The new trend in RTW fashion is “off-the-rack” bridal fashion. Designer Anne Bichelmeir of Viola noticed this trend when her white gowns and cocktail dresses were selling like hotcakes.
“People are much more sensible about their weddings nowadays. Many years ago, brides would be responsible for covering the clothes expense of the entire entourage and all the ninangs. Later on, this was changed from paying for all the outfits to providing for the materials (this meant that the entourage member or the ninang would have to shoulder the manufacturing cost). Nowadays, brides and their friends are much more practical. In the US, RTW bridal and entourage gowns and dresses became very popular, thanks to designers such as Vera Wang, Maggie Sottero and Paloma Bianca,” says Bichelmeir.
Bichelmeir’s Viola wedding collection offers an array of wedding gowns and dresses under P3,000. Her fabulous dresses are also super budget friendly.
“Stylish, simple and elegant are the words that come to mind when planning a wedding ensemble,” Bichelmeir shares. “Brides can have all of these qualities on their special day without having to spend a lot of cash!”
Photography by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada • Makeup by Ms. CHATO of Acqua Salon, Westgate, Filinvest (tel. no. 771-1340) • Model: Wendy Tabusalla of PMAP • Dresses by VIOLA (SM North Edsa, Cubao, MOA, Megamall, Fairview and Harrison Plaza)