From sleek bobs to the beaded shift dress, the roaring ’20s was an era that epitomised classic glamour.  Men were dapper in tailored three-piece suits and patterned ties, while women were effortlessly elegant in satin dresses and ornate headdresses.  And with this week’s premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby bringing flapper fashion to the world stage, Daisy Buchanan’s classic style is once again having its moment.

The look of The Great Gatsby woman centres on indulgence and excess, with sequins glittering beneath sparkling chandeliers and decadent jewels dazzling as women drank champagne. Inspired by Gatsby, Tiffany & Co. have released ‘Jazz Age Glamour’, their latest collection filled with art-deco designs. Platinum and diamond bracelets, layered fresh-water pearl necklaces and a magnificent diamond-encrusted headpiece with detachable brooch, are all pieces reminiscent of the flapper era.  To find your own piece of art-deco heaven, try scouring markets, vintage boutiques and estate sales.  Hidden gems are often just waiting to be found and will be the finishing touch you need to recreate your Gatsby look.

Johanna Johnson’s spring/summer 2013 collection, ‘Still is the Night’, embodies classic 1920s style with flowing satin gowns, with striking jewels and complemented with dramatic headpieces and jewellery.  Clean, sophisticated lines and exceptional detail create a stunning, timeless bridal look and adding the iconic 1920s veil will complete any art-deco inspired ensemble.  Crafted from dreamy silk tulle, the veil fits snugly around the top of the head, floating softly down the back to the floor and is embellished with jewelled hair clasps or tiaras.

Recreating the signature 1920s makeup is easy, as many of the era’s signature  looks and techniques have never gone out of fashion and can be seen on catwalks and in editorials today. Follow Elizabeth Debicki’s example, as Jordan Baker, and highlight your eyes with dark, smoky eye shadow, lashings of black mascara and a lick of liquid eyeliner on your upper lid.  Eyebrows should be thin and polished, framing your eyes.  Lip-liner will allow you to recreate Elizabeth’s heart-shaped pout, which you can then fill using lipstick or stain in rich, berry hues.

For brides who want to create their own Gatsby-inspired affair, look for venues with high-ceilings and soft, golden lighting, such as the Enmore theatre and Grace hotel in Sydney or the San Remo ballroom in Melbourne.  And for a car that Gatsby himself would be jealous of, try Hire A Classic or Fifth Avenue Vintage Automobiles.

Unlike previous years, where the film opening the festival has it’s world premiere on the French Riviera, the 2013 festival opened with a screening of Baz Luhrmann’s lavish The Great Gatsby (which has already premiered in North America). No stranger to the glitz and prestige of Cannes, Luhrmann broke onto the international film stage when his 1992 film, Strictly Ballroom, won a coveted place in the festival’s Un Certain Regard sidebar category and i his visual spectacular Moulin Rouge opened the festival in 2002.

Remaining composed in wet and windy conditions is no easy feat and could ruffle many a Hollywood starlet’s feathers, but despite the dreary weather, the cast of The Great Gatsby still managed to look effortlessly glamorous as they posed together in front of hundreds of photographers.  Carey Mulligan stunned in a blush Dior couture gown with plunging neckline.  Elegant and beautiful, Carey wore her hair down, parted in the middle and gently tucked behind the ear to showcase gorgeous Tiffany & Co. drop diamond earrings.  Isla Fisher made a vibrant splash in her crimson Oscar de la Renta ruffled gown and proved that a redhead in red is a knockout combination, and not a fashion faux pas.

A film festival juror, Nicole Kidman set the Cannes fashion bar incredibly high.  Following an appearance at the jury photo call earlier in the day wearing a sexy sequined shift dress, Nicole was beautiful in strapless Dior couture with floral embroidery.  The glamorous cinched waist and full, tea-length skirt is reminiscent of the iconic Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, who Nicole is portraying in an upcoming film.

