Martina Morgan's Fashion Forum

In an attempt to educate the male members of our fraternity, Mike McNamee asked qualified fashion designer, Martina Morgan to cast an eye over current trends in dress design so that we can have a preview of what to expect in the forthcoming wedding seasons. Martina has illustrated her work with her own sketches and images selected from the high standard we receive in our monthly competitions. The entire process took on a new meaning when Kevin proposed to her on Christmas day - wish wish them well!

PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE APPROACHING MIDWAY IN THE WEDDING SEASON; the bride and groom, however, will have spent the last year or so planning their big day. Since the day he popped the question, a box of bridal magazines and a scrapbook of ideas will have taken up residence in a cupboard at the home of the bride. As they gather ideas for the big day ahead, there are dates to confirm, flowers to choose, venues to look at, a guest list to be drawn up, photographers to book, suits for the groom and ushers and last, but certainly not least, the dress of her dreams, for the bride. Statistics show that the dress is the first purchase a bride is likely to make and this is ordered some seven months before the day of the wedding, around about halfway through the engagement. Each season we see the bridal fashions change, every year there is something new and a twist on what was ‘hot’ last season. One of the first things on the bride’s mind is what her dress will look like, and, as it is likely to be the first purchase, it is also likely to influence all other design and style choices downstream from there. A trip to a bridal shop is a must, with mum or bridesmaids in tow. A woman stepping across the threshold of a bridal shop is confronted by a bewildering array of choices, set out in catalogues and images of the latest looks from the bridal catwalk, through to classical designs. What I found, when going into the bridal shops myself, and also attending friends’ weddings, is that there is ‘this season’s hot look’ but many other designs and shapes to choose from. It’s about matching up a look that is right for the bride, there are all sorts of matters to consider, from the shape and size of the bride, colourings, wedding location, and time of year. While the big dress may be a great look for a wedding at home, it may not be the best choice when you are trying to squeeze it into your suitcase for a Caribbean beach wedding. Maybe the bride hasn’t chosen the hottest look off the catwalk for her gown, but then there are all the accessories to bring the dress right up to date. Hot for the fashion-conscious bride of 2007 is the ‘big dress’ and it is going to be around for a while yet (the wedding garment industry works on a two seasons per year basis). You will also see more coloured dresses [1]) down the aisle. While ivory is still top of the coloured bill, it is closely followed by pale pinks and blues. We will see flounces, ruffles, gathers and pleats appearing, as well as lots of beading and crystal details. The designs are increasingly more feminine, with designers much more into sculpted bodices; there are still lots of strapless gowns around as well. Monochrome dresses will start creeping in later on in the season. Not just in the dresses though – we’re going to see it used throughout the whole day, with black and white wedding cakes, stationery - just about everything to accessorise your wedding with. Many dresses that we will see will be the classic favourite, white, but there will be embellishments of stitch, beads and brocade in black to bring in the monochrome feeling. Black, net overlays the skirt will be a new look on display. For this season and probably many more to follow, the days of the plain gown are gone. We will be seeing the back of the dress adorned with more embellishments. While the bride stands looking in the mirror the dress looks beautiful, but seeping into fashion is a desire to bring attention to the back of the dress. This might involve the use of deep plunges [6], criss-crossed of ribbons to lace up the back [3], and full skirts bulked out with flounces and ruffles [4] and [5]).

Another key feature that has made an appearance this season is sleeves - not just plain boring sleeves, we will be seeing delicate and beautiful organza and lace designs. Although the new trend is the big dress, fishtails remain popular for this season, as they still have the fullness [9]. We will see the decorative design trend creep into this silhouette as well. The full skirt is a beautiful, feminine silhouette, ideal for creating the ‘princess for the day’ look. The bride who cannot ditch her dream of a white dress could always go for a coloured sash around the waist, maybe matching the colour of her groom’s cravat or the bridesmaids’ dresses [12]. Or maybe beads and embroidery for a hint of colour [8], the colour change, with the use of coloured beads and threads, can be quite dramatic. If the dress just has to be white then plenty of sparkle is in order - go for as many beads as you can sew on. I feel that the bride’s dress should be an extension of her personality. It should be ‘so her’. If the perfect dress has not been designed yet, then the bride may choose to go to a bridal dress design service. I spoke to a couple of ladies, who offer a tailor -made design and manufacture service of gowns. They explained many brides to be, come in with their own ideas, favourite designs and colours. Then by sitting down and looking at the hem lines, silhouettes, sleeves and necklines the brides likes, together they create a unique design, following the season’s trends. A perfect and individual gown is created. The birthplace of the perfect gown is a sketch on a piece of paper with colour swatches [10].

So the key feature for our brides of 2007? We will be seeing more of the big dress, they will also become more decorative both on the front and back, sleeves will make a come-back but with more of a statement with their beautiful design. Crystals and beads are going to be used for colour enhancements and decorative design. We will see more lace being introduced to designs as well.

Photo Quote: Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art. - Ansel Adams