Goodbye Bollywood inspired bahus with bridal lehengas weighing a ton, and a heavier attitude to match. There’s a new bride in town who’s amping up the energy with a streak of rebellion and a swipe of mascara by making her own fashion statement. If the recent couture and bridal shows are anything to go by, bridal trends are in for an invigorating change this season as necklines get deeper, cholis get sexier and embroidered sneakers replace towering gold heels at the mandap.

Sexy and sporty emerged as the key winners in a number of collections on the runway, and speaking to designers revealed that they’re catering to a clientele that is fast changing. The confident and fashionable new age bride is wearing her mind on her strappy sleeve, and she’s not keen on pleasing a cousin thrice removed with her virginal display of the "ideal bride". The wedding celebration is not a show of pomp and dazzle for the extended family anymore; it’s a celebration for the young couple and they’re ready for it. Designers are learning to catch up too, and are wooing brides-to-be that are spirited and independent, and possessing a healthy doze of fashion aplomb.

This is not to say that fashion is eulogising the bride that nightmares are made of. She still reveres tradition and revels in the vintage, but she’d rather wear her mother’s bridal lehenga with a chic, contemporary twist than an overwhelming creation. Since her fashion choices are an extension of her personality, the entire bridal movement is veering towards a younger sensibility.

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For starters, cocktail dresses are getting steamier, as the likes of Manish Malhotra opened his show with a seductive and plunging gown in a scarlet evening hue. Meanwhile, designer-duo Gauri and Nainika kept it suggestive with appliqué flowers placed strategically on their feminine tulle and mesh dresses and diaphanous gowns.

Stalwarts and veterans of the industry are recasting their classic image as well. Designer Tarun Tahiliani made the sari even younger this year with clinging lace draping the body with deep-cut blouses. Even duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla — who have been synonymous with elaborate and traditional craftsmanship for years – decided to reinvent themselves this time around with risqué concept blouses and dresses. The verdict is out — fabrics are getting lighter with every collection, embellishment more subtle, and the cuts more flattering to the figure than before.

As for the rocker-chic bride, there have been ample options on the runway to gladden her liberated heart. Designers Shantanu & Nikhil played with the toughgirl look with leather weaves and accents on everything from the bodice to the blouse, along with matching hand gloves and maang tikkas with chain detailing.

As a tribute to the adventurous side of women, Monisha Jaising dressed her showstopper Kriti Sanon in a grey jersey shirt or ganji with a matching lehenga and embroidered Converse shoes. Rows of fake-tattoos on her arms added to the non-conformist flavour of the season as she posed with self-assurance and visible candour.

It goes without saying that make-up choices are getting more specific to the bride’s personal choice too. Gone are the days of deep red and maroon lipstick, with layers of foundation, blusher and bindis. Real brides are experimenting with everything from bright neon pops to nude shades, smoky eyes to soft messy braids, and leaving their hair down in the face of conventional hair buns.

One might have thought that Sonam Kapoor’s first look for her flickDolly Ki Doli was clever styling to catch attention, but the trend to dress down on the wedding day is only gaining momentum. It’s almost as though the desi spirit of bridal wear is reflecting the undercurrents of a feminist restructuring, as the individuality of the bride is celebrated even more so.

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Aspiring fashion designers have an opportunity to show their talents at the 2015 Westpac and Darling Downs Cotton Growers Inc Fairholme Fashion Awards coming up in October.

The Awards form part of a week-long celebration of fashion to be held October 12 to 17, a prelude to Fairholme's Spring Fair on Saturday October 17.

Darling Downs students in middle school (Years 7-9) and senior school (Years 10-12) are invited to submit original, spring-inspired cotton creations for judging in the Senior Schools Category by producing a show-stopping garment to fit the 2015 theme - Spot On!

Fairholme College fashion and textiles teacher and event organiser Mrs Clare Greenhill explains.

"The brief requires the design and construction of a one or two piece garment/outfit in a polka dot or spotted print that would be suitable for a student between the age of 12 to 17 years to wear to a day time function, such as high tea, birthday party, country races, pool/beach party or wedding."

