by Johanna Osborne

Here at the Wellington Wedding Show and MR&MRS magazine someone just has to whisper the words “fashion show”, and that’s all it takes to send our pulses racing. It was no different when we received an invitation to attend the Wellington Bridal Fashion Parade last Sunday, and of course we were there with bells on.

At 2pm we arrived in the sumptuous lobby of the Rydges Hotel, and climbed the stairs to be greeted by a smiling waitress holding a tray of refreshing drinks. Gorgeous canapés circled the lounge and there were several talented exhibitors there to show us their skills in the cake making, photography, floristry and artistic fields. It was quite the welcome!

And then onto the main course- a glorious fashion parade hosted by the ever gracious Robyn Cliffe. We oohed and ahhed over gorgeous gowns by Robyn herself, as well as some of her imported designers including the ever popular Pronovias. It was quite spectacular seeing so many lovely designs, and we were told these were just a “taste” of the collection. If that’s the case then we can only image what other amazing things await us!

Next up we saw some beautiful dresses from Sophie Voon, who has a flair for unique and colourful designs. Texture, print, glitz and sparkle were all part of Sophie’s dazzling parade. Variety is the spice of life and Sophie sure brings that.

Wilkins Formal Wear sashayed down the runway next. Ever so versatile with something for everyone, we loved all the pretty gowns and the well styled models. And we were equally impressed by all the dapper suits worn by the male models in attendance!

Sally Eagle Bridal then stepped onto the floor with romantic lace gowns, slim lines and graceful silhouettes. We were in awe – simply divine! The fabrics and workmanship in Sally’s gowns are second to none.

All in all, we were shown a breathtaking array of dresses with a lot of selection for the discerning bride. All these designers are experts in their field, know what they are doing and love doing it. Even better, if you have something in your mind that you wish to turn into reality, they can help you do just that. The 8 models who walked in this show did a wonderful job and represented the vast range of NZ women (and men!) very well. And Miranda Millen and her team did an exemplary job of styling the models in a 1920s theme – finger waves, beautiful headpieces and stunning make up. Well done Miranda, what a work of art!

Thank you to everyone for a most entertaining afternoon – we had a ball! xoxo

Paula and Johanna with Dion from the Amazing Travelling Photo Booth

From left: Johanna, Paula, Juliet Blair from Dearly Beloved and Sally Eagle from Sally Eagle Bridal

With the lovely Sophie Voon

The Runway awaits

Here come some of Robyn Cliffe's divine dresses

Sophie Voon injects vibrant colour onto the catwalk

Wilkins Formal Wear in all its lovely glory

Sally Eagle wows the crowd

A romantic pair

Paula and Johanna with Chris from Wilkins Formal Wear

Paula and Johanna with Robyn Cliffe

Paula with the talented Miranda Millen