Sleek and sexy

Red carpet glamour is making its way down the aisle. Christine Antoniou finds out why so many brides are opting for a sleek look on their wedding day.

If you catch yourself staring dreamily at a glamorous sleek and fitted gown but turn away thinking “I could never wear that’’ – don’t rule it out just yet. What might come as a surprise, a fitted style flatters most shapes and sizes. And keeping an open mind will send you on your way to finding a gown that not only suits your shape but your personality.

Conjuring up images of 1950s glamour and Hollywood icons, a sleek gown is the perfect way to achieve a sexy, romantic and delicate look. Think plunging necklines, silk charmeuse, delicate beading and fish tails, to enhance and define your silhouette.
 
Figure flattering
Designer Karen Willis Holmes says her sleek designs are figure flattering and a little sexy. “Sleek gowns are very popular at the moment because it’s usually a bride’s most glamorous time to dress up,’’ she says. “This style flatters 99 per cent of brides, it really does suit all shapes.’’

And while the sensuous and delicate fabric will give you a soft and romantic look, corsetry underneath the gowns means your waist can be pulled in and your figure accentuated to achieve a feminine silhouette. “A lot of brides think they won’t look good in a sleeker gown but once they try styles on they love it,’’ Karen says.

Mariana Hardwick’s 2006 Goddess Collection was her first collection to highlight the lure of slim line gowns which emphasise the hourglass shape with a dip neckline, drop waist with bodice over the hips, beading and exposed corsetry.

Mariana says the current mermaid style suits a longer body but fitted gowns in general can look “wonderful and sexy on anyone’’.  “A more voluptuous figure can look great because a bridal gown needs flesh, shape and curves,’’ she says. “Women these days are body, health and fitness conscious and this style celebrates the female figure. The essence of bridal dressing is optimising all of your best features and reflecting your personality,’’ she says.

 

Hair and make-up
A more understated gown gives brides the perfect opportunity to accessorise and add glamour to their look. Neat sleek buns suit this look or opt for a softer and feminine half up hair-style that is structured but still soft.

And it’s all about that “I just got out of bed look’’ when it comes to make-up.

Think blushes and pinks and flowers like English rose for a natural look. Although you may sit in the make-up chair for an hour, Karen says a soft and pretty look is best without looking like you are wearing much make-up.

Accessories
Long drop vintage look earrings are popular amongst brides but make sure they don’t overpower your gown. Brooches can add another dimension to your gown, or be creative and have some fun and put one in your hair.

Relax
A person who you trust and an open mind are the best things to take with you when choosing your dream gown.
Mariana says it’s not unusual for brides to have a fixed idea of what they want before they have even tried on their first gown.  She suggests trying on a range of silhouettes from full gowns to A line to slinky. “Keep an open mind, often what you want can be different to what suits you.’’

Karen suggests relaxing and to be guided by the advice of shop assistants.  “Just try things on because you never know what a dress will look like until it’s on – you can always take it off if you don’t like it.’’

Photo credits from top:
Peter Collie
James Geer
Elli Ioannou