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.