R

enowned designer Biyan Wanaatmadja offers some ideas for brides-to-be wanting to look magnificent when heading down the aisle during that one unforgettable moment.

The were on the third floor of The Papilion in Kemang, South Jakarta. All were dressed in alluring bridal gowns.

As music played, towering models, clad in dresses from Biyan’s latest collection, Biyan Bride, strutted through the boutique, “mingling” and striking poses in among the life-sized dummies.

Fashionistas seemed excited as they could view each and every feature of the dresses, snapping photos of their favorites with their smart phones or digital cameras.

Unlike an ordinary fashion parade, which is usually staged on a runway, Biyan embraced an exceptional yet intimate way to display his latest bridal and cocktail dress collection, letting his customers and guests take a closer look at every detail of every dress.

The concept worked quite well despite the fact that the area of the studio was inadequate to accommodate all the guests. Biyan crafted each dress with meticulous attention to detail, creating perfect gowns to bring out the best in every woman.

“I wanted to create something special, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing,” Biyan said, adding that his designs could also be worn on other occasions.

Nowadays, he added, brides-to-be tend to opt for something slimmer and simpler, like sheath dresses rather than bubbly ball gowns. Mini-dresses are also favorable, especially for those who hold outdoor nuptial parties.

His collection truly represents what women want. A sheath silhouette dominated the show, while the trumpet design and A-line were in the minority.

Biyan displayed his expertise in creating lots of unique necklines for the upcoming season, including an illusion-embellished style, in which a sheer layer of fabric offers a softened appearance, as well as flaunted strapless and one-shoulder designs. Those who crave a more traditional touch, Biyan delivers with his kebaya-inspired gowns, adorned with a flowery accent on the hips.

Take an off-white long-sleeved kebaya, and team it up with a pleated dress and a floral corsage detail on the hip.

Chinese-style cheongsam was all over the show, not only in the form of classic bridal dresses but also sparkling evening items.

A detachable short, lace jacket was also on show in the collection; a jacket which can be worn during the wedding vows at the church and taken off at the reception.

Another item was an A-line gown with a long-sleeved, illusion neckline, attached with a bow on the back and a short train. The designer has ditched the overly long train trailing behind the bride, favoring instead a more modest, and shorter, style which allows the bride to move easily, especially while taking the first dance.

As for the color palette, the designer displayed his usual panache in delivering soft yet soothing hues, such as champagne, off-white and sandy gray.

Biyan suggested brides-to-be should custom order a wedding gown six months prior to the big day, or three months at the latest, so there would be enough time to do all the fittings.