Designers show fine style at The Herald Boardwalk Bridal Fair
[gallery ids="33993,33994,33996,33995"]
WHITE, strapless and gorgeous are still the number one, two and three trends when it comes to wedding dress styles in Port Elizabeth this year with designers at this year's The Herald Boardwalk Bridal Fair.
While a few dared to splash out with bolder colours – Gerhard Meiring Couture and House of Brides among them, and a green ombre skirt on one wedding dress from Extreme Hire and Design – the most popular colour for a wedding dress remains white.
Studded with crystals and embellished with bling, scene stealers such as Karen England for House of Brides and Johan Wolmarans in his Designs by Johan, pulled out the magic wands to create sparkling dresses for the not-so-blushing brides.
Newer designers such as Hoiden pulled back on the glitz to present simple yet stylish designs for a modern, natural-look bride.
Classic couturiers like Jason Kieck and Leandra Fourie presented dreamy dresses in supremely feminine shapes and styles.
Designs by Odette brought out the inner Cinderella going to the ball, while Andre Cloete turned his models into muses with sleek silhouettes swathed in embroidered silk and satin.
The flavour of Africa shone through in alluring designs from Morshe Schoeman, mentored by the Hope Factory, Gerhard Meiring and Zinco Clothing by Luvuyo Zinco.
Hinterveld mohair throws added a further Eastern Cape touch to Leandra Fourie's range, showing how winter brides can keep warm while enjoying a skin-baring summer style.
Several exhibitors imported dresses which were no less beautiful or glamorous than the Port Elizabeth-designed and created numbers.
The accent was on the waist with even fuller-figured brides able to enjoy their curves in flattering cuts from Fairy Tales. Strapless did not mean shapeless, with figure-hugging draping accentuating the beauty of the body in almost every range.
Watch out grooms, here come the brides! - Gillian McAinsh
Hair and make-up: IMAGES 1 HAIR Venue: THE BOARDWALK ICC Pictures: MARK WEST
