New designs, colors offered to brides
New designs, colors offered to brides
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Some brides might prefer off-the-shoulder gowns with layers,
while others may choose those with halters or V-necks or payets
to cast a spell over their wedding reception.
There was plenty of choices for would-be brides at the Wedding
Inspiration II bridal exhibition in the Diamond Ballroom of the
Nikko Hotel recently, with the gowns on show expected to become
the trends for the next four or five years.
Acclaimed designer Tina Andrean prepared at least 30 colorful
gowns to choose from in her exhibition titled "The Beauty Of
Romance". Tulle gowns were presented in pink, blue, peach,
purple, gray and green.
Halter necklines, bustiers, crisscrosses, empire cuts, the
narrow A-line and semi-straight designs were some of the many
features and each gown cost from Rp 10 million (US$980) to Rp 50
million or more.
"These are the gowns every bride dreams of. Some of them have
already been bought by brides (to be) and will be worn next
month," Tina said before the bridal show.
She said her exhibition was inspired by the dresses worn by
women in Greece from the 18th century.
The show showcased typical white ball gowns with embroidery
and also simple affairs in peppermint green or lavender.
"Although I am offering the peppermint green and lavender
gowns, I believe the brides still like the classic white," she
said.
Tina was right.
During the bridal show about 300 guests -- many of them well-
heeled young women -- watched the show attentively, often
whispering to their fiancees or associates, commenting on the
lovely couture.
Attendees also included dignitaries such as former education
minister Wardiman Djojonegoro, designer Poppy Darsono, educator
Mien Uno and actress Ira Wibowo and her husband pop-singer Katon
Bagaskara.
Ira, one of Tina's customers, wore a gown designed by Tina for
her wedding in October 1996.
"I like Tina's designs very much. They are terrific," Ira said
before the show.
Combined with exquisite decoration, delicious food and an
excellent choral performance, the second installment of this
bridal show; the first was held in May at the Four Seasons Hotel;
looked like a real wedding reception -- only without the
bridegroom.
To add to the ambiance, a 300-meter long red carpet was
unrolled from the hotel entrance to the ballroom, while walls in
the foyer were covered in white cloth.
Inside the ballroom the main color was red, with a catwalk
erected at the front. Moving colorful lights helped create some
breathtaking visual effects during the show.
Former minister Wardiman said shortly before the show that a
wedding reception should present beauty.
"The beauty (of a wedding reception) should come from the
decorations, the food and the gown of the bride," he said.