Admiration for Whanganui's refashioned bridal gowns

Whanganui UCOL student Lucja Orlowski studies remodelled bridal gowns at the Edith Gallery. Photo / Stuart Munro Wanganui Chronicle

There were a few women with tears in their eyes when they saw how beautifully designers had revamped the dresses they wore on their wedding days, Hospice Whanganui operations manager Sandy McDougall says.

She's one of four organising the ReFashioned Bridal fundraiser for hospice, and intends to display the dresses for a week or two before selling them to the highest bidders.

It was her idea to ask for unneeded bridal gowns, get them remodelled and sell them to a new crop of brides.

The 10 remodelled dresses were revealed at an evening cocktail event at UCOL on June 28. About 80 came along, including the original wearers of the dresses.

"Some brides had a few tears, because their gown was better than they expected and they were touched people had taken such care," McDougall said.

She had asked for people to donate wedding gowns last year, and was given 11 that former brides had no further use for. One, dating back to 1954, was left as it was and became the signature gown.

The dresses had quality laces and fabrics not available now. They were worked on by six UCOL fashion design students and four established designers: Lucy Eagle, Anita Turner, Stephanie Lee and Gina Burrows.

The white and cream dresses came out in a range of styles, McDougall said. Some were princessy, some bohemian, one a two-piece and another reached just below the knee. All are still recognisable for what they were.

The fashion students got to show their skills in a real assignment, and visual arts students designed the fundraiser's branding and booklet.

Now the dresses will be on show at the Edith Gallery in Taupo Quay, from 10am to 3pm on weekdays. Entry will cost a gold coin.

Would-be brides can see them there, and make an appointment to try them on.

McDougall has to decide how best to sell them - and it may be through an online auction. Interested people can contact her on the ReFashioned Bridal Facebook or Instagram pages, email hweventsteam@gmail.com or ring the hospice on 349 0080.