Happily ever after

A Theresa Lim dress. Photo / Supplied

Four leading Auckland designers talk about their philosophy for creating the perfect wedding dress.

Anna Schimmel

What are the key trends for this spring/summer when it comes to wedding dresses?
Romance has made a comeback! Soft, layered wedding dresses feature delicate sheer layers of fine tulles and gauzes with stunning detailing. Dramatic gowns show defined, beaded corsetry and voluminous skirts overlaid with organzas and tissue silks for sweeping movement.

What are people actually asking for?
Brides are definitely inspired by European trends. Silhouettes have gained great importance, with skirts getting fuller and bodices more fitted.

Everyone is individual. How do you go about creating a dress that suits each individual?
We aspire to create the perfect wedding gown for each of our brides. During a personal consultation I get a feel for the bride's aspired look, their personality and wedding theme. She can try on beautiful gowns from our collection and we discuss ideas and options. Together we design the bride's dream gown. Each bride will see me for several fittings, during which the style will be developed to become a beautiful, exclusive couture wedding dress.

How have wedding dresses changed over the years?
Wedding gowns have very much become an expression of the personality of the bride. European trends strongly influence the styling and beautiful, luxurious fabrics are much sought after.

What is the one piece of advice you find yourself repeatedly telling your customers?
Choose a designer who creates beautiful gowns, look at their workmanship and past collections. If you love their gowns and have a good rapport with the designer you will find your trust well placed and can relax.

Describe what sets your dresses apart from others?
We create feminine, beautiful and luxurious wedding gowns to flatter each individual bride.

Travelling to Europe regularly, I source exclusive French laces and Italian silks to use for my collections. My look is European, our craftsmanship superb and my brides love the atelier experience.

Any other advice you'd like to add for new brides?
Relax and enjoy every minute. This is the day that will create memories of a lifetime.

Anna Schimmel European Bridal Designer. By appointment only. Ph (09) 378 0821.


Theresa Lim

What are the key trends for this spring/summer when it comes to wedding dresses?
Detail that encapsulates movement is very important this season. Ruffles, tucks and flounces; anything that is tactile and creates texture.

What do modern brides want?
Our clients are particularly fashion and style-driven and tend to steer away from the cookie cutter bridal look.

There is still a strong focus on vintage and red carpet inspired gowns. Sentimentality is important, too, where we've re-constructed clients' mothers' wedding gowns into contemporary styles. An eclectic mix of old and new.

How have weddings/dresses changed over the years?
The essence of weddings has relaxed immensely. There is a huge emphasis on stamping your own personality on to your wedding rather than following a formula. Everybody wants a point of difference.

What fabrics do you like working in best?
Exquisite laces are a definite favourite. Lace has an effortless and timeless quality about it.

Describe what sets your dresses apart from others?
Our approach is to use classic silhouettes with contemporary details. We love customising designs that suit our client's style and emphasis her personality. Whether she's traditional or quirky, translating these qualities into one gown is a very rewarding challenge.

What is the one piece of advice you find yourself repeatedly telling your customers?
Listen to your instincts and choose key suppliers that you can trust to fulfill your requirements.

What was your wedding and wedding dress like?
We had a tiny, garden wedding in our home. My parents have been married for almost 45 years, so we chose their wedding date. I wore the palest pink pleated chiffon gown with tiny white polka dots. I styled this with a French Chantilly lace top and camellia cummerbund. Very SJP!

Any other advice you'd like to add for new brides?
Relax, breathe, smile, eat and dance. Remember what the day is really all about and enjoy it.

Theresa Lim Bridal Couture. By appointment only. Ph (09) 630 4106.


Elizabeth Soljak

What are the key trends for this spring/summer when it comes to wedding dresses?
Soft draping, one shoulder styles, lace is in fashion. And so is white! I'm using crochet as well.

What's the modern bride looking for?
Romantic silk satin corsets with hand made flowers. Simple styles, real silk, vintage lace.

How have weddings/dresses changed over the years?
I think you should use your outfit again. Shorten the skirt and wrap over a black lace dress. Dye the outfit afterwards, wear the top half with jeans.

What is the one piece of advice you find yourself repeatedly telling your customers?
Make an effort to be fitted and find the perfect bra! Look at fashion shoes for colourful alternatives. Be romantic and young and sexy.

What was your wedding dress like?
Evening informal party atmosphere at the Hopetoun Alpha. I wore a soft draped ivory tulle lace top, with a pale sage green, silk wrap long skirt with gold and pearl and crystal beaded panel. Pedro Garcia sandals with beaded tassels.

Any other advice you'd like to add for new brides?
Start as you mean to go on! A La Robe would love to dress you for the honeymoon as well!

A La Robe, 2nd floor, 8 Teed St, Newmarket. Ph (09) 522 1139.


Jane Yeh

What are the key trends for this spring/summer when it comes to wedding dresses?
There are a number of key looks. Firstly, a Grecian/romance look - a draping flowing effect. Secondly, the Fairytale/Princess look, which has a fitted bodice to hipline with a full fishtail shape and full train. Fitted bodice and a wide A-line skirt with layers of tulle. Romantic French lace (chantilly or alencon) with full-blown soft organza flowers as detail. Vintage-chic-bias cut skirt in soft or heavy silk satin as well as crinkle silk chiffon.

What's the modern bride looking for?
Brides are looking for something unique rather than the many bridal dresses seen so often in magazines. They are looking for the "wow" factor - something that sets them apart from other brides. They appreciate quality, excellent service and perfect fit that flatters their shape

How have weddings/dresses changed over the years?
Weddings here have become less traditional over the years. About 80 per cent of weddings are held outdoors whereas years ago everyone married in churches with the full regalia - over the face veils, long trailing bouquets.

Nowadays weddings are more likely to be a big party - brides want to relax and enjoy themselves as much, if not more, than the guests.
What is the one piece of advice you find yourself repeatedly telling your customers?

When you choose your wedding gown, make sure it is appropriate for your venue and theme you have chosen. Make sure it reflects your personality. This is the most important dress you will ever have and the whole wedding revolves around it.

What was your wedding dress like?
My own wedding dress was my signature design - a simple elegant white, soft silk gown, very chic and glamorous.

Describe what sets Jane Yeh dresses apart from others?
My signature look is elegant, chic, classy and sexy. Figure-hugging gowns, exquisite fabrics and attention to detail. My workmanship is outstanding and fit is the most important factor of all - utmost care and attention is practised always.

Any other advice you'd like to add for new brides?
Every year I have brides coming to me at the last moment having been disappointed by the work being done on their gown. We pick up the pieces. Not only is it stressful but also expensive having two gowns made.

A wedding gown is so different from an ordinary dress or evening gown, so don't risk a non-professional making it.

Jane Yeh, 272 Parnell Rd, Parnell. Ph: (09) 368 1527.