Friday, October 29, 2010

‘The Knot’ magazine launch

On Wednesday 27th October, I attended the launch of 
‘The Knot Magazine’.
The Knot’ is a fabulous bridal website for everything you could possibly need to plan your wedding and one of the most popular bridal sites in the world. The Australian version launched a year ago in 2009.

Now, they have launched a magazine, and I was lucky enough to be invited.  It was a fabulous breakfast held at The Penthouse in the Ivy complex.
I was also thoroughly impressed with the location – such a decadent and fantastic space, the view (overlooking the pool) made me feel like I was in some oasis in the middle of the city.


The Knot magazine does not disappoint. It has all the essentials a bride needs to plan her wedding.
We had the privilege of having one of our gowns featured on the cover. Worn by beautiful model, Kobi, the ‘Kimberly’ gown looks fantastic.


We had a few of our gowns featured throughout the magazine as well, and we think they all looked stunning.

Karen Willis Holmes gown ‘Theresa’ (first on left in left picture), and
Karen Willis Holmes gown ‘Poppy’ (first on left in right picture)

With great features like ‘gowns to suit your shape’ the magazine is full of advice and is on its way to becoming a must-have for brides to be.

Karen Willis Holmes gown ‘Pina’ (first on left)

One of our favourite shots is in the editorial ‘Beauty in Extremes – subtle to standout ways to wear the latest trends’. Our ‘Joy’ gown with ‘Emily’ lace jacket on top is a gorgeous feminine look with a vintage touch.


Karen Willis Holmes gown ‘Joy’ and lace jacket ‘Emily’.


Go out and grab your copy! 

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Red Carpet Looks


The Red Carpet is one of our favourite sources for fabulous fashion.
Celebrities always look immaculate and gorgeous in modern or vintage gowns and fashions.

Some of our favourite looks over the years have been by none other than Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Williams, and Marion Cotillard who always looks stunning.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Karen Willis Holmes ‘Sophia’ gown (L-R)

Sarah Jessica Parker is one of the biggest fashionistas of our time, thanks to a show called ‘Sex and the City’ and a stylist called Patricia Field. Mixing vintage with Manolos, her look is always eclectic. One of our favourite SJP looks on the red carpet, was a full gown with a strapless corset, complete with a belt for a vintage 50’s look.
Karen’s Pick - To recreate the same kind of vintage drama for your wedding, try our ‘Sophia’ gown

Michelle Williams and Karen Willis Holmes ‘Theresa’ gown (L-R)

Michelle Williams made the fashion world take notice in this perfect ensemble. The yellow tone was gorgeous on her fair skin and blonde locks. The pleated ruffle detail around the neckline and her train created subtle gorgeous detail in a sleek gown.
Karen’s Pick - For a flattering slim line like Michelle, our ‘Theresa’ gown mixes a chic fit with soft silk ruffles to create a beautiful pretty look.

Marion Cotillard and Karen Willis Holmes ‘Ava’ gown (L-R)

French actress, Marion Cotillard, always looks flawless and stunning. She first got our attention in that mermaid dress to accept her Oscar, but we also love this sophisticated look. With the high neck and structured shoulders, it is a stylish look that is classy and modern.
Karen’s Pick – fashionable ‘Ava’ has a high neck and structured shoulders, with a low back for a demure yet sexy feel.   




Friday, October 22, 2010

GOWN IN FOCUS - ALYSSA


If you are seeking drama with a modern twist for your special day, then the ‘Alyssa’ gown is a must.


Featuring a sweetheart strapless neckline, which is a popular choice for many brides, it softens your shoulders and shows just a hint of décolletage.

The soft organza ruffles, finished with a rolled hem, starting at the bodice and continuing through the skirt in a gradated pattern meet at the centre front drawing the eye in to the waist for a flattering and statuesque figure.

The bodice has a corset base with boning to create structure and shape, as well as offer support for the bust.


The Diamante belt* is a perfect way to cinch in the waist and break up the organza ruffles on the ‘Alyssa’ gown. 
A belt like the Diamante belt is a great way to add some glamour to a number of gowns in the Karen Willis Holmes collection that draws the eye in as well as adding some sparkle!


