Do Muslim wedding gowns have to reflect understated elegance?

The first Muslim kebaya (traditional lace blouse) collection of designer Dida Mischavaro gives a clear answer that veiled women do not have to be confined to modest wedding gowns.

Like any other bride, a woman donning the hijab deserves a glamorous, even over-the-top dress on her special day.

Dida'€™s bridal collection under the theme of '€œSerenity of Goddess'€ marks her first step toward Muslim couture in her four-year fashion career.

Twelve Muslim gowns and nine Muslim kebaya dresses from the collection were presented at a recent wedding fair at the Jakarta Convention Center.

'€œI am inspired by the beauty and elegance of goddesses. I believe that on her wedding day, a bride should look elegant and a bit glamorous,'€ the self-taught designer said.

Dida started her fashion career four years ago through Didadeux Royal Kebaya & Makeup Art, which she founded along with her friend, makeup artist Deuxine. She has gained a reputation for her signature ornate kebaya wedding dresses.

In her debut Muslim collection, Dida takes the common wedding color palette of soft pastels, gold and off-white, but she levels up the gowns'€™ classiness with a shower of lace, tulle, sequins, pearls and diamonds.

A white A-line dress was adorned with golden detailing and sequins. The model used a white tulle hijab covered in golden lace and head jewelry.

More intricate detail was presented in a ball gown of almond brocade, paired with a kebaya top lavishly decorated with lace and sequins.

Among the appealing dresses in the collection was an interesting off-white tulle gown with hanging pearl strands on the chest and a golden sheath with a floral patterned veil.

Dida also painted a bright picture in an off-white mermaid gown, with a fluttering cherry-blossom pink train attached to the waist.

Most of the models wore lace headscarves attached to long embroidered tulle veils. Some presented unique choices, such as a headscarf with hanging leaf adornments and Matha Patti-inspired head jewelry.

Dida dedicated the collection not only to Muslim women, who have decided to fully cover most parts of their bodies, but also to those who are still on the learning curve.

At least half of the pieces in the collection featured see-through tulle on the back, chest and arms.

Dida decided to take a loose interpretation of Muslim wear in the collection in an effort to cater to the market'€™s demands.

'€œLately, I have had more clients asking me to make Muslim gowns. Some want sharia hijab, some prefer hijab cantik [beautiful hijab],'€ she said.

The beautiful hijab style, as she explained, refers to wedding dresses that do not fully cover the body and are not as long and loose as sharia hijab gowns.

The collection may not suit all tastes. The heavy adornments and numerous sparking sequins and diamonds may interest brides who love being the center of attention, but may discourage those who prefer simplicity and modesty.

But Dida deserves kudos for transforming her signature luxurious kebaya style into pieces suitable for the Muslim fashion scene.

'€” Photos courtesy of Dida Mischavaro and Aldi Photography

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