Wedding gowns can have character
By Deborah P. Hutauruk
JAKARTA (JP): Accompanied by romantic music and wearing wedding dresses and evening gowns, five models swayed elegantly along an exquisitely designed stage in The Regent's ballroom.
Following the latest trend and an increasing market demand, the Johnny Andrean Bridal company presented its 1997/1998 intricate and sophisticated wedding-gown collection, designed by Tina Andrean with the theme Beautiful Bride.
The recent fashion show used romanticism as the dominant feature for all five collections: Gala Evening, Soft Evening, Romantic, Elegant and Fashionable.
Tasteful, feminine and slim designs were presented, complete with details such as small flowers, beads and tiny crystals and tiaras. Dominating the collections were fitted bodices, bared shoulders and flared skirts.
The Gala Evening collection was a combination of colors; black with yellow, green, pink and ivory satin and silk fabrics detailed with small roses and ribbons at the back.
For Soft Evening, Tina presented soft colors in designs that included A-line, Queen Anne neckline and off-the-shoulder styles.
The Romantic line was Tina's main style statement, represented by tulle, organza, satin and silk fabrics in white and ivory colors.
Elegant was the most formal line, with the gowns' trains between 2.5 meters and 3.5 meters long, suitable for a grand wedding in a ballroom.
For her 1997/1998 collection, she added a new line, Fashionable. This beautiful line offered new styles in a combination of pink and peach colors using Mikado fabric.
According to Tina, each gown took 60 days to make before having to pass quality control checks.
She said most of her designs had classic themes, usually in cream and white colors with western styles. "However, I also have wedding gowns using ethnic designs," she told The Jakarta Post.
Tina guaranteed that any of her gowns would not get in a bride's way to move actively and comfortably throughout her wedding day.
Future brides can choose which style they want to wear to fit their personality. Each gown has its own character and is specifically designed to meet the atmosphere a couple choose for their wedding and reception.
Rented
Prior to the show, 80 percent of her new collection had already been ordered. The wedding dresses are usually rented up to three times before finally being kept as part of a museum collection Tina plans to establish in the near future.
According to one salesperson, the demand for wedding gowns is highest during December and January and lowest between June and July.
Johnny Andrean Bridal also offers complete wedding packages -- Gold, Complete Gold, Platinum, Complete Platinum, Diamond, Complete Diamond and Royal -- which are classed by the gown design and accompanying services. The cheapest package is Gold, with prices start from Rp 2.58 million (US$1,074). Prices for the most expensive package, Royal, start from Rp 17.8 million.
A complete package generally includes the gown, make up, the groom's outfit, dresses for the flower girls, photographs and a video of the wedding and the wedding cake. More sophisticated gowns and services would cost more.
The company has also just started Bridal Loan with Bank Bali Card Center, where interest-free loans are available to help pay for the packages.
"As far as I know, Bank Bali is the only bank offering such a program," said Rosidar Suhaid, the bank's business manager.
Rosidar said the loan is approved 21 days after a couple complete the administrative process with Johnny Andrean Bridal. The criteria to obtain a loan is based on a couple's minimum combined annual salary of Rp 10 million ($4,163) per year.
Bank Bali charges a 1 percent to 4 percent administration fee. They allow a maximum loan of 50 percent of the package price, with a Rp 30 million loan limit allowed. A maximum of 12 months is given for repayment of the loan.