Dress must stun from all angles

[caption id="attachment_37718" align="alignright" width="400"] SPIDER SILK: Mikaela Oosthuizen modelled an Andre Cloete wedding dress with delicate back detailing. Right, Nastassja Louwschieter shows the back detail on this strapless dress from this Bridal Elegance design. Pictures: MARK WEST[/caption]

THE trend for strapless white wedding dresses will never wane – even in the depth of winter months – but one thing that a sleeved dress can offer over and above a strapless gown is the facility for beautiful back detail.

Several of the Nelson Mandela Bay fashion designers who exhibited at The Herald Boardwalk Bridal Fair aimed to make the most of the rear-view of their creations, showing carefully thought out back detail on the "the dress".

Andre Cloete revealed and concealed under a spider-web of 3D lace motifs and crystal beading. His streamlined dress used draped multi-strands of shimmering beads to create a delicate chandelier effect.

Others kept the focus on the fabric, and managed to create texture and detail even on strapless dresses. For example, Bridal Elegance's classic strapless gown used a big bow to make a wow statement on the back.

Flattering low backs and elegant cutout designs can provide added interest throughout the ceremony. After all, during a church service, most members of the congregation will see the back view of the dress – and even on the dance floor at the reception, there are eyes all round the bride, front, back and sides.

Other options are to choose a dress with a fresh accent like a lace keyhole or even a cutout in the back.