A growing list of local fashion labels expanding into bridalwear
IMAGE VIA @ACLER/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
Find your forever dress.
Maybe you’ve been envisioning your wedding day look for years, or are now engaged and need to find something you love in a limited time. These days, there’s arguably too much choice in bridalwear. Do you opt for classic white or something more non-traditional? Are you dressing for an extravagant black-tie affair or an intimate garden ceremony?
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While we can’t help you choose the dress (or suit, or matching skirt-and-top set), we can point you in the direction of some of our favourite Australian designers. Whether you’re choosing from a ready-to-wear collection or crafting something custom, there’s something extra special about celebrating local talent. Scroll on to find a growing list of local fashion labels expanding into bridalwear.
Rebecca Vallance
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The Rebecca Vallance bridal collection isn’t just for brides, but rather the whole wedding party. Choose from subtle florals and deep hues of purple, pink and blue for the bridal party. For the main event, the label offers a varied selection of mini, midi and floor-length white gowns with embellishments of all kinds – feathers, bows, ruffles, sequins, pearls and lace.
Bared Footwear
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For some brides, the accessories – namely, the shoes – are arguably as important as the dress. Founded by a podiatrist, Bared Footwear caters to those who want ultra-comfortable shoes that don’t sacrifice style. The brand’s bridal edit is comprised of strappy sandals, classic pumps and kitten heels that are certified aisle and dancefloor-friendly. Plus, if you want your shoes to go the extra mile, Bared also makes shoe clips and crystal ankle straps that you can add to any pair.
Madre Natura
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Inspired by the colours and textures of the earth, Madre Natura (meaning ‘mother nature’ in Italian) prides itself on craftsmanship, quality and sustainability. The label’s bridal collection, albeit small, has all the wedding essentials – a duchess silk blazer, a simple white strappy gown and an organza beaded dress that’s made to be layered with a simple slip.
Karla Špetić
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The Croatian-born Australian designer Karla Špectić made a name for herself in soft tailoring and romantic, feminine pieces – both of which lend themselves perfectly to bridalwear. The label’s bridal collection caters to the non-traditional bride, with designs featuring details like playful cutouts, detachable sleeves and unconventional prints.
Macgraw
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Ruffles, lace and exaggerated silhouettes are a signature of Sydney-based label Macgraw, and the brand’s bridal edit offers all of the above in abundance. Designed and made in Australia, Macgraw’s bridalwear is whimsical and romantic, without being too traditional. Think modern-day Bridgerton-meets-Gossip Girl.
Van der Kooij
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The bigger, the better. Created by Melbourne designer Natasha Veenhuizan, the Van Der Kooij collection is characterised by puff-sleeve mini dresses, bustle gowns and corset-style bodices. Most of the independent label’s ready-to-wear pieces are arguably wedding-appropriate, but its bridal edit is extra elevated.
https://vanderkooij.com.au/collections/bridal-edit
Aje
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Founded in 2008 by friends Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest, well-loved Australian brand Aje combines contemporary designs with classic undone, coastal style. Ideal for a beach wedding or summer garden ceremony, its collection of voluminous, playful dresses is undoubtedly beautiful, but never too buttoned-up.
Acler
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Acler is known for its elegant draping, feminine silhouettes and textural details, and its bridal ready-to-wear collection reflects this. In addition to classic gowns, its range offers separates like soft satin blouses, tailored pants and structured jackets, so you can find something for a more casual affair or the in-between looks needed for the bridal shower, reception dinner and engagement party.
For advice on your big-day beauty look, head here.
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