Wedding dress designers celebrate return of romance

Wedding dress designers are reshaping the way women think about their biggest splurge on a frock, combining traditional accoutrements into gowns charged with sensuality. Necklines that bare skin, fabrics that play on illusion, and billowing skirts, veils and capes all add a sense of drama and romance, as designers play with silhouettes and a bride’s modesty.

“This year is one of the most glamorous we see with all the brands,” says Erica Ling, director at Audella Bridal House. “We see a lot of elaborate embroidery and embellishments, yet keep the softness with plenty of illusion and sheers. We also are seeing more ruffles, which give a romantic finish.”

The boutique has been instrumental in bringing a fresh wave of bridal designers to Hong Kong, largely from Israel, whose gowns often depart from tradition with a strong emphasis on intricate detailing and sensuous silhouettes.

As well as existing designers including Berta, Inbal Dror and Ersa Atelier, new arrivals include Alon Livné White, whose gowns exude a vintage-royal feel with extravagant detailing; and Lee Petra Grebenau,where highly embroidered and sheer gowns play on romance to exquisite effect.

Tel Aviv-based designer Galia Lahav is now exclusively available at Trinity Bridal, and the new Le Secret Royal collection breaks the designer’s usual body-hugging silhouettes to include gowns with skirts and dramatic trains containing intricate beading and handmade lace applique. Galia Lahav’s Gala line, which launched last year, combines a more contemporary flair with classic detail in a collection containing delicate French guipure lace, floral embroidery and antique pink and ivory lace.

Lace is still a top choice, but designs are evolving from simply pairing it with classic silhouettes, says Carolyn Chow, co-founder of Central Weddings. “Besides a modern cut, lace is often mixed with different elements and styling, to lend romanticism.”