Brides today are bolder and more open to experimenting with colours like black or unconventional silhouettes. Photo: Stellarissa
Ask The Expert is a monthly column to answer your questions on topics related to fashion and beauty.
This month, couturier Stella Rissa shares her insights on creating the perfect custom-made bridal gown for your big day.
Are coloured or non-traditional wedding dresses becoming more acceptable? – Joy, Kota Kinabalu
Absolutely. Non-traditional wedding dresses have always existed, but today brides are braver in embracing them.
Style has become deeply personal, each woman wants her gown to express individuality, not just tradition.
It’s no longer about following a rulebook, but about celebrating your own story.
Stella Rissa says to always pick a designer whose style resonates with your own, so that the final gown reflects your personality and feels authentically you on your wedding day. Photo: StellarissaHelp! I’m curvy and petite – what silhouettes work best for my body type? – Pamela, Petaling Jaya
Choose silhouettes that hug your body and define your shape.
When you’re petite, avoiding volume is key. Otherwise, the dress can overwhelm your frame and make you look smaller.
Structured, body-hugging designs will enhance your natural proportions beautifully.
Read more: Every stitch tells a story: Brides seek gowns uniquely and stylishly their own
What’s the biggest mistake brides make when choosing their dress? What should a bride avoid? – Nisah, Melaka
The biggest mistake is following trends or worrying about what others think.
Your wedding dress should reflect you, not someone else’s opinion.
Focus on your personality and imagine yourself 20 years from now – will you still love the dress?
Timeless elegance always outlasts fleeting trends. Choose classic cuts over fast-fashion moments.
How do I pick a dress that will still feel timeless when I look back at the photos in 20 years? – Min, Segamat
Again, the best advice is to be completely true to yourself.
Forget the noise of trends and external opinions. Choose what genuinely feels like you.
When I got married 10 years ago, staying true to that principle was the best decision I ever made.
What fabrics should I look for if I’m getting married outdoors or in hot weather? – Sheena, Georgetown
Lightweight and breathable fabrics are key.
Opt for chiffon, taffeta silk, or lace to keep you comfortable without compromising elegance.
A wedding gown is more than just a dress. It becomes part of a cherished memory long after the confetti has settled. Photo: StellarissaHow do I make sure my dress fits perfectly on the big day – especially if I’m losing weight or toning up? – Jas, Kuala Lumpur
That’s the beauty of bespoke. It allows flexibility for adjustments until the last moment.
It’s not just a gown; it’s a smart investment in a perfect fit for one of the most important days of your life.
Read more: She designs with love, for love: Nurita Harith speaks on her bridalwear journey
I’ll be wearing both a Western gown and traditional attire – how do I make sure the looks flow together? I don’t want them to feel like totally separate styles or moods. – Amee, Johor Bahru
The key is to embrace an edge and merge styles thoughtfully.
For example, pairing a structured blazer with a traditional kebaya skirt creates a powerful fusion.
It’s bold, modern, and entirely possible. You just have to dare to own it.
What should I do if my designer has a different vision than I do? I want to trust the expert, but I’m worried the dress won’t feel like me. – Mas, Miri
Start by choosing a designer whose DNA and aesthetic truly resonate with you.
Too often, brides pick a brand for its name, not its style, and that’s where the disconnect happens.
Once you align with the right designer, trust is everything.
The process should feel like a collaboration, not a compromise.
Do you have any questions on fashion and beauty? Email us with the subject heading Ask The Expert at lifestyle@thestar.com.my. Please include your name, address, contact number and if you prefer, a pseudonym.