With its soft ruffles finished with a diamante belt, the ‘Alyssa’ gown is a perfect choice for a gorgeous Spring wedding, adding a touch of drama to your day.


*Extra costs may be associated with this work, please speak to our staff for more information


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Fletcher and Grace


To complete your look for the big day take a look at these vintage inspired gems.

At Fletcher and Grace, they design and make beautiful costume jewellery including vintage inspired earrings, brooches, necklaces, bracelets and bangles for every occasion and for any girl looking for a bit of glamour.  Perfect as gorgeous wedding jewellery their collections are made from Swarovski and cubic zirconia crystals. 
Ranging from $35 to $255 we are sure you will find a special piece to finish off your look.

Antoinette flower and pearl brooch and Mille Fleurs Lily Brooch (L-R)

While exploring the jewels on their website check out the ‘We Love’ section, for great links to all things bridal – from stationary to makeup artists.

Fletcher and Grace also featured Karen Willis Holmes gowns in their latest photoshoot.

Karen Willis Holmes Claudia Couture gown and Sharon Couture gown (L-R)

View the Fletcher and Grace collection at:

Contact details:
Phone: (02) 9816 2614




Friday, October 15, 2010

Real Weddings… Kathryn and Adam

Kathryn and Adam first met through friends at a post Christmas get-together. A few Christmases later, Adam secretly bought a ring and put it under the tree for Kathryn. As they sat together unwrapping gifts, he proposed and they were married on 14th August 2010.


The wedding was in beautiful Hunter Valley. They chose a location outside of Sydney as they wanted their guests to relax and “feel like they were on holidays”.


The ceremony, with celebrant Ron McSporren, was at ‘Lovedale Chapel’, which Kathryn and Adam chose as it reminded Kathryn of the church where her parents were married, in their home town in country Victoria. 


We love this emotional photo of Kathryn’s father giving Kathryn away at the chapel.


They chose ‘Robert’s Restaurant’ for their reception venue, as “we wanted our guests to enjoy the amazing food they offer and we could not get past the beauty and simplicity of the restaurant.”
Alison and Martin of ‘Fine Invites’ made beautiful invites and place cards to suit the chic country charm of Robert’s Restaurant – “Alison and Martin were a great support and the invites and place cards were exactly as we had hoped (and very reasonably priced)”.
Despite it being a winter wedding (which Kathryn and Adam chose, so they could enjoy a European summer honeymoon), Kathryn and Adam’s wedding day boasted perfect blue skies. 




Kathryn looked fabulous in her Karen Willis Holmes gown. She was recommended to visit our Karen Willis Holmes store in Paddington by a girlfriend, and with the help of her mother and sister, she chose the ‘Adele’ gown with the handmade ‘Adele shoulder corsage’. She loved “the simplicity and corsage detail”, and with the wedding being in winter, she also purchased a gorgeous feather shrug, which she loved, “as did all the guests who all wanted cuddles!”
Adam wore a handsome grey Simon Carter suit, with a bold striped tie, and the couple looked absolutely perfect together.

Kathryn and Adam’s bridal party consisted of their nearest and dearest – with her sister as the bridesmaid/maid of honour in Vera Wang, and Adam’s good mate, John, his sole groomsman/best man, also in a Simon Carter suit, with Adam’s adorable niece, Dominique, as the couple’s flower girl.
Kathryn accessorised her gown with some beautiful Alannah Hill earrings, a very special Tiffany & Co bangle (which was a gift from her sister), and a sentimental piece – a bracelet owned by her mother, “that she was given on her 15th birthday by her elder brother. This bracelet was my ‘something old, borrowed and blue’.” Kathryn completed her look with a simple veil from Karen Willis Holmes, with hair and makeup by Julie Kane.

Their florist was Karina Pollet, who was recommended to them by Robert’s Restaurant. Kathryn loved the flowers and said they “were one of the highlights of the day. I let her choose the flowers (whatever was at the markets on the day that looked pretty). We had so many comments and there was no way I was going to throw my bouquet!” She also decorated the wedding cake, which was made by Sugar Rush.
Jay, from ‘Photos from Jay’, took all the beautiful photographs on the day, perfectly capturing the love of the couple and the massive grins in all the pictures!
Some other intimate choices they made was asking their good friend Dr Jon to be their MC, and a friend’s sister “who is an excellent pastry chef in Sydney” made macaroons for the bonbonniere.