"Cotton fabrics such as cotton poplin, cotton voile, cotton drill, printed denim and cotton sateen may be utilised."

photo: GraziaDressAU

Entrants in the Open Category are invited to try their hand at creating The Little Black Dress (LBD).

"Its silhouette has changed over the years, but the LBD remains supremely chic," Mrs Greenhill said.

"The designed garment would be suitable to wear to day or evening events such as the races, a cocktail party, an evening wedding, the theatre, dining out or dancing. Ball gowns, however, would not fit the brief."

Mrs Greenhill is keenly anticipating a high quality and depth of work to be produced by designers in both categories.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for local secondary school designers to try their hand at a sponsored competition, with a real chance to have their original designs out in the public eye."

"The event will shine a spotlight on how our own cotton industry partners with the fashion world and, hopefully, provide a springboard for launching new designers from the Toowoomba region with an array of sensational garments," she said.

The best designs from the Open Category are set to be the star attraction at the inaugural awards night being held at Fairholme College on Friday October 16.

Guests will enjoy a sparkling, intimate evening featuring canapés and refreshments, a parade and the announcement of award winners.

The main showing opportunity for Student category winners will be on Saturday October 17 when they are presented alongside the winners of the Open Category at the Westpac Gala Spring Fair Fashion Parade at Fairholme College.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for emerging designers to try their hand at a sponsored competition, with a real chance to have their original designs out in the public eye," Mrs Greenhill said.

"The event will shine a spotlight on how our cotton industry partners with the fashion world, and hopefully, provide a springboard for launching new designers with an array of sensational garments," she said.

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Over the past five years, having a personal fashion stylist became a trend in Saudi Arabia. Hala Al Harithy is a stylist based in Jeddah.

She is a wife and mother of two boys and lived most of her life in the United States. She studied psychology, but was always passionate about fashion.

“I started about a year and a half ago when I decide to take a course in styling and realized it was what I wanted to do.

The first company I worked with was the well renowned fashion house Ralph Lauren,” Al Harithy told Saudi Gazette.

Al Harithy explained that throughout her career, working with many globally renowned brands such as Cartier, Burberry and Ralph Lauren to name a few, is a great accomplishment.

Talking about her educational background in fashion, she said she was trained at the Sterling Style Academy based in New York.

“Of course everyday hands-on training with the Middle East clientele and big businesses help with fashion consulting,” she added.

However the Psychology major said it helped her in understanding customers’ needs. “Psychology compliments my job really well.

photo: backless formal dresses

In order to understand people’s needs and requirements when it comes to personal styling and makeovers I find that my psychology degree allows me to better understand my clients and also how fashion is run in the Kingdom,” she added.

As a stylist, Al Harithy believes that knowing the customer’s personality and lifestyle is very important and essential to create the perfect individual wardrobe for each client.

“You come across both types of women. The ones who trust you fully and need a complete change and others who like to stick to their comfort zones and are not able to change their style or taste too much,” Al Harithy said.

“One thing I have noticed about women in our society is that they are much more private about hiring a stylist than women in the West, who consider it a luxury to have a stylist and may even boast about it.

The art of the job is the same, but of course with the cultural differences there have to be tweaks.” According to Al Harithy, Saudi stylists have to work harder to prove themselves because it is a new field.

“But on the upper hand, we get to work directly with major fashion brands that every girl dreams of.” She said being a Saudi stylist opens doors to lots of fashion and luxury designers, as well as getting to know new upcoming designers.

“While also allowing us to be creative by combining our culture with fashion,” she added. One of the main struggles is the perception about stylists in Kingdom.

“I found that it took a while for people to understand and accept what a stylist is and actually does. Maneuvering in the market is a challenge since it’s a new endeavor yet the opportunities are vast and flourishing in the kingdom.

As any other field there are do’s and don’ts that you realize you should implement.” Al Harithy prefers to focus on styling women only.

