Track the Trends: see what's hot for wedding dresses

(as seen in QB Autumn 2013)

We've rounded up our pick of the trends from the Queensland Brides Design Awards, with various entries echoing exciting styles from the international fashion runways.

Eye-catching Waists
Waist details were a common sighting, belts as well as vintage-inspired brooches and bows utilised to add a clear waistline or as a pretty embellishment. 

Ann McMillan Bridal

Check out Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2013 bridal collection to see waist details used to striking, feminine perfection, or take a look at how our local designers tapped into the trend; Ann Wilson Couture for Strictly Bridal, Kim Marcel Art of Couture, Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions, and Helena Couture Designs were just a few of the entrants who incorporated waist detailing into their gowns.

Colour & Florals
Colourful and floral fabrics were big this year, the People's Choice award going to an elegant yet daring floral extravaganza by Wendy Makin Couture. Subtle overlays of colour were also seen throughout, as well as striking black, which was used head to toe by Rebecca Cobbing Couture and Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions for maximum impact. 

Wendy Makin Couture

Stars including Jessica Biel and Anne Hathaway donned coloured gowns on their big days, a trend which is still standing strong in the fashion stakes.Take a look at Vivienne Westwood,Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2013 collections for more bridal colour inspiration.

Peplums
Peplums added striking silhouettes to the competition's mix, echoing the nipped-in waists of the 50s. Leonard Derecourt, Bertossi Brides, and Ja Delle Designs each customised their gowns with glamorous peplums. 

Leonard Derecourt Designer

Peplums are also big news in the fashion world — take inspiration from Calvin Klein’s Spring 2013 Collection.

Convertible 

Convertible gowns were also a favourite at the awards, the Supreme Award going to Wendy Makin's version of this functional frock.

Wendy Makin Couture

Removable skirts, lace overlays and convertible sashes mean a full-skirted gown can easily be transformed into a subtler evening dress, ideal for dancing and mingling with guests. 

QB x
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Wendy Makin Couture Collection 2013 Revealed

We went along to Wendy Makin's showroom to view the Makin Couture 2013 Collection (expected to be in Australian stores from January 2013) and it was dreamy! We always expect great things from this award winning designer and we were not disappointed.

The collections reveal was held at the designer's Woolloongabba showroom.  Special guests and media were invited to an exclusive first-look preview of the new collection, which featured 18 handcrafted and Australian-designed bridal gowns.

Caledonia

"We've already experienced an overwhelming response from brides regarding a number of gowns. This includes the Caldeonia which was showcased at this year's Queensland Brides Design Awards, and was crowned the Supreme winner," Mrs Makin said.

The gowns incorporate various design features that are expected to be popular in 2013, such as the use of sheer lace overlays, floral patterns and overskirts. For us the standout gowns in this 18 piece collection are Caldeonia, Katelyn, Reegan and Ramona, as they push traditional bridal design barriers, and perfectly represent Wendy Makin's signature style and forward thinking.

Earlier this year, Wendy Makin opened a store in Melbourne, Brides on Collins, to meet the current demand for high quality and tailored bridal fitting and design services in Victoria.

In October, Wendy won the Couture, People's Choice, and Supreme awards at the 2012 Queensland Brides Design Awards and received a Highly Commended for the Avante Garde category, all of which will be shown in the February 2013 edition of Queensland Brides.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the stunning gowns on display earlier today...

Reegan

Callista

Delta

Emma

Tess-M

Felicia-B

Jayda

Jordana

Tess

Luca

Carla

Mara 

Natalie-P

Penny

Katelyn 

Ramona

Bettina

Thanks very much to Wendy Makin for having us!

Check out the Wendy Makin website for more stunning gowns.

If you've got the inspiration bug feel free to check out QB's Pinterest page and the image gallery on our website.

Hope you're all having a lovely day!

QBx 

Friday I'm In Love : Bold Black

Black's endurance in wedding styling is truly astounding. What used to be considered a rather avant-garde theming colour has morphed into an elegant, chic modern staple.

Forget history's stuffy connotations which relate black to all things dark, evil and mysterious - black is officially hot!

(Images, first three cakes clockwise from top left - Frosted Indulgence Bottom left - French Patisserie) 

Black and white would have to be the most obvious pairing. A monochromatic palette is sleek and sophisticated, the perfect foundation for accent colours or simply used on their own. 

(Image - Fletcher and Grace)

Introduce through elements such as tailored Parisian stripes, fluffy hydrangeas within oversized black urns or a bold black and white flock pattern. This colour combo can be incorporated into almost every wedding element.

(Images, clockwise from top - QB featured wedding of Alexandra Cordwell and Edward Mills, PrimaDonna Stationery, PrimaDonna Stationery, Monograms Fine Papers, PrimaDonna Stationery)

Black can also be a striking feature on wedding gowns. Forget those visions of dark, gothic monstrosities! A delicate spray of black beading could completely change the feel of an otherwise simple dress. 

(Images, rings - Hollywood Style Dress - Wendy Makin Couture)

(Images from left - A Touch of Romance, Wendy Makin Couture)

Take a look at our Art Director Lauren's beautiful wedding gown she wore at her recent South African nuptials - the black, silk waist tie is an absolute winner.

Black jewels can also make a striking, sophisticated statement. For a modern take on the engagement ring, why not surround your feature stone in small, black diamonds? 

(Image - Stephen Dibb)

Or, for the more daring, take inspiration from Carrie's black diamond engagement ring featured in the Sex and the City movie, a perfect option if you too are "unlike anyone else".

 (Image - Fletcher and Grace)

Stay tuned for next weeks feature colour theme ... NEON.

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QB guest blogger, Alex  x