They danced their first dance to ‘Kingdom Come’ by Coldplay, which musician Mick Fetch, who played all the music for the night, learnt and sang for them, which “was beautiful”.

Some wonderfully kind words to us from Kathryn, “Thanks again for creating such a beautiful gown for me. Your staff were always so friendly - their guidance and honest opinions made what I thought would be a daunting experience, all the more comfortable.”


We wish Kathryn and Adam all the best in their married life. Judging from the huge grins on their wedding day, we are sure it will be a blast!








Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Fabrics in Focus

Silk Georgette and Crinkle Silk Chiffon


Silk fabrics are always lovely to work with – they look great and fall beautifully.

Sheer silks are lightweight and great to drape intricate patterns with.
Two of Karen’s favourite fabrics at the moment are Silk Georgette and Crinkle Silk Chiffon.

Silk Georgette is a sheer smooth matte silk.


A dream to drape with, it is our fabric of choice for gowns that are intricately ruched on the bodice, like our ‘Kimberley’ gown. The soft fall of the fabric creates a floaty look that is so sweet and pretty.


Sheer silks, like Silk Georgette, work beautifully with a heavier fabric like Delustred satin.
As shown on our ‘Theresa’ gown, the contrast in the two fabrics creates a stunning juxtaposition that is feminine and sophisticated.


Another one of our favourite sheer silks is Crinkle Silk Chiffon.
A soft matte silk with a subtle crinkle effect throughout, it creates gorgeous texture.


The fabric can be manipulated in wonderful ways, and bias strips cut with a raw edge, add wonderful depth and feel to a bodice like our ‘Natalie’ gown.


The crinkle effect offers a fabulous look and feel that works wonderfully either plain, or with a dazzling diamante belt like our ‘Natalie belt’.






Friday, October 8, 2010

Wedding List Co. - Bridal Registry Specialist


Wedding List Co. caters in style for your every gift registry need.



You can manage every aspect of your gift registry online, and even create your own personal wedding website.
If you want a personalised service, they also have gift consultants at any of their showrooms to give you the expertise you need.
They make it easy and enjoyable for your guests too – after all, a wedding list is as much for their convenience as it is for yours!




With top brands such as Coco republic, Georg Jensen, Kitchenaid, Missoni and Rosendahl, you have so many fabulous options to choose from.
Check out their website or any of their stores nationally. 


4 Stores Nationally
Sydney 287, Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst 02 9331 2455
Melbourne 25c Izett Street, Prahran 03 9521 1234
Brisbane Shop 6, 31 James Street, Fortitude Valley 07 3216 0331
Perth 363 Hay Street, Subiaco 08 9381 2003




Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Gown in Focus - Payton with Stephanie Skirt

The ‘Payton’ bodice with its statement shoulders creates a dramatic and daring silhouette for the modern bride.




A simple wraparound, it can be worn as a top with a skirt, or as a jacket on top of a slim fitted gown.

Worn with the ‘Stephanie’ skirt (here), it creates a simple straight silhouette, with the shoulders doing all the work, framing the face and bust, and bringing attention up to the face.

The v-neckline, with the soft drape going into the waist, brings the eye in. The sash around the waist cinches it in to create a sexy hourglass shape. Wear the sash loose, with the wide tails falling down to bring the eye down and up to create the illusion of extra height. Or, wear the sash with the tails tucked away for a simple no-fuss look.

The puffy impressive sleeves create drama for a really different look. It works superbly with the simplicity of the rest of the top, and with such a beautifully shaped, fitted skirt, you don’t need much more bling.  



An extra feature that will finish off the gown beautifully, a silk flower like our ‘vogue corsage’ can be worn at the waist where the draping flows to*. This is a gorgeous piece of simple textural detail that just brings the elements together perfectly.



* Extra costs may be associated with this work, please speak to our staff for more information. 

Friday, October 1, 2010

Karen's Inspiration Board

Karen's Inspiration Board for Spring...