We round up some stunning wedding gear that differs from the traditional, oh-so-safe options
Stars of the Ocean
A beach wedding calls for a rinse of the traditional princess ball gowns. That parade of long white trains doesn't seem like a good mix with sand anyway -- we suggest more airy and flowy shapes that are light enough to flutter in the sea breeze. For ravishing dresses that flaunt hand-embroidered sequins, pearls, Swarovski rhinestones and lace, check out the latest collaboration between Nhoo Matthews Atelier and Cape Dara Resort Pattaya. Inspired by the obvious sea motifs, be it starfish, seashells, the sky or corals from the ocean, it is no surprise that their standout dress is a semi-see through cloud of blue tulle. Although relatively new in Bangkok's wedding circuit, Nhoo Matthews has made a career in fashion for the past 10 years in New York, working for renowned names like Marchesa and Zac Posen. Now well back in town with her finest bridal and evening-wear creations, you can check out her work at www.nhoomatthews.com or at the upcoming Wedding Fair at Cape Dara Resort this March, where there is a selection of services and products such as wedding dresses, cosmetics, invitations, souvenirs and mementos wedding designers will be showcasing.
Visit Nhoo Matthews Atelier at The Trendy Office & Plaza at Sukhumvit 13. Call 087-700-0574.
A Romance For All Seasons
Fans of the ballerina-inspired and lace-heavy fashion house Tutti should be excited to hear that the namesake designer now also does bespoke bridal couture under the label Maison Tutti. We quite like this option if you'd like to avoid the exorbitant price of gowns which can make the eyes water before the nuptials even begin. As can be expected, the brand's outstanding trademark of crafted pieces of lace create an air of vintage romance, with the love between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert being the main inspiration for some of the dresses. A fitting source, as it should be noted that it was Queen Victoria's white wedding dress which became the origin of brides opting for a white dress for their wedding. But it's not all old-school -- there are countless dresses that transform the lace into contemporary and stylish shapes. Despite sweet details such as ribbons with English roses attached, Maison Tutti's dresses are extremely low-key and could be something you could easily use later outside of weddings. That's actually its strongest selling-point -- it can morph into an after-party outfit or even a nice dress for a day out.
Visit the Tutti Showroom at Market Place Thonglor. Call 089-967-5989.
Chapel of Love
If you've ever wondered what a Sretsis wedding looks like, the new campaign they've shot with Benedict Studio, "Chapel of Love", is a dreamy explosion of pastel dresses in their full, Victorian glory. The vintage-looking jewellery within the photos also evoke the style of a bygone era -- either being intricately detailed with sprinkles of diamond-adorned florals or inconspicuous, simplistic designs that can be worn every day. If one large rock doesn't strike your fancy, the jewellery house of this sisterly empire, Matina Amanita, has opulently flamboyant rings with "The Engagement", their one-of-a-kind collection which won't have you sporting the same with anyone else. There's only one piece of each design that Matina designs, but if you want to turn your own fantasies into a wedding band, you can also ask Matina to design something specially for you. Their everlasting "Love Tokens", a line of 14K gold jewellery, is also a perfect gift for bridesmaids that help out on your big day. Make the most of the promotional priced wedding packages from Benedict Studio and Matina Amanita from now until March 31. Purchase Benedict Studio's wedding package and you are entitled to receive an extra 10% off on top of the promotional price, a 5,000 baht cash voucher to spend at Matina Amanita and an exclusive 10% off Matina Amanita's "The Engagement" collection.
Visit Matina Amanita at Central Embassy.
Jardin d'Hiver
We've rounded up some fun for those on the guest side of weddings too. With the amount of weddings taking place these few months, we all deserve a get-out-of-jail-free card for recycling the same outfit. Easily spice up a plain dress or non-dress that's already sitting at the back of your closet with the help of some statement-making jewellery. French costume jewellery house Les Néréides is your sophisticated and delightful go-to, for accessories to really save an initially simplistic look that wouldn't have otherwise passed for a wedding outfit. Their winter collection offers winter gardens that'll have violets, quinces, primroses and Japanese anemones blooming delicately across your neck. You can always expect a constant selection of enamelled vegetation of all sorts -- this time there's crystal buds of blackberries and acorns ripe for picking. Their popular alphabet necklaces come under the flower theme this season -- a perfect company to any outfit or also as a gift for the new bride to celebrate her new initials.
Visit the flagship store of Les Néréides at Groove, CentralWorld.