Other fashion highlights were latest Bond girl, Naomie Harris, who shone is a silver beaded strapless Calvin Klein Collection gown and Solange Knowles, who ditched her usual pattern and prints, instead choosing a flowing Stéphane Rolland gown in a caramel hue that looked superb against her skin.  Current fashion ‘it’ girl, Cara Delevingne walked the carpet in a black silk and lace Burberry gown, styled with Chopard jewels.

Running until May 26, stars such as Emma Watson, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara and Matt Damon are all expected to touchdown in the French Riviera in support of their films.  With such a slew of impeccably stylish celebrities arriving, glamorous yacht parties and swish film screenings, the following week is sure to be filled with incredible fashion and amazing haute-couture gowns.

All images from the Daily Mail.

There is a trend towards the unconventional wedding dress, with recent bride, actress Keira Knightley, getting married in rural France in a five-year-old dress. She originally wore the strapless, knee-length tulle Rodarte dress to a pre-BAFTA party in 2008, and reused the gown this year with cream ballet slippers, a Chanel bolero jacket and a garland of flowers, to give the look a simple angelic style.

Photo courtesy of Daily Mail Online

She could afford any gown she wanted, but rather than deciding on a designer dress to wear, the actress chose to wear something she already had at home. This is something anybody can choose to do if they have a special dress already that they don’t wear, and is great for convenience. Wedding dresses, like award ceremony gowns, are something you are likely to wear only once and not again, so why pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a dress you are going to wear once?

Recycling is not just reusing a dress you already own or a dress other brides have worn, either hired or from second-hand stores, but can be a traditional sentiment. Both old and borrowed, in a sense, is your mother’s wedding dress. There is something wonderful and unique about the idea of wearing the dress your mother wore on her special day as she was filled with happiness. It would be a lovely idea to have a tradition of passing on the wedding dress through generations and sharing it with the women of the family. Alternations can still be made, to suit your style and body shape, but old is not to be discarded, old is vintage, old is emotional, and old is the keepsake that women keep in a wardrobe or cupboard until it is time to open the door and bring new life into a dress of memories.

TOP 10 CHECK LIST

1)    Venue

This should be the first item to tick off the checklist. Get the date locked in and everything else will fall into place.

Cheat tip – Holding the ceremony and reception in one place will make the day run like a dream.

2)    Celebrant

Do your research and choose one that feels right for you both. The ceremony is one of the most important parts of the day.

Cheat tip – Word of mouth is invaluable – ask your network for recommendations.

3)    Catering

You want to impress your guests. Invest in a wedding menu and matching wines, for a once in a lifetime culinary experience.

Cheat tip – Your chosen venue will have onsite, experienced caterers.

4)    Wedding cake

Simple or tiered. So much to decide upon. Visit local bakeries/patisseries and sample tastings before you commit.

Cheat tip – If you shop local, there’s less opportunity for a damaged cake in transit to the venue.

5)    Hair and makeup

Attend trial sessions with a number of local salons, before you commit. Be sure to take a photo, so you can show your partner.

Cheat tip – Use one stylist for both hair and makeup.

6)    Photographer

They will capture those memories for years to come. Review their portfolio and ensure you are comfortable with their style and approach.

Cheat tip – Your venue will have a recommended photographer, who will know how to best capture the venue in its best light.

7)    Florist

Flowers really make the venue – both at the ceremony and the reception. Choose something simple and elegant to complement your wedding theme.

Cheat tip – Make sure the bouquet is sturdy.

8)    Music

This can set the tone of the day. Discuss the tracks you do and don’t want with your partner.

Cheat tip – Ask your friends to pick their favourite track to add to the playlist.

9)    Transportation

Arrive and depart in style – whether via a limo, minibus or stately car.

Cheat tip – Practice exiting the car in your wedding dress.

10)    Accommodation

Book early for yourself and your bridal party. This will allow you to continue the celebration together the next day.

Cheat tip: choose a venue with onsite accommodation – your bridal party will more than likely have a priority on reservations.

