Spring has sprung at Cosmopolitan Bride

As Spring slowly starts to show itself – hurrah! – we are also excited to see the Spring releases of some of our favourite bridal magazines, including the ever popular ‘Cosmopolitan Bride’.

One of the best sources of inspiration will always be the red carpet, and Cosmo Bride serves up a range of ideas guaranteed to meet the needs of any bride in “Spotlight on You” (page 30). This issue, Elizabeth Banks is very much channelling our lovely ‘Nicole’ gown (page 31), and with its slim skirt and high neckline, it is simple elegance defined in a gown.

Featured in “Love Story” (page 91) is the Karen Willis Holmes Ready-to-Wear ‘Dakota’ gown. With its pretty cap sleeves and lace overlay, this gown has a lovely vintage feel to it.

In the beautiful editorial, “Sealed With a Kiss” (page 116), the Karen Willis Holmes Ready-to-Wear gown, ‘Allegra’ (page 124), looks fantastic with statement, black accessories. We love the lace bodice and extravagant tulle fish-tail shape of this gown.

“Anatomy of a Dress” (page 148) provides brides with a great breakdown of a gown to help them understand what they are getting in terms of value when purchasing a gown. The Karen Willis Holmes Couture range has been mentioned in this article, featuring the ‘Maddison’ gown (page 158), and the ‘Chantilly Lace Bodice’ and ‘Pleated Ruffle Skirt’ combination (page 159).

We are always thrilled to see one of our bride’s weddings splashed across the glossy pages of Cosmo Bride, and Shannon and Gregg (page 184) are no exception. We thought Shannon looked amazing in our Ready-to-Wear ‘Sharon’ gown when she married Gregg in November last year.  And what a perfect day! Gorgeous location with fantastic weather – couldn’t ask for much more than that!!

Beyond the beautiful gowns, Cosmo Bride has some fantastic articles in this issue that we are loving here at Karen Willis Holmes!

“Love Blossoms” (page 49) contains some stunning floral arrangements and ideas, which will help any bride in her quest for the perfect bouquet  – keep your eyes peeled as we will be featuring one of our favourite florists on the blog soon.

These days there are so many politics surrounding gifts for weddings, “Cash or Gift” (page 99) provides you with all the best ways of broaching the situation politely but also so that you can get what you really want and need (instead of 3 new toasters).

Planes (or helicopters), Trains (or water Taxis), and Automobiles… “Ride of your Life” (page 164) offers up some fabulous alternatives for every bride to consider to show up in serious style for their big day!

For more amazing advice and ideas for your big day, head to your local newsagent and pick up your copy of Cosmopolitan Bride today.

Gown in Focus - Rebecca

With a corseted bodice, the ‘Rebecca’ gown helps to create a perfectly placed bust that is both completely secure and looks absolutely fabulous.

The boning in ‘Rebecca’ works to cinch the waist, helping give a wonderful, womanly curve through the torso and highlight the definitive waistline.

An A-line skirt, showcased in the ‘Rebecca’ gown, gently skims over the hips, without hugging, which is great for girls trying to conceal this problem area, without drowning in a full skirt.

The asymmetrical draping seen here on the ‘Rebecca’ helps to draw the eye down, instead of straight across. This is important as it creates the illusion of a longer, leaner body.

The 100% silk contessa is the lightweight, crisp fabric of the ‘Rebecca’ gown and is a great option for brides who are looking for a low maintenance gown – it has enough structure to hold its shape, but is still soft allowing plenty of movement and mobility.

‘Rebecca’ is normally cut with a very slight train to give the gown that real special feel, however the train is easily concealed and upon request* can be cut without the train.

A strapless gown, such as ‘Rebecca’ can help to showcase beautifully soft shoulders and dellocatage, however for brides who want to steer away from strapless gowns, cap sleeves can be added* to the gown. Or for a gorgeous feminine look, opt for a one shoulder flower corsage such as the one below which we have available in our stores* and it will completely transform the overall look of the gown.

A gorgeous handmade silk shoulder corsage

The simple design of ‘Rebecca’ creates the perfect canvas for any bride to put her signature on the gown and make it her own. Ribbons, jewels, bows, beading, flowers – the options are endless… You can even go for a different colour*, like our real bride Fleur, who chose silver to create a modern show-stopping look.

  

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

Body shapes – how to choose the best gown for you

Today’s post – Inverted triangle

The “Inverted triangle”… Women with an “Inverted triangle” shape body generally have wider shoulders and narrow hips.

Our favourite “Inverted triangle” celebrities are the amazing Angelina Jolie, the drop-dead gorgeous Charlize Theron and the radiant Demi Moore.

