MY WEDDING DRESS

I centred the design of my wedding dress around two main ideas.

Firstly, I knew I would be wearing a set of Victorian garnet and “poor man’s gold” (gold-plated) jewellery: a necklace and pair of earrings. As this jewellery is striking, I wanted to use the dress as a way to showcase it which is why I designed a low neckline acting as a “frame” for the necklace. It is the only part of the dress where flesh is revealed further emphasising the jewellery.

I also knew I would be getting married in the historic chapel of Agios Sozomenos in Galata. This space which has a fully frescoed interior (painted in 1513), has a truly magical and sacred energy and so I wanted to wear something that would honour that by having an air of that which is majestic yet humble all at once, similar to the holy space.

Agios Sozomenos Galata, Cyprus, built and decorated in 1513

Regarding the materials used for the dress, I followed on from the Old Lace, New Life concept and incorporated two historic, handmade Greek laces on the centre front and back of the belt part of the dress. The dress also has a pink, jacquard viscose lining, with layers of pastel yellow silk chiffon and white silk voile above. I also used details on the neckline and cuff of patent, champagne pink snakeskin and silk satin.

Vintage Greek lace used on the belt reverse

Material palette

Design drawing