By Vennette Lailani Seprado
Manila’s glitterati converged at the grand ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel for the 6th Marry Me At Marriott bridal show and dinner on July 30, 2018. Guests feasted on a scrumptious four-course dinner with a well-curated wine pairing under a glittering assembly of crystal chandeliers and silver fringe that set the mood for the opulent show ahead. A feast for the eyes came by way of a dazzling bridal show by three of the country’s most sought-after designers – Rosenthal Tee, Mak Tumang, and Amir Sali.
Wedding Essentials listed some of the trends from last night’s fête:
Sparkly Fringe – fringe is a pretty straightforward accent used on various garments. Every designer must have made at least one fringe dress in his or her fashion career. Over the years we’ve seen a variety of interpretations on how to incorporate fringe from asymmetric “haircuts” to exaggerated lengths. This time around, fringe accents by Rosenthal Tee were made from tiny crystal beads that sparkled like dew drops as soon as the models moved adding a bit of fairy magic to the already amazing pieces.
Bejeweled – you don’t have to be a royal princess to wear a tiara, heck you don’t even have to wear a tiara to feel royal on your big day. Your piece de resistance could be a statement gem-encrusted necklace mounted on a finely sculpted bun or crystal clusters artistically accenting an elaborate updo as seen on Amir Sali’s collection.
Structural Flounce – ruffles in all shapes and sizes have been so popular these days. Last night, there were different silhouettes to choose from but the one thing each designer had in common was at least one piece of garment that had an exaggerated flouncy ruffle accent seen on skirts, peplums, and shoulders.
Not Your Average Tea – There were some very interesting tea length dresses on parade at last night’s event. It was refreshing to see some pieces which came in subtle shades of blush and blues. More interesting still were the exaggerated accents and embellishments usually reserved for full-length dresses. Some dresses were jam-packed with design ideas such as bell sleeves and architectural folds which surprisingly looked cohesive and executed nicely.
Accessory Story – there were so many notable accessories seen at last night’s show. Some were current fashionista favorites like the cat eye sunglasses that are so popular these days and others were more theatrical like a fully beaded crystal veil or a floral bouquet headpiece that made such a huge audience impact. One of our favorites was a pair of glittery gloves which was both glam and fashion forward.
Hair Battle – Are you on Team Bouffant or Team Straight and Sleek? Both styles looked amazing as the models strutted down the long runway. The bouffant hairstyle looked modern by being a little messy. The ultra-chic straight hair parted in the middle was a good contrast to the elaborate gowns, just like the four-course menu with its wine pairing – it was a fashionably delicious match.
Furry Feet – one of the most interesting trends seen last night were the use of unexpected fur heels from the Mak Tumang collection. It’s common to use simple pumps or metallic strappy sandals on bridal shows so as not to clash with the whole bridal look but the young designer pushed the fashion envelope a little further by using furry sandals with his grandiose ball gowns and we’re totally on board!
Bridal shows are a collaborative endeavor. Designers and stylists come up with ideas to set the bridal trends for the next season. Trends come and go but that’s why there are classic cuts and accessories out there to be personalized according to a bride’s theme or preference. We’re just here to show what might be appealing to someone who wants something unique and memorable.
Photos by Niceprint Photography