Designer Zandra Lim marks 15th year with charity bridal event

Proving that you don’t need to wear white to still look like a bride, bridal gown designer Zandra Lim said young brides nowadays prefer to stand out on their altar date in black wedding dresses.

“Every bride wants to wear something special on her wedding day. If it’s black they like, I’ll create that special dress and make it a masterpiece,” enthused Lim, the lady behind Zandra Lim Designs who, for 15 years now, has helped brides realize their dream of walking down the aisle in a gown that they have envisioned and wished for.

According to Lim, the (bridal) trend for 2018 is flamboyance, but “We’ll see less of that in 2019. The look is more Scandinavian — sleek, no beadwork just flowing fabric.”

Designer Zandra Lim

At Zandra Lim Designs, expect simple, sleek silhouettes incorporating colors, structure and uniqueness in each piece.

Lim studied at the Instituto di Moda Buroo in Milan, Italy, where she took Istilista di Abiti di Sposa (Fashion Design specializing in Wedding Dress) and also took a course in Textile Effects at the University of the Arts, London-Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Designs.

Lim’s use of luxurious fabrics is perfect for her feminine aesthetic. Intricate detailing and sparkling embellishment make each gown a frame for the wearer’s beauty and elegance.

Sweet 15!

In celebration of her 15th year in the business, Lim wants to give back by mounting a benefit exhibit “Crystal Bridal Fair” from Sept. 15-16 at Discovery Primea in Makati City. The event will be highlighted by a gala fashion show Sept. 15 and an auction of the showpieces on Sept. 16.

“My initial plan was just to mount a fashion show during which we will accept bookings for future orders and a silent auction of gowns. A portion of which will be donated to charity,” related Lim.

But during conceptualization sessions with Discovery Primea events manager Jayjay Hega, the event just became bigger as many people from the wedding industry have joined forces to help with the charity event, which will benefit the cancer patients under the Social Service Program of the Cancer Institute of St. Luke’s Medical Center in QC.

The Aurora Borealis dress depicts the black and white dancing night sky of the north.

“And so we decided to hold the bridal fair. The participating suppliers will donate part of their sales to charity,” noted Lim.

Lim and her husband Dr. Mars Imasa have always espoused charity work without fanfare. This year, however, the couple decided to publicize their cause to attract more donors.

“My 15 years in the business is a good opportunity to push a cause bigger that what we’ve been doing. My oncologist husband is always confronted with the delays or even premature termination of chemotherapy of cancer patients due to financial difficulties, most especially those who are marginalized. Through this event, we hope we could raise enough funds for them,” said Lim.

The Indigo evening dress

My mother-in-law Linda Reyes is a breast cancer survivor and one of the patients under the Social Service Program of the Cancer Institute of St. Luke’s Medical Center in QC.

The program enables marginalized Filipinos equitable access to world-class medical services — with cases ranging from cataracts to cancer — of St. Luke’s at little or no cost to them.

And as you walk down the aisle in Zandra Lim, you’ll know someone’s been given a new lease on life in that little corner in QC.