A Wedding Gown by Ralph Lauren

If your dad was a world famous fashion designer, you could envision the wedding gown of your dreams, then ask him to make it a reality. That's what Dylan Lauren did, when she walked down the aisle last month in a gorgeous gown made by her father, Ralph Lauren.

I am in awe of her gown, it's simply stunning. Ralph Lauren was mentored by none other than Vera Wang during the creative process. The gown is made from duchesse satin and silk tulle and has georgette embroidery. The romantic ruffle skirt cascades down into a tiered train. The dress is revealed for the first time in the August 2011 issue of Vogue.

Fairy Tale Wedding Gowns by Alfred Angelo

Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Gowns



As little girls, we all read about the beautiful princesses in storybooks and watched the animated Disney versions of our favourite fairy tales. Most of us longed to like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty, who get swept off their feet by a handsome prince and have a fairy tale wedding in a gorgeous white dress.  Designer Alfred Angelo has made this all possible (not the handsome prince part) with his new line of wedding gowns. Inspired by Disney princesses, Angelo has created an enchanting bridal collection fit for a real life fairy tale. 



Fairy tale gowns are usually seen as over-the-top and costumey, but Angelo provides a refreshing and modern take on these seven stunning dresses. The dresses are currently available in the US, UK and Canada, ranging from $599 to $1199. Which is about R4133 to R8273.

Cinderella's gown sparkles in glittering tulle, placed over a full taffeta skirt. The criss cross bodice has a strapless sweetheart neckline, adorned with crystals and rhinestones - reflecting the glistening 'glass slipper'.

Snow White's gown is inspired by the beauty of nature and apples; which was the centerpiece of the story. The lace bodice is decorated with organza and rhinestone encrusted apple blossom motifs. The satin skirt is covered by sheer net and a scattering of flowers. The waist is accented by a satin sash.

The simplest gown in the collection belongs to Princess Jasmine, conveying her free spirit and sense of adventure. The bejeweled halter neck gown is made from flowing, shimmery satin in a straight silhouette with low back.

The iconic ballroom scene in Beauty & the Beast inspired Belle's grand wedding gown. Her benevolent nature is reflected in this draped satin gown with crystal beaded bodice. The netted shrug is detachable.

Tiana from The Princess and the Frog is spectacular in an asymmetrical taffeta gown, paying tribute to the water lily. The dramatic skirt has a ruched effect, while the neckline and waist is embellished with silver floral beading.

With the splendour of the sea in mind, Ariel's mermaid gown features delicate pearl and crystal beading. The bodice alternates with lace and taffeta, trailing into a ruched mermaid skirt with embroidered lace hemline.

Princess Aurora's fully ruffled gown feels the most fairytale like to me. The inspiration of rose petals can be seen in the delicately layered gossamer tulle skirt. The bodice features a rose cosage on the shoulder and finely embroidered lace and beading.

Even if these gowns are not available in your area, I hope that their charm and grace will inspire you to find your own fairy tale gown, happy ending included. 

Monaco's Royal Wedding

The Royal Wedding of

Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock



South African Olympic swimmer, Charlene Wittstock got her fairytale ending, in a lavish wedding to Monaco's Prince Albert. The small French principality hosted two wedding ceremonies for the royal couple, costing an estimated $65 million. There was a live televised civil ceremony on Friday and a religious one held today at the Princes Palace. South African flags lined the streets, in support of the beautiful blonde bride. 

Princess Charlene wore an elegant off-the-shoulder gown made by Italian designer, Giorgio Armani. Although the gown may seem simple, it sparkled with 40 000 Swarovski crystals, 30 000 gold stones, 2000 pearl drops and platinum coated thread. The intricate beadwork formed a floral design along the front of the dress, with a sweeping train that followed. It was made of 88 yards of creamy white silk. I liked Charlene's hair, which was pulled back in a low bun and embellished with a diamond head piece and long veil. She looked poised and graceful.

The bridal couple changed for a 450-guest dinner after the ceremony. Charlene wore a sheer white beaded dress, with floaty tiered skirt, also by Armani Privé.

Zuhair Murad Spring/Summer 2011

Zuhair Murad

Spring/Summer Haute Couture 2011



I can't believe I waited this long to do a feature on Zuhair Murad. When it comes to opulent evening gowns, Lebanese designers rule the runway. For his Spring/Summer 2011 Collection, Murad was inspired by the beauty of the African desert - sand dunes of the Sahara, cool blue oases and rich Egyptian gold. Brought together by luxurious fabrics, intricate details and excellent craftsmanship; the Hymne au Desert Collection is an outstanding one.

The mini dress goes from strapless to long-sleeves, coloured in golden sand, desert night sky and aquamarine. It is glamorized with exquisite beading and sequin trimmed sandals.

Goddess Gowns with mermaid silhouettes are scattered with gold leafing, paillettes, fringing and elaborate beadwork.

Fluid chiffon gowns in cool tones of sea green, aqua and yellow are decorated with gold embroidered motifs.

White togas, sprays of gold sequins, menat necklaces, metallic belts and wedding gowns fit for a desert queen.

A Royal Wedding Gown

Prince William and Kate Middleton

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge



After months of speculation, the royal wedding gown was finally revealed at Westminster Abbey today. Kate Middleton was exquisite in an ivory and lace gown by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

The long-sleeved bodice with sweetheart neckline was beautifully adorned in French Chantilly lace. The skirt was hand-embroidered by the royal school of needlework at Hampton Court. The gazar satin train measured over 2 metres, adding to the wow-factor of the dress. It is simple yet stunning and thankfully not overelaborate. She wore her hair down with a short veil and a 1936 Cartier tiara. Prince William wore a traditional red military uniform, with gold buttons and blue garter sash, signifying his position as Colonel of the Irish Guards. 

The bride's sister Pippa Middleton (right) wore an ivory satin crepe cowl neck gown with lace trims, also designed by Sarah Burton. For the evening reception, Kate chose a white satin McQueen dress with beaded waistband and cropped mohair cardigan.

Kate looked like a true fairytale princess in her wedding gown. It was elegant and demure - an instant classic that we will see in photographs for years to come.

Abigail Betz - Autumn/Winter 2011

Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection

by Abigail Betz





One of my favourite collections from Joburg Fashion Week is by designer Abigail Betz. Simple lines, wearable designs, rich wintry fabrics and a touch of regal elegance. Her graceful and classic pieces are beautifully crafted and deserve a place on the international fashion front.

The range was inspired by 50's style dresses with clinched waistlines and full skirts. Very polished and feminine. Longer-length pencil skirts and coat-style dresses were also shown. Fur and fascinators completed the look. 

Printed dresses with full skirts added some floral flair to the collection.

These voluminous gowns are extraordinary. I like that it has been designed to suit any shape and not just the runway model. Abigail proves that minimalism and innovative design can outdo the fussy and fully embellished evening gowns that we usually see. 

 Timeless and delicate couture wedding gowns rounded off a sensational show.

See the full collection at www.abigailbetz.co.za