Discuss all these and more at the RACV Healesville Country Club Wedding Open Day on Sunday 2 June 2013. Nestled in the idyllic Victorian Yarra Valley, it’s your opportunity to discuss your plans with local suppliers and the expert, onsite wedding planner. Entry is free.

Find out more here

Going to the chapel
It’s hard to imagine a more dreamy setting for your ceremony than a country chapel. Say ‘I do’ at St Patrick’s of Nulkaba (above), a petite, 1892-built sandstone church lined with stained-glass windows. Shaded by mature trees, the sculpture-dotted gardens provide plenty of opportunities for gorgeous wedding photography.

Great outdoors
Hunter Valley Gardens offers a host of alfresco ceremony options. Choose from a graceful lakeside rotunda (above), wisteria-shrouded pavilion and the striking Chinese garden. For out-of-the-ordinary photos, pose in the Storybook Garden with your bridal party.

The Sebel Kirkton (above) is another top pick for elegant garden soirees. This heritage hotel is surrounded by rose gardens, fountains and lush lawns overlooking the valley. For a civil service, enlist Hunter Valley marriage celebrant Maree Callaghan hosts intimate ceremonies that go off without a hitch.

All in one
Teaming an on-site chapel with stylish dining room, IronBark Hill (above) is a one-stop wedding destination. Tailored menu options and estate-grown wines make for a relaxed yet refined occasion. Peppers Creek is home to a sweet sandstone chapel, located just steps from the popular reception hall. Calm any pre-ceremonies jitters at the neighbouring David Hook cellar door.

Nearby – but not related – Peppers Guesthouse presents a sublime setting for Hunter Valley weddings, with a tiny wooden chapel (above), manicured gardens and acclaimed Roberts Restaurant. With 17 rooms, the country-chic guesthouse is the perfect spot to unwind with friends and family in the days surrounding the wedding.

Sporting chance
A guaranteed hit with grooms, Wandin Hunter Valley (above) is home to the Cricketers Pavilion, a replica of the classic white-walled outpost at Lourdes. Host your ceremony outside between two towering gum trees, or in the barrel-lined barn, then celebrate with a reception in the pavilion. Return the following day for a recovery lunch and a laid-back cricket match.

St Patrick’s of Nulkaba © Society Photography
Wandin Hunter Valley © Nicholas Pitt

One of the most coveted invitations of the year, the Met Gala is fashion’s night of nights.  Opening the Metropolitan Museum of Arts’ yearly Costume Institute exhibit, models, designers, A-list stars and fashion elite flock to the gala, wearing incredible custom-made designs and amazing haute couture. This year’s exhibit, ‘Punk: from Chaos to Couture’, showcases designs from Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs and Rodarte, and follows the influence of punk’s style through decades of fashion.

With safety pins, studs, torn fabric and fishnet stockings all within the realm of possibility, stars donned everything from chokers to dark lipstick.  Rooney Mara, co-chair of this year’s gala, was stunning, dressed head-to-toe in Givenchy.  Departing from her usual choice of black, the low-cut white gown with zipper and lace detailing was ethereal and feminine but maintained enough of a twist to adhere to the night’s punk theme.  Her dark purple lipstick and slick hair enhanced her chic, punk look.  Sarah Jessica Parker cemented her fashion icon status, in a printed Giles Deacon design, thigh high Louis Vuitton tartan boots and outrageous Phillip Treacy feathered Mohawk. Always willing to experiment with fashion, SJP was elegant and edgy.

Always pushing boundaries, the most literal interpretation award of the punk theme has to be awarded to Madonna.  Embracing punk’s rebellious mantra, Madonna demonstrates that age is no barrier and up-staged a majority of her younger counterparts.  The queen of reinvention shows off her fashion versatility in custom-made Givenchy and Casadei shoes.  Sporting a brunette wig, Madonna accessorised her grey tartan suit jacket with torn fishnet stockings, studded leather belt and gloves, and layers of silver chains, including a large silver crucifix.

