(EFWA2018 photo / David Woolley)
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In days of old women used to wear their best dress on their wedding day. The white wedding dress became the fashion after Queen Victoria wore one in 1840. Wedding dresses were often handed down to daughters as cherished family heirlooms.
There is a growing trend of buying secondhand wedding dresses from
thrift stores (or 'opp shops' as the Aussies say), and many women sell
or purchase once-worn wedding dresses online. Not only does this aid in
reusing and recycling, but it helps the seller recoup a part of the initial investment, as let's face it, wedding dresses are expensive.
I'm lucky to have my mother's wedding gown from the 1940s, and it's a beautiful ivory-coloured silk, embellished with Chantilly lace.
(EFWA2018 photo / David Woolley)
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When I saw the
Classic Couture Bridal and Vintage show during Eco Fashion Week Australia (EFWA) in Port Douglas, it make me think of my mother's wedding gown, reminding me that I must pull it out and check on it, as I tucked it away after its last inspection in 2011 when I had moved back to Canada from The Bahamas.
During the Classic Couture runway show, EFWA models appeared like princesses or queens from times gone by as they enchanted us and appeared to float down the runway in beautiful bridal and bridesmaid creations. Presented was an eclectic but classical mix of gowns influenced by the Elizabethan, Renaissance, Pre-Raphaelite and Regency/Edwardian eras.
(EFWA2018 photos / David Woolley)
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Designer Merrin Glasgow said she finds inspiration for her work from
certain periods of historical dress, and has a background in pattern
drafting and dressmaking. She has experience as a costumier in
theatre, and is a teacher of the visual arts and textiles. Her passion
for fabric is evident in her collection, as we were feted with fabrics like taffeta,
silk, and lace.
"My dresses are embellished with embroidery, attachment of manipulated remnants, inclusion of gifted trims and hand painting," said Glasgow. "My garments are essentially bespoke, starting with measurements, pattern making, fitting of the Toile before cutting and fitting. My practice is not generic. Fashion is a form of theatre. Fashion speaks volumes."
In seeing Glasgow's face when she made her finale walk during the Port Douglas segment of EFWA, I got the sense that this was her first fashion show. The emotional look of accomplishment, relief and joy was all combined.
I caught up with her during a runway break and she did confirm that it was indeed her first show. Now retired, she has time to pursue her design career. She told me that 13 years ago, she and her partner purchased two
Methodist churches in a small regional community in New South Wales. One they live in, and
the other they rent out and use as needed.
(EFWA2018 photo / David Woolley)
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I was able to see Glasgow's show again in Fremantle at the Perth segment of EFWA2018 and it presented even more beautifully than the first.
I hope there will be many more runway shows for this talented Australian designer, and perhaps she's the one who can help me breathe new life into my mother's wedding dress? (see photo at bottom)
Hair / Makeup: Special mention to the beautiful hair work by the team of Claire Hair Boutique; and the EFWA makeup team of Jess Iddon, Cailtin Bone, Ryan Cauilan, Lauren Nettle, Jess Williamson, Jess Vlok, Julia McLachlan, and students from the WA Perth Beauty College, all led by makeup directory, Alex Dimov.
About the author: Robbin Whachell is a publicist, writer, photo-journalist; and the co-founder of TheBahamasWeekly.com. She can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, Skype. She can be reached at robbinwhachell@gmail.com
(EFWA2018 photo / David Woolley)
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Designer Merrin Glasgow walks the runway for her second show at EFWA2018 in Fremantle, Western Australia. (EFWA2018 photo / David Woolley)
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My mother's wedding dress from the 1940s. I'm lucky to still have it!
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