The “Inverted triangle” shape, has a fit athletic type figure, similar to “Athletic (aka rectangle)” shapes, which we will feature next week.

These body shapes are best flattered in slim fitting, flowing gowns.

The “Inverted triangle” shaped celebrities pictured below all opt for slim gowns that accentuate their enviable figures. With either a one-shouldered look, like Charlize, or a crossover strap, like Demi, you can divert the attention away from your shoulder area, which you may be more conscious about. Or, go for a v-neckline or a dipped neckline, like Angelina, to draw the eye in and down. 

Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Demi Moore

So, do you have an “Inverted triangle” shaped figure? Below we have just a few of the many choices available to the “Inverted triangle” shaped bride.

Karen Willis Holmes Ashley and Kimberley gowns (L-R)

‘Ashley’ is a stunning silk georgette gown, with georgette twisted and ruched on the bodice, finished with a v-shape strap to draw the eye in. With a soft flowing skirt, it is perfect when accessorised with a sash or belt to cinch the waist. For something a little different, why not try a silver ribbon like we have, and add a diamante brooch for some sparkle?

‘Kimberley’ is a fabulous asymmetrical design gown, with a one-shouldered strap, and asymmetrical draping on the bodice, and the skirt. Tie the one-shouldered strap into a big bow for a feminine sophisticated look and to add another feature to the gown. To really bring it to the next level, finish it off with something special, like the 3D flower belt we have opted for here.

‘Ashley’ and ‘Kimberley’ are two perfect choices that would show off your “Inverted triangle” shape. With such a striking, statuesque figure, it’s not hard to find a gown that will show off all of your beautiful features. Go for interesting straps and detail to redirect some attention from your shoulders, and you will be comfortable and confident like our favourite “Inverted triangle” celebs.

Keep an eye out for next week’s body shapes post – Athletic (aka rectangle)

Karen's Inspiration board...

Karen’s Inspiration board…

Body shapes - how to choose the best gown for you

Today’s post – Triangle (aka Pear)

The “Triangle” aka “Pear”… Women with a “Pear” shape body generally have a lean torso with a smaller bust and waist, then tend to be larger in their hips, thighs and bottom.

Some classic “Pear” shaped celebrities are the bootylicious Beyone, curvaceous Jennifer Lopez and the sweet and demure Kristin Davis.

The “Pear” shape, like the “Hourglass” we covered last week, has a sexy curvy figure. As you can see “Pear” shaped celebrities, Beyonce, Jennifer and Kristin, all opt for gowns that accentuate their busts and tiny waists, their dresses then have a flowing shape to cover their larger bottom half, which is usually the area “Pear” girls are more self-conscious about.  

Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Kristin Davis

So, think you have a “Pear” shaped figure? Trying to find gowns that work for you? Below we have just a few of the many choices available to the “Pear” shaped bride.

Karen Willis Holmes Betsy, Bethany and Chelsea gowns (L-R)

  

‘Betsy’ with its ruched bodice and full tulle skirt is a fantastic gown for a “Pear” shaped girl. The sweetheart neckline with the soft cap sleeves frames your face and highlights your upper frame. The corseted lower line bodice is great for accentuating your waist, and the full skirt hides your hips and thighs. Covered in spot tulle, ‘Betsy’ gives you a very sweet, 50’s-fun look.

‘Bethany’ is a pretty option for a “Pear” shape. With adorable lace cap sleeves and a slimming sash around the waist, ‘Bethany’ emphasises your waist and encases your beautifully shaped torso and bust. An a-line skirt skims your thighs and hips to create a flattering look that enhances your beautiful shape.

With such gorgeous shoulders and bust, a strapless sweetheart neckline is also a fantastic choice for a “Pear” body shape. ‘Chelsea’ has a corseted bodice to highlight your waist, then carries through to a fuller skirt and dramatic train detail. The full tulle skirt covers your bottom half, while the gathered layered trains, create drama giving you a confidence boost knowing you are showing off your best assets.

These are just three gown choices from our collection, but with choices like these, as a “Pear” shaped girl, you know you have it covered! Go for gowns that really accentuate the features you are most confident with, and you can’t go wrong for your big day.

Keep an eye out for next week’s body shapes post – Inverted Triangle

It's all about floral!

Another real wedding today - this time from one of our Melbourne brides...
She looked stunning in our 'Adele' gown with soft silk flowers added over one shoulder.
The flowers tied in beautifully with her bouquet, shoes and the location. Absolutely gorgeous!

All the photos were supplied by photographer Kristen Cook (make sure to check out Kristen's Blog as well for her latest images).

"Hi Karen,

It's been a quick 4 months since I first met you and ordered my dress in the Paddington store, and picked it up from the Armadale store (after the beautiful work by your Melbourne ladies).