Anna Wintour, arguably the most influential woman in fashion, chose not to unleash her inner punk.  Rather, she went in seemingly the opposite direction, wearing a floaty floral Chanel gown and her signature middle part.  Kim Kardashian took a leaf out of Anna’s book, avoiding the punk theme, wearing a long-sleeved, high-necked Givenchy gown with built in gloves and matching print shoes.

For your own slice of designer punk heaven, Moda Operandi are offering a trunkshow where you can purchase some of the gowns worn by the stars on the Met gala red carpet.  On offer are the Balmain Atelier gown worn by Kate Bosworth, Gisele Bundchen’s Anthony Vaccarello and Calvin Klein worn by Olivia Wilde.  They also have a range of accessories and other designs to inspire you to get in touch with your punk side.

zianniafloraldesigns.com.au

Matching your gown and theme

Select your theme and dress first. This allows you to take colour samples and swatches to a florist, who can help you select from an assortment of autumn-blooming wedding flowers. Consider weaving small gold details and accents into your dress as a subtle seasonal hint. Also consider complimentary colour palates; scarlet red, warm orange and bright yellow bouquets look stunning with traditional white or ivory gowns, but can also contrast beautifully with coloured dresses. Yellow and purple are gorgeous complimentary colours for your bouquet, as are red and green, and orange and blue.

www.societybride.com

Seasonal picks

Autumn is traditionally recognised as the harvesting season, with conditions prefect for bringing produce to fruition – and wedding flowers are no exception. Autumn brides have a number of options, from bright yellow dahlias, warm orange roses, vibrant purple lisianthus and a range of colourful tulips. Consult with your florist ahead of time to ensure your preferred options are available, as seasonal fluctuations may impact the availability of some flowers. It’s also a great idea to add rustic accents with wiry green foliage weaved amongst bouquets and ornamental arrangements. Other flowers available in autumn are bright perennials, richly flowering salvias, cascading delphinium, and a variety of traditional roses.

greenweddingshoes.com

Hands on

Floral arrangements can be costly, and budget conscious brides may choose the path of do-it-yourself. Should you choose to go it alone, be aware of limiting factors such as availability, time, skill, location and preparation. Remember, some flowers tarnish when touched, some wilt faster than others, and some may not be available in your area. While florists can order specific wedding flowers internationally, local brides are restricted by availability – so start researching what wedding flowers will be available in your area. Flowers placed in slim glass bottles or seasonal petals scattered around candle-holders are simple and innovative ideas for autumnal centerpieces. David Austin and Delbard roses are also relatively easy to arrange and bloom with fuller flowers during autumn months. Bouquets accessorised with brooches or lockets also add a personal touch, and can be matched to your theme. Try to find a short floristry course in your area to help you prepare for the big day – a class will also be a great indicator as to whether you feel comfortable arranging your own wedding flowers. Also keep in mind the style of bouquet you’re trying to achieve and find a picture to help inspire your arrangements.

images.meredith.com

Pre-wedding parties
Before your big day, why not gather your girlfriends together for a hen’s party in the Hunter Valley? Make a weekend of it with wine tasting tours and pampering sessions at local day spas.

At Chateau Elan, the soul-soothing, candlelit spa is home to 17 treatment rooms, with a dedicated suite that can host up to 12 people for champagne and snacks in between massages, manis and pedis. There’s also a hydrotherapy lounge with plunge pools and a salon for pre-wedding preening. Contemporary hotel rooms, an onsite chapel and choice of stylish reception venues make this a popular one-stop wedding destination.

Another box-ticking location is Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, which boasts a spa suite for indulgent hen’s events, complete with a Jacuzzi, sauna and bottles of bubbly. Dedicated wine tours can also be arranged, along with golf and beer days for the gents.

The lads will also love a beer-tasting session at Bluetongue Brewery, followed up with a barbecue in the grounds of the Hunter Resort. Horse riding, tennis courts and cooking classes are also up for grabs.

