Dreamy down-the-aisle designs

Lacy elegance: Packham’s ‘Josephine’ bridal gown from her Spring 2015 Collection. The cream-coloured almost nude piece is an A-Line cut gown that is belted mid-way, and uses crystals delicately beaded into exquisite French lace.

ETHEREAL bridal creations by internationally renowned designers Jenny Packham and Monique Lhuillier floated across the runway, headlining the debut of the Weddings.Arts.Fashion 2015 (WAF) exhibition recently.

The two-day event, which catered to couples with an interest in unique, designer weddings, saw the gathering of vendors specialising in wedding-oriented services, from photography to décor and make-up.

Hosted at Zabra Square, Kuala Lumpur, guests were mesmerised by the elven-like grace of gowns by Lhuillier and Packham, provided by Singapore-based bridal boutique Trinity Gallery.

WAF featured several creations from Lhuillier’s 2015 Spring as well as 2014 Spring and Fall collections.

Gorgeous: Lhuillier’s ‘Azure’ bridal gown, a unique strapless sweet-heart neckline lace gown with asymmetric lace tiered waist revealing its full tulle skirt.

The bridal gowns displayed were the stuff of dreams, with yards of tulle woven into designs, enhanced by delicately fragile Chantilly lace and the occasional floral applique.

Typified by her use of either fuller fairy-tale like skirts or mermaid-tail gowns, Lhuillier’s signature peeked out through the simplistic elegance of sweetheart-shaped necklines.

In contrast, Packham’s 2015 Spring Collection was a reflection of the stylish sophistication of the 1930s.

Subtle: An elegant flowing pastel terracotta pink number by Packham.

Packham was inspired by British society photographer Madame Yevonde’s series of portraits, known as “Goddesses”, depicting society women of that time.

Feminine straight lines and curves portrayed the distinctive allure of a bygone era known for its glamour.

Supple fabrics that flow were contrasted with gunmetal crystal beading ranging from romanticised hints of platinum greys, softer shades of copper-nude and champagne to Grecian goddess alabaster and even a bold pastel terracotta pink.

Soft shimmer: Packham used a light tinge of grey that gives the bias cut gown its modern-vintage platinum look reminiscent of 1930s glamour.

Packham’s collection was a contrast of modern chic with a touch of vintage for the graceful yet formidable woman.

The creations of several rising Malaysian and Singaporean designers, such as Celest Thoi, Alia Bastamam, Innai Red and Jesicacindy, were also displayed at the fashion show.

Meanwhile, would-be grooms were entertained with an exclusive ‘Gentlemen’s Club’, sponsored by The Glenlivet and bespoke tailoring house Wardrobe.

Pearly baubles: A beaded copper-nude bridal gown by Packham, named ‘Jocasta’. — Photos by RAJA FAISAL HISHAN

Several lucky guests managed to grab attractive prizes, such as a Mini Cooper, honeymoon getaways, a sponsored wedding reception worth more than RM80,000 as well as Malaysia Airlines tickets worth RM50,000.