Engagement Rings: Modern Through and Through

1. Dior Fine Jewels ‘Oui’ Ring in white gold and diamonds
2. Philippe Tournaire Eclipse Ring (France)
3. Philippe Tournaire Marélie 4 Diamond Ring (France)
4. The Mezzaluna Ring by Al Coro (Italy)
5. Cartier Lanières Solitaire Ring
6. Lily Diamond from My Diamonds (Australia)

Glamorous Fairytale Bride

1. Cartier Tiara, 1905, platinum, seven pear-shaped diamonds weighing approximately 17 carats in total, old and rose cut diamond, millegrain setting. © Cartier HO09A05
2.  Bottega Veneta’s signature style knot mosaic-effect  off-white leather and snakeskin clutch, available at Net-a-Porter.
3. Oscar De La Renta’s floral drop earrings, available at Net-a-Porter.
4. Marchesa‘s fairytale tulle dress from the Spring 2012 collection. Photo from Instyle.com.
5. Christian Louboutin‘s sexy strass 100 Swarovski Crystal Peep-toe Pumps.

A Fairytale Princess in White

Custom has decided, from the earliest ages, that white is the most fitting hue, whatever may be the material. It is an emblem of the purity and innocence of girlhood, and the unsullied heart she now yields to the chosen one.” – Godey’s Lady’s Book (1849) –

Before the white wedding dress became a traditional symbolism of marriage, an old poem sang the praises and woes of various colour choices.

“Married in white, you will have chosen all right.
Married in grey, you will go far away.
Married in black, you will wish yourself back.
Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead.
Married in blue, you will always be true.
Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl.
Married in green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow.
Married in brown, you’ll live out of town.
Married in pink, your spirits will sink.”

Fast forward to the present, white has become an ingrained norm for wedding gowns. The only concern that begs the question is – what cut, bodice and style are the most suitable for you? In light of the Royal Wedding, we pre-empted Kate Middleton (HRH Duchess of Cambridge) as a classic Grace Kelly bride with a contemporary edge. Hence, taking her modern, dignified and femininely romantic style as the source of inspiration, we have shortlisted some of our favourite top European wedding gown designers for your very own fairytale wedding.

Annasul Y (pronounced as Anna ‘Sway’)
For the young-at-heart who strive for adventure and eccentricity on their wedding day, Annasul Y would be the perfect choice for the bridal dress. The retro 20’s ultra glam look with elaborate details as well as non-corforming expressions of blitheness and radiance flows naturally in the designs.

Featured Dress Style: Mermaid Cut
The mermaid silhouette is perhaps one of the more difficult styles to carry off. It contours the body from the abdominal area to the knee, then flares out to the hem. This is a very sexy look that highlights the curves of a woman’s body.

Elie Saab
The designer adored by the royalties, Elie by Elie Saab takes luxury to its zenith with modern designs that heralds the feminine aesthetics and sexiness that is not lacking in imagination and fantasy.

Dress Style: Princess Cut
The princess silhouette is fitted around the bodice and flows out to the ground, like an “A”.  It is a classic and simple style, and remains a favourite among brides. The princess silhouette provides elongating lines, hence making a well-endowed body seem slimmer and hide a heavier lower body.

Rosa Clará
For the sensuous bride who is looking for a unique look, the Spanish bridal wear specialist, Rosa Clará was set up to fulfill the need of women seeking quality fabrics and modern yet ethereal designs for their wedding dresses.

Dress Style: Strapless Fitted Empire Cut
The empire silhouette is defined by the waistline that sits just below the bust, and the rest of the dress flows down from the waistline to the hem. The empire silhouette is just as versatile as the A-line cut.

Manuel Mota and Pronovias
A pioneer in the design of pret-a-porter bridal gowns, The Pronovias Group is the leader in Spain’s bridal wear industry. The vast variety of bridal gowns at Pronovias offers brides something legendary, classic or contemporary chic, something seductively sexy or dramatically innovative, something haute couture or plain simple.

Dress Style: The Ball Gown
Perfect for the Cinderella brides who envision the fairytale wedding with full skirt and long train.

All dresses are available at Designer Bridal Room Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Designer Bridal Room has a New Swanky Address {MYS}

Designer Bridal Room, Malaysia’s first and only designer wedding gown boutique, has relocated to a new address after three years of successful business in introducing renowned European and American designer wedding gowns to the local brides. Today, it has officially opened its doors at the swanky retail office block of Pavilion, spanning across 2,000 sq ft of sleek and sophisticated space set against a dark background that accentuates the gorgeousness of the wedding gowns.

According to Lai Leng, General Manager of Designer Bridal Room, “as we only had one dressing room in the previous boutique, we constantly had to turn down appointments as all our bridal visits are one-on-one only. Now we can accommodate more visits especially when 2011 and 2012 are considered to be auspicious years to get married.”

The larger boutique also accommodates more gowns on display with more than 100 styles of wedding gowns and a growing collection of evening gowns to select from notable designers such as Pronovias, Manuel Mota, Rosa Clara, Elie by Elie Saab, Reem Acra, Christian Lacroix, St Patrick, Lusan Mandongus and Annasul Y. Rest assured of a wide variety of silhouettes and details to suite the styles, size and preferences of every bride.

Here are two of our favourite masterpieces, a Monique Lhuiller gown with Chantilly lace with peplum and full tulle skirt from the Fall 2010 collection and Reem Acra’s Jonquil from the Spring 2011 collection.

Designer Bridal Room is located at: 
Lot 9.10.00, Level 9 Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Website l Facebook

WedInk Tattle Loves: Vera Wang Spring 2012 Collection

An Ode to the Paris Opera is the theme for the latest collection by Vera Wang featuring artful and feminine designs with intricate accordion pleats and soft but dramatized voluminous ball gowns. Here, we’ve shortlisted eight of our favourites from the Spring 2012 collection in an array of earthy colours including Sand, Celadon, Charcoal Gray and Rose Pink.

Pale pink strapless mermaid gown with pleated chiffon bodice, tissue organza blossom peplum with draped petal technique detail and grosgrain multi-bow sash.

Sand coloured, one-shoulder garza and French tulle ballgown with asymmetrical peplum bodice and draped skirt, accented with an oversized flower.

Strapless sweetheart soft mermaid gown with cascading French tulle and organza skirt and sunburst pleated bodice.

Strapless tulle caged gown with floating lace and organza appliqué and tulle corsage.

Charcoal strapless sweetheart ballerina ballgown with swirling organza pleated train, watteau back and draped French tulle bodice with grosgrain multi-bow sash.

Guipure lace build-up ballgown with swirling honey comb tulle and horsehair confection skirt.

A Celadon strapless ballerina ballgown with layers of degrade floral laser-cut organza and trapunto-stitched bustier.

A nude one-shoulder organza ballgown with draped tulle petal detail and grosgrain multi-bow sash.

Photography by Kevin Sturman.

Oo..La La…H.O.T…HOTTEST Heels

ne of the most functional accessories at your wedding is your SHOES! As shoe fanatics, we say… Get as many shoes as you want for your wedding because this is probably the only occasion in your life where you can look at your hubby in the eye and justify your purchase. Here are some of our top picks of the season but before we go there, we’ve come up with a list of excuses (read: vital reasons) why it is important to ‘invest’ in wedding shoes. You know, just in case you really do need to justify your purchase to your other half.

1. The first reason is boldly stated above.
2. Shoes are a good investment because I can always wear them again and again… for work… dinner… parties… like… whatever…
3. I need the perfect shoes to go with my $10,000 gown.. and then there’s my cocktail dress… and evening dress… and after party dress.
4. Arguably, I’m allowed to spend more on my shoes as compared to my wedding gown because it’s a long term investment.
5. But but … these aren’t even Manolo’s… It’s just *fill in the blank*
6. It’s the most important day of my life. So I must put my best foot (err… feet) forward!
7. I’m never going to forgive you if the ladies at our wedding wear better shoes than me!
8. Didn’t you watch Cinderella? Good shoes equals love and happily ever after.
9. So… do you love me enough???
10. You know, I have many tricks up my sleeves in these shoes … ONLY in these shoes …

Now that you’ve secured your reasons, feast your eyes on these killer heels!

1. Sexy Strass 100 Swarovski Crystal Peep-toe Pumps by Christian Louboutin, available at Net-a-Porter
2. Iridescent crystal embellishment taupe silk-satin sandals by Gucci, available at Net-a-Porter
3. Crystal-embellished anthracite leather and mesh sandals by Jimmy Choo, available at Net-a-Porter
4. Silver woven leather sandals by Givenchy, available at Net-a-Porter
5. Mother of Pearl, paillette and glass crystal-embellished ecru satin sandals by Lanvin, available at Net-a-Porter
6. Pleated silk straps with a chiffon bow and metallic poly stiletto heel by Giuseppe Zanotti, available at ShopBop
7. Elegant silver and white satin peep-toe pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti, available at Net-a-Porter
8. Powder pink patent-leather peep-toe pumps by Miu Miu, available at Net-a-Porter
9. The evergreen Randee that continue to be a favourite among brides-t0-be … 4-inch sandals with flirty silk flowers by Badgley Mischka, available at Bellisima Bridal Shoes
10. White Satin Sandals with bow finishing by Kate Spade, available at Bellissima Bridal Shoes
11. Sexy, sculptured curves with a delicate lace up front by Christian Louboutin, available at Net-a-Porter
12. Ultra feminine, dainty nude leather sandals with organza flower appliqués by Giuseppe Zanotti, available at Net-a-Porter
13. My Fair Lady-inspired White Re-embroidered Lace d’orsay peeptoe lined with lambskin leather by Hey Lady
14. Strappy sandals embellished with a rhinestone toe strap and cascading rhinestone anklet from Coloriffics, available at Bellisima Bridal Shoes
15. Strappy sandals embellished with Swarovski Crystals by Stuart Weitzman
16. Limited edition gold coloured platform with laser cut detailing and Swarovski crystals, Sienna by Le Silla

WedInk Tattle Loves: Pretty in White

Visit Pretty in White for bespoked and off-the-rack Gowns at:
21-3 Jalan 26/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Website l Map l Facebook

Photography by: Dwayne Foong

The Oscars 2011 Style Spy & Wish List

No introductions required. The 83rd Academy Awards has come and gone but stunning fashion remains the talk of town. We’ve narrowed down our top favourites that would go into our planning look book.

Top 2 Favourite Trains
Hilary Swank in a grey Gucci gown with crystal and feather embellished train. Halle Berry in a Marchesa nude and crystal encrusted corset gown with soft, flowy organza and silk tulle ruffles.

Top 2 Sexy Backs
Jessica Biel and Scarlett Johansson striking the sultry, feminine look in different styles. Jessica Biel in Versace and  Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana.

Top 2 Sexy Red Sirens
Selina Gomez in a striking red Dolce & Gabbana gown, spotting the perfect accessory – Justin Bieber.  Odette Yustman in a peekaboo gown from Monique Lhuillier‘s Spring 2011 collection.

Top 2 Favourite Necklines
Mila Kunis in a lavender chiffon gown with tiered lace by Elie Saab. Mallika Sherawat in a white, modern toga gown.

Top 5 Favourite Nudes
Rosie Huntington in a Valentino Haute Couture gown. Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier. Anne Hathaway in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa and our top favourite, Taylor Swift’s gold and silver beaded strapless dress by Zuhair Murad at the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party.

Top 3 Favourite Black Dresses
Melanie Trump in Dolce & Gabbana, Sharon Stone in a one-shouldered Christian Dior gown with feather embellishment and Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco.

Favourite Hairstyles
Reese Witherspoon’s 60’s mod by Sylist Renato Campora and Nicole Kidman’s Brigitte Bardot-inspired playful ponytail by David Babaii.
Anna Hathaway’s Edwardian-inspired romantic curls by stylist Adir Abergel  and Natalie Portman’s romantic, sideswept waves by Didier Malige.

Make Up Styles We Adore

Favourite Blings
Sports Illustrated model Anna V’s Bulgari watch. Celine Dion’s diamond and emerald Bulgari necklace. Camila Alves’s Lorraine Schwartz pearl earrings. Gywneth Paltrow’s Louis Vuitton earrings.

For more star styles at The Oscars , visit these sources: MSN, Just Jared, The Wrap, Celebuzz!

Now that we’ve round up our top favourites, tell us what’s yours? Which of theses styles would go into your look book?

Designer Bridal Room and Carrera y Carrera Bring a “Spanish Night” to Kuala Lumpur

Last month, Spanish jewellery designer Carrera y Carrera hosted a Gala Dinner at Starhill Gallery in conjunction with A Journey Through Time IV, Asia’s most fabulous watch and jewellery showcase. Thanks to Designer Bridal Room and following the theme “Time for Love”, the Gala Dinner included a very unique fashion show featuring Carrera y Carrera´s High Jewellery collection specially flown in for the event, together with bridal gowns from the most prestigious Spanish bridal designers such as Manuel Mota, Rosa Clará and Pronovias.

The night started with a cocktail at the boutique located on the Indulge Floor of Starhill Gallery, followed by an exclusive six-course Spanish dinner menu paired with Spanish wines at Shook! Restaurant hosted for the crème de la crème of Malaysian society. Performances of Scottish singer Katie Targett-Adams and local singer Najwa were some of the entertainment at the event. The night climaxed on a higher note when lucky draw winners were announced.

Clockwise from top: Singer-songwriter and Celtic harpist Katie Targett-Adams, local singer