“The latest trends are available within reach whether through new boutiques opening around the Kingdom, online Saudi sites, or through social media and especially by the talented Saudi fashion designers who are making us proud.”

Al Harithy is working on creating the first styling house in the Kingdom that provides fashion and image consultancy services as well as courses in styling for those eager to learn.

You can schedule an appointment with her via email. She prefers to keep payment details private.

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“I started this line because I wanted to know: Where are the normal clothes?” she explained.

The Bridesmaids actress’ new collection, Melissa McCarthy Seven7, is the star’s first foray into the world of fashion and caters from sizes from 4 to 28.

Melissa McCarthy’s before and after weight loss photos are incredible, but she still has a healthy body image. The line, created in partnership with Gerard Guez’s Sunrise Brands, will also include accessories and beauty products.

“My friend designed these for me”, she told Vogue of the heart-print design featured on white tunic top she wears in the ad below.

photo: blue bridesmaid dresses

“I went into clothing and textiles in college and moved [to Los Angeles] with [shoe designer] Brian Atwood”. I was going to finish at FIT and he made me do stand-up on the second night.’. The actress revealed she used to be “completely against” jeans, but recently jumped on the bandwagon. McCarthy will appear on HSN on August 13 to discuss her fashion label and Melissa McCarthy Seven7 will officially launch September 1.

The “Ghostbusters” star says the collection isn’t just for plus size women, but for all.

Back in May, the comedienne told People: ‘I feel like there’s a big thing missing where you can’t dress to your mood above a certain number. Are you excited? Will you be buying a few pieces? “Anytime something has a personal feel to it, it’s authentic, and I find it inspiring”.

While fans are no doubt thrilled McCarthy took the comedy route, they’re also eager to check out her new designs, already calling the looks they’ve seen “adorable” and “awesome” on social media. “Do you mean, do I still have my Thierry Mugler and [Jean Paul] Gaultier scrapbook? Yes!” I put pockets in everything! “I was in a vintage phase, shockingly, and I just didn’t get it”.

I want pockets in my dresses.

Further speaking about her bottom’s collection, she added that one of the best parts of a woman’s body is that curve, and she like to go a bit high on her things to show off the best part of the hourglass.

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Manav Gangwani showcased his Le’amoureuse (the beloved) collection on the last day of the Amazon India Couture Week at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi.

Surprisingly, unlike the last four days, there was no red or black used by the designer, who’d told tabloid! before the event started that it would be a “different collection” with old friend Kanagna Ranaut.

“It’s a very romantic, very evening wear but with a twist of a little day wear as well because as we all know in Europe in most of the countries the sun sets around 10pm. So for them these colours [work] even in the day. So I have taken the brand to a different twist, as you must have noticed there wasn’t a single lehnga, no regular sari, everything was gown-structured and that was what the idea was. Butterflies represent romance and that’s what you saw in my dear friend Iranna’s artwork as well and as you all noticed he started his butterfly at the time Kangana entered”.

photo: evening dresses melbourne

Models walked the twisting ramp in grey, peach, sea green and purple as artist Iranna GR did an impromptu charcoal painting on the wall, adding a golden butterfly and leaves as showstopper Ranaut stepped on the ramp.

“This is a very unusual purple, it is deep wine. In fact the colours Manav has used are very unusual and for me it’s been a beautiful experience because I love gowns, I love clothes and I love new ideas,” said Bollywood’s actress-of-the-moment Ranaut of her friend’s collection.

“His usual haute couture is bridal wear and has very strong Indian influences in it but I think he’s gone for something completely different, giving it an international twist along with what we like about his designs — the kind of finishing, the cuts and materials that are used, are completely unexpected.

“My costume was at least 30kg and I wasn’t walking — I think the costume was pushing me a little. I was a little nervous as this was the longest ramp that could ever be, a neverending one. Yet it was fun because I believe all beautiful things come with a price to pay. It is couture, and I think it’s a very integral part of the theme and platform it is being displayed at. If I am going for a red carpet or a wedding or a special event I would want to stand out and wear something like this.”