My wedding was on the Easter weekend. Thought you might like to see the dress on the big day. Thankyou for the KWH wedding dress experience - I had a great time being fitted at the Armadale store. The dress was made beautifully. Many thanks again to the Armadale store - nothing was too difficult! 

I also received so many compliments regarding the dress from strangers, when we were having our photos taken!"

Check out more real brides on our website.

Holding on to Summer and Spring

Our mornings and nights are starting to get quite chilly, although we do have some gorgeous weather today! Sitting in our penthouse (top level office) at the Flourmill studios with the sunlight streaming in, made us think of our featured bride today. Lauren Neil had her wedding last year with a beautiful spring feel. She wore our 'Pearl' gown with a birdcage veil and her groom wore a suit with coat tails - we loved everything about Lauren's wedding and she looked amazing!

Lauren looked so pretty - her gown, her flowers, and hair piece all worked perfectly with her venue 

and her theme.

Stunning!

All the groomsmen looking smart

What a delicious looking cake! I love the flowers on the top - a beautiful touch

Obviously, Lauren, her groom and his groomsmen had a bit of fun on the day.

Lucky girl!

I love shots like these - they are walking off together to start their new adventure!

"I just wanted to say thank you to the team at Karen Willis Holmes for my beautiful wedding gown.  It was absolutely perfect and I felt so comfortable in it on the day.

I would have no hesitation at all in recommending your service to brides in the future.

  

Thanks again

Lauren"

Check out our website for more real brides.

Elegant and gorgeous.

I hope you have all had a great Easter and a lovely break.
I for one know I have had too many chocolates and am feeling very guilty about it...
Today, I wanted to share with you the wedding of Sandy Willis (nee Schmitzer) who married her man, Ben, in March. Sandy wore our 'Roberta' gown, with a long veil and white roses. She is so beautiful and she looked so elegant on the day.

The Roberta gown has a fitted ruched bodice, with 3 ruffles at the bottom of the skirt to create a bit of romantic flair - such a gorgeous gown!

What a good looking couple...

Ben just can't keep his eyes off Sandy!

Sandy's long 2 tiered veil is managed by her bridesmaids.

Such a romantic image.

A stolen kiss under the tree!

All photos were provided by Nerida McMurray

"Hi Karen,

I just wanted to say thank you so much for my gorgeous gown!! 

I felt so beautiful on the day and received so many compliments on the stunning the gown!  

Francesca at your Paddington store was an absolute delight to deal with, and it was an absolute pleasure coming into the store not only to choose my beautiful gown but also for the subsequent fittings!

Thank you again!

Kindest regards,

Sandy Willis"

Check out more real brides on our website.

A stunning New Zealand wedding

I Loved these images Kris sent me of her wedding in Queenstown in New Zealand

Kris had one of our Couture wedding gowns which looked stunning.

The gown is constructed from layers of organza flowing into a full train and bustle at the back of the skirt

They are stunning shots - i love the emotion of the day, and the beauty of the bride and groom to the contrast and drama of the landscape The wedding Photographer's are a husband and wife team based in Christchurch NZ.


Of course if you would love to see some more of our couture wedding gowns or Ready to wear collection we have many more gowns for you to see.

Have a great weekend, Karen

Real bride wedding pictures

The stunning wedding pictures of Naomi & James King

In Naomis email i loved the beautiful simplicity of this line:

My name is Naomi van Dyck, and on the 23rd May, 2009 I got married to the love of my life, in Yarraglen. Our day was perfect.

To me this said it all

Naomi wore our margot skirt, chantilly bodice all tied at the (tiny) waist with a black satin sash.

if you would like to view more of our real brides 

BULGARI - The event – Create the Perfect Wedding

On Monday 12th October we had a wonderful evening presented by Bulgari

Place – Commencing with a cocktail in the Bulgari store and an overview of fine diamonds. Followed by a full cocktail party and bridal presentation featuring the couture gowns at The Residence at the Grand Hyatt – a new event venue styled like a large luxury apartment with double height ceilings and a blue stone courtyard with a retractable roof. The Residence overlooks Collins St on the 8th level of the Hyatt.

The Residence is a stunning venue. (i highly recomend it for a venue choice)

                  

Karen with model Alysse in the sophia gown

Maddie wearing Gabriella

Maddie wearing Ava

The screen behind was showing clips of old movies with the actresses all wearing Bulgari

- such a history, divine.

                                  

The back view of Ava.

(left to right) Karen Willis Holmes, Jane Hill & Sam Oglia-Loro waiting to be introduced.

You cannot see very well in these shots but the models are wearing the Bulgari jewels which are stunning.

If you would like to see more of Couture gowns in our collection