are sticking to their ball gowns but there’s more diversity,” she says. “There are girls who want to create a gown that’s very much them;they’re not conforming.”
The ‘R’ word
Prior to COVID-19,the fashion rental market was booming but when it came to weddings,wearing a gown others had previously waltzed still carried a stigma. But more high-end designers are shedding the dodgy formal-hire image and offering couture rentals for a fraction of the cost of having the dress made from scratch.
Melbourne’s Klovia Couture has just launched a red-carpet and bridal rental service,while in Sydney,Katy Nguyen of Em Bridal Boutique,even offers free alterations on rentals,so there’s no reason for a gown to be ill-fitting on the day.
Klovia client Aphrodite Spiropoulos,28,got engaged in lockdown and has scheduled her wedding for June 2022. After battling to keep her new cafe,in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg,running through 2020,she’s decided a custom dress is no longer viable,nor desirable.
“It makes so much more sense. It’s very hard to afford a $17,000 dress[like in the photo],” she says. “It’s not fair for everybody to miss out on the couture experience. It’s such as smart idea. Most people I know sell their dresses – so I thought what’s the difference for me if I can save myself?
“It definitely does not take away from the wedding experience,that’s for sure.”
Get a little more outta life
Start your week with practical tips and expert advice to help you make the most of your personal health,relationships,fitness and nutrition.Sign up to our Live Well newsletter sent every Monday.