Unlike the other shows at the event, there was not a single look presented in a red or black. Gangwani used a lot of sheer tulle, French lace, georgette and organza with strategically placed sequins or embroidery. He also used applique and Swarovski elements with flowers made from the material of the gown. Butterflies ruled the day as accessories on arms and belts or embroidered onto fabric.

Menswear saw embroidered and sequined jackets paired with sequined shoes.

Others on the guestlist included Bollywood actors Neil Nitin Mukesh and Raveena Tandon, and sarod maestro Pandit Amjad Ali Khan with his wife and son.

Manish Malhotra is slated to close the show on Sunday night at the Imperial Hotel in New Delhi. Actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan is to walk the ramp for Bollywood’s favourite designer.

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Q: What should a man wear to a Florida wedding where the invitation offers the oxymoronic dress-code of “beach formal”? —SP, Providence, R.I.

A: Whether the venue is Palm Beach, Hawaii or Nantucket, the bride and groom want their guests to be part of the sand-and-sea tableau. I have never heard of “beach formal” either—but, indeed, there is such a thing, according to wedding planners and resort-destination hotels. Think tropical and think elegant. Pressed linen and seersucker immediately come to mind, and so do good-looking sandals and sunglasses.

photo: pink bridesmaid dresses

I think you can safely surmise that you’re expected to look festive and put together, while at the same time comfortable under the sun—certainly a seersucker or khaki suit if you insist going that formal.

That said, the al fresco party venue dictates summery attire without a jacket, such as khaki or linen pants and a white or pastel linen shirt with sleeves folded back to your elbows. I also vote for a flower in your lapel, imparting a casual formality. Depending on how hot it is, I also like the idea of a fitted linen vest instead of a blazer. Then there is the Latino continental-sharp look of the guayabera, a short- or long-sleeved tunic shirt with two vertical rows of tiny pleats sewn tightly together, along with two or four patch pockets. Designed to wear untucked, the guayabera (also known as “the wedding shirt”) is polished enough for the ceremony and perfect for dancing at the reception.

Some men love wearing cream-colored oxford bucks in the summer. I also think that sandals or woven huaraches are also ideal for the beach. Or spanking white low-top tennis shoes or slip-ons. No socks. Or even some leather flip flops. Finish your debonair look with a Panama hat.

For the ladies, choose a long pretty summer dress including those with a bustier top or more covered with eyelet lace bodice and loose short sleeves. There are so many pretty gauzy dresses with the high-low hems that dip down to the ankles—perfect for an outdoor wedding. The beach calls for pretty flat or low-heeled sandals instead of stilettos.

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Scores of middle-aged Japanese women converged on a major Seoul hotel Monday, hoping for a glimpse of their favourite South Korean TV drama star on his wedding day.

Actor Bae Yong-Joon, now 42, gained a fervent Japanese fan base in the early 2000s when he starred in the soap opera "Winter Sonata" -- a show widely credited with helping launch the Hallyu, or "Korean Wave," of K-pop and K-drama that swept much of Asia.

Bae was expected to tie the knot with TV personality Park Soo-Jin at the Sheraton Hotel in Seoul on Monday evening.

The event was private but that did not stop busloads of Japanese fans arriving at dawn to claim a prime vantage point inside the sprawling hotel complex.

photo: bridesmaid dresses

Yukari Ando, a 39-year-old housewife from Nagoya, was one of nearly 100 Japanese fans in the crowd.

"I have been a fan of Yon-sama for 12 years," she told AFP, using Bae's honorific nickname in Japan.

Ando said she had flown to Seoul with her three daughters, including one who grew up "kissing Bae's face on the screen" when his show was on TV.

Friends Mieko Watanabe and Suga Yumiko, aged 60 and 58, respectively, flew in from Tokyo.

"It's a big day for us," Suga said, protecting herself from the light drizzle with an umbrella emblazoned with Bae's portrait.

Bae further endeared himself to his Japanese public by donating $900,000 to relief efforts following the 2011 tsunami disaster.

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