The Post

Finding the dream dress

Speaks to Jane Wolff, the co-owner and head designer of luxury design house McCarthy Wolff, about what bridal trends to expect this year.

Andile Dube Dube is the information and communications officer at the Faculty of Arts and Design at the Durban University of Technology. This is an edited version of an article that first appeared on www.dut.ac.za

THE coronavirus has changed the landscape of so many industries and the bridal industry is one of those that has been affected.

Wolff said that in the past two years’ brides have been opting for a more simplistic style. This can be attributed to the fact that weddings were downscaled due to Covid-19 restrictions, such as guest lists being cut and vendors increasing prices.

Wolff predicts that people can continue to expect more simplistic designs this year. There is a focus on more easy-wearing dresses, more simple; meaning satin and beads, more streamline, the dresses are more chic and clean.

She said trends have moved away from heavy corded laces, with brides embracing more soft tulle, which was a trend two years ago, but is still popular for 2022/2023.

Blush remains a firm favourite colour.

“We are seeing an introduction of soft lavender, nudes and lots of sparkle. Textured florals are also coming back in, but in a light, soft way.”

Wolff said that brides are also not shying away from interesting and dramatic details such as big sleeves, corsets and separate skirt overlays that still offered the drama, but could be removed for a party.

“What we are seeing globally is that brides want dresses that they can have fun in. It has been a hard past two years and they want their dresses to represent everyone’s need to celebrate. The words that strike us for the coming bridal season are fun, lightness and intimacy,” she said.

This year, Wolff’s business, which she formed with fellow fashion and textiles graduate Dale McCarthy, celebrates 10 years. The pair along with their team, which includes Tayla Humphreys who is McCarthy Wolff’s studio manager and co-ordinator, specialise in bespoke bridal gowns, evening wear and corsetry.

McCarthy Wolff was responsible for dressing The River actress Linda Mtoba for the Vodacom Durban July in 2019.

Her advice to brides is that they should take their time to research the right designer to make their wedding dress.

“Shop around and make sure they are the best choice for you. Once you have established that you are happy with the specific designer then you need to trust and work with them side by side. When you let the designer do what they are made to do, it creates a beautiful collaboration resulting in a beautiful dress,” she said.

Wolff said that when designing the dress of their dreams, brides must allow for the unexpected.

“A lot of brides come to us with an idea in their minds, but when trying on dresses, they are often surprised that the gown that really suits them is not necessarily the design they imagined would be the right look for them.”

If you have watched the American reality show, Say Yes to the Dress, you will understand what Wolff is talking about.

She warned that bringing a large entourage to consultations could leave you overwhelmed and confused.

“Something we have also learnt over the years is to limit the people who you bring to your consultations. It is important to have those closest to you who you trust and whose opinion you value the most, but too many opinions can affect the bride’s confidence in her own opinion.”

She advised that brides must consider their personality among other things.

“Focus on more than your body shape. There are many factors that make a dress suit a person. A bride’s personality has as much of a role to play in the final look. Consider trends, but don’t slavishly follow them. We focus on designs and details that suit the bride, but remain elegant over time.”

“It is always important to consider the season you will be getting married in, not only for practicality, but also for colours, mood and silhouettes.”

◆ More information on Facebook: McCarthy Wolff, Twitter: @mccarthy_ wolff, Instagram: Mccarthywolff.

Bridal Trends

en-za

2022-06-29T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-06-29T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepostza.pressreader.com/article/281857237224833

African News Agency