Getting around
For a memorable entry to your wedding, make like a movei star with a helicopter arrival. Slattery Helicopter Charter can deliver you and your troupe to vineyards and restaurants across the valley. These sleek choppers are particularly popular with grooms and their entourage, or for bespoke wine-tasting tours with a difference.

For brides, it’s hard to go past the timeless elegance of a vintage car. Steve and the team at Silver Classic Limousines can collect you in a stately Rolls Royce or Bentley, offering champagne en route and a red carpet arrival at your ceremony and reception.

Check back next week for our round up of Hunter Valley ceremony and reception venues.

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake recently wed in picturesque Southern Italy at the fabulous Borgo Egnazia resort. Jessica shunned traditional white in a light pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown. She looked gorgeous in this strapless gown of silk mousseline and silk organza adorned with ruffles and a light pink floral motif. The veil was decorated with her very own heirloom pearls crafted by the one and only Giambattista Valli.

You would assume that the lovely soft, feminine colour of pale pink would mostly suit brides who are fair-haired with fair features, but Anne Hathaway proves otherwise. She pulled off this hand-painted, custom-made pink Valentino gown donning a blush pink train when she wed Adam Shulman. The starlet passed up the idea of hair extensions and kept her cropped pixie cut from her time working on Les Misérables. And instead of jewellery, she wore a 1920s-inspired headband attached to a simple veil.

Coloured gowns may also appeal to brides who have previously been married. For her second wedding, Reese Witherspoon wore baby-pink in a custom-made Monique L’huillier gown. The gown had a Chantilly lace corset bodice and a flattering A-line tulle skirt.

Pink tones are appropriate for varying silhouettes, different settings, ranging from churches to beaches and for groomsmen’s apparel whether they’re dressed in black, gray or navy. For her 2002 wedding to rocker Gavil Rossdale, Gwen Stefani beat the trend and defied tradition in a dyed silk faille gown. It’s a feat of personal style, simultaneously showing off the singer’s feminine and punk style.

All these dresses evoke a romantic and ethereal look while steering towards the non-traditional. What do you think? Are you inspired to try a blush-pink wedding dress or will you stick to tradition?

Love, the Bride team xx

Stunning JASONGRECH gown worn by Melina Bagnato from My Kitchen Rules.

At last our very own local awards season! Every year, we look forward to the Logie frocks on the red carpet. Of course we love some and we are not so keen on others (to be tactful) but its always inspiring and can influence the bridal fashion trends for the coming season.

We have picked a few of our fave gowns worn by celebrities and you can see with your own eyes the exquisite detailing of these gowns worn by our Australian A-Listers – even if they are not your thing there are often style elements like gorgeous lace, incredible bling, stunning cut and fabric that could be just what you’ve dreamed of.

First up in our list of the best JASONGRECH one of Melbourne’s leading fashion and couture bridal designers dressed Melina Bagnato, from My Kitchen Rules. Melina is the daughter of menswear legend Dom Bagnato and is herself a stylist so she knows her stuff. This is a beautiful sexy dress (above) and would certainly be a show stopper for a fashion forward bride! Really exciting news for the newly engaged is that one very lucky bride-to-be who attends this year’s 2013 Melbourne Bride Wedding Expo on (June 15 & 16) will be in the running to win a JASONGRECH White gown to the value of $5500. What an incredible prize and then imagine walking your own red carpet!

Our other best dressed picks are -  Michelle from the Biggest Loser (below) – we love the lace!

Semara Weaving -  More gorgeous lace and red hot mermaid shape!Claudia Karvan (above) looks quite amazing in this mix of luxe fabrics in the gown to create sumptuous texture. Below another flattering red on Carrie Bickmore.

Shelly Croft (above) looks chic and simple – this is a gorgeous look for a bride…..and we love the sculptural design of this gown on Jessica MacNamee (below).

Hope we provided some inspiration for all you brides still on the hunt for the perfect frock. Till next time.

Kirstie :)