Happy guests were greeted with Campari cocktails as they stepped in from the hot sun today at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta. All were anxious to see the exquisite craftsmanship of the bridal designers in this year’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Malta.

WEDDING BELLS

First up was the Ana Romysh Haute Couture collection, currently the top brand in the Farage Fashion group portfolio, represented in Malta by Wedding Bells. Her handcrafted gowns displayed a prideful traditional approach to the wedding gown with a flashy flair of beading and embellishments, including the application of Swarovski crystals in her designs. Sexy slits and crafty cutouts turn these bridal dresses into real masterpieces. Illusion necklines drew attention to the lace details around the clavicle line. Lace details at the shoulder seams hung from those bony shoulders like sparkling icicles dangling from the corner of a roof. Romysh’s clever use of sheer fabrics added a playful effect to her designs. There were sheer sleeves allowing lacy appliqués to hang from the wrists. The skeleton of the bodice on one of her gowns was highlighted, as only sheer fabric surrounded the boning. On a short satin wedding gown, she draped long sheer fabrics on top, trailing behind in a long train of sheers. There were a variety of necklines including, sweethearts, deep v-cut sweethearts, square, v-neck, and illusion necklines.

Toward the end of the line, she moved toward a more vintage appeal with eggshell colored fabrics and long layers lined with vintage lace. The use of feathers gathered in the veil behind the neck, was an interesting take on a vintage wedding gown. But best of all, in this collection, there were layers upon layers of tulle. Tulle layers from the knees, form the hips, and from the waist. And nothing pairs better with a wedding gown than thick layers of bouncy white tulle.

Makeup by Natasha Polidano, Gabrielle Zammit Grungo, and Maria Camilleri
Assisted by Joslyn Falzon and Eleanora Cauchi
Hair by Michael and Guy – Chris Galea, Guy Galea, and Matthew Galea
Flowers by Alistair Floral Design

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BRIDAL CREATIONS

Next we viewed the collection of Impression Bridal by Bridal Creations. Traditional gowns in heavy satins walked down the runway. Sweetheart, strapless, and v-cut necklines emphasized femininity while open backs, v-cut backs and frayed edge details added a twist of modern edge to some gowns. High waistlines were defined with silver waistbands. Long sleeves, draped with sheers displayed white appliqués and silver embellishments. Sheers delicately swooped around shoulders from back to front. And once again, layers of tulle bounced down the runway, dancing along with the models’ swift motions.

Makeup by Elaine Galea, Sarah Doubler, and Brenda Gauchi
Assisted by Maxine Desira, Kathleen Saliba, Charlotte Tabone Fabri
Hair by Annalise Azzopardi
Assisted by Frusina Serdi, Inera Nikitorova, Margarita Ivanora
Flowers by Alistair Floral Design

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CREATIVE FACTORY 7

For a change of pace, Creative Factory 7 shocked us all with their colorful wedding attire, channeling an elegant Geisha theme. Short A-lines and long maxis were the backdrops for colorful appliqués and Geisha fans, which were strategically placed in interesting places on the pieces throughout the collection. Bright teals, salmon pinks, pastel greens, dark purples, lilacs, light blues, and tangy oranges decorated the runway as each piece with its unique structure and use of fabric made statements in themselves.

Makeup by Krista Paris
Assisted by Amanda Greaves
Hair by Claire Vassallo at Hair O Hair
Assisted Maria Bonaria and Mariah Spiteri

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IVORY & CO

The playful music paired nicely with the playful construction techniques seen in the collection for Rosa Clara for Ivory & Co. Subtle appliqués and embellishments allowed more attention to be drawn to the clever use of shape and detail. Hoop skirts and thick tulle layers held the shapes of several round dress designs while slender silhouettes sculpted the model’s figure on others. Sheer lacy long sleeves connected to sheer bodices on certain gowns, where the attention was drawn to the simple white breast padding at the front, definitely a more daring bridal design. Strapless necklines contrasted with imitation necklines. Semi-detached trains were introduced, adding an interesting design twist. The use of fabric to create positive and negative space really showcased the talent behind this collection. The show concluded with a very large 19^th century style gown, draped beautifully over a large round crinoline. Although it appeared quite difficult to walk in, this dress was just the right eye candy for those with a flair for the dramatics. And what better way to point all eyes at you on your wedding day than to wear a dress the size of the entire isle?

Makeup by Jennifer Dimech
Assisted by Maya Bonello, Gail Tutigna, and Leanna Mallia
Hair by Lara Steer and the D Salon from Ibragg
Assisted by Leanna and Yvonne
Flowers by Alistair Floral Designs

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All shoes supplied by Aldo
All makeup supplied by Eva Garden

Show review written by Sacha Kinser and Pierre Mizzi – Logixcreative crew for MFWA.

Here’s what some of our bloggers had to say:

“The bridal fashion show is always popular among the public, not just to lucky girls hunting for the perfect wedding gown but also to people who appreciate fine and intricate detail in all aspects and forms.” –Splashes of Looks

“Sweetheart necklines, long trains, embellished mesh backs characterised most of the gowns, with some standing out being adorned in feathers or a slightly less traditional shade of white.” –Confessions of a Former Size 6

“Graceful codas swished on the catwalk, as the delicacy of the handiwork was very evident and reflective of the creative passion in each and every gown.” –Style in Transit