Red Carpet Runway Presented by Harper’s BAZAAR Brides

In the past, the Red Carpet Runway at L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival has been an array of designer gowns set to step right off the runway and onto the red carpet.

This year Graeme Lewsey, CEO of the festival took a risk by introducing the very first Bridal show…and it definitely paid off! Often brides look to overseas designers like Vera Wang or Marchesa for gowns, and it is nice to see that so many of our homegrown, talented designers have beautiful bridal gowns to offer too.

Brides walked down the runway with a beautiful soft look created by the L’Oreal Paris team as well as some simply incredible floral bouquets.

Collette Dinnigan opened the show with classic elegance. Beautiful draped silk and graceful necklines were the perfect offering for the traditional, demure bride.

If you want a little more sparkle, Rachel Gilbert is where you look. Whether it was the music, (a violinist on the night), the flowers and flower crowns, or the gowns themselves, I found myself getting a little emotional! Gilbert offers traditional strapless tulle dress with beautiful embellishments as well as more fashion forward numbers.

Akira Isogawa was probably the designer that surprised me the most with his bridal offering, probably because I didn’t even know he did! The Akira bride is relaxed, sophisticated and not afraid to try something a little different. The gowns had a lot of lace and netting overlay with embroidery which was simply beautiful.

Aurelio Costarella brought beautiful architecture and structure to his gowns that were reminiscent of the Victorian era. Again, elegance and sophistication but in a modern setting made this gowns completely breathtaking.

Gwendolynne is one of the crowd favourites and for a reason. Twenties style embellishments and beading make this gowns luxe, feminine and sexy without the raunch. These are the once-in-a-lifetime gowns that make your special day that extra bit more amazing.

Of course, who better to close the show with than Toni Maticevski. Dramatic, different, fashion forward and edgy,his gowns cut through and leave an imprint in your mind. Which is exactly what every bride dreams of, a dress that has her remembered.

The show finished with a total goosebump moment. The final bride emerged with three men in suits, as the violin music swelled and the crowd realised as she stood there that her ten metre train was flowing behind her.

What a show!

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Images by Lucas Dawson Photography

11 Comments

  • Reply dj23249 Thursday 27th March, 2014 at 5:12 am

    Gorgeous

  • Reply Isis21 Tuesday 26th March, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Great shots – stunning gowns.

  • Reply amanda6393 Tuesday 26th March, 2013 at 8:41 am

    Gorgeous wedding dresses.

  • Reply dj23249 Tuesday 26th March, 2013 at 5:54 am

    The lighting on the runway makes them look almost angelic

  • Reply leckytomato Tuesday 26th March, 2013 at 12:33 am

    so pretty!

  • Reply Claireo Monday 25th March, 2013 at 10:11 pm

    Some gorgeous designs

  • sommy7
    Reply sommy7 Monday 25th March, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    Love all the bling brides

  • Reply Whatthe Monday 25th March, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    so glamourous!

  • Reply yslyenom Monday 25th March, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    Beautiful! Some of the styles remind me of the 20s, 30s.

  • Reply BellaB Monday 25th March, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    Sorry, also meant to say, I love wedding dresses even though I’m married and hope to never need another. So often so beautiful.

  • Reply BellaB Monday 25th March, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    Must be tempting to choose your own wedding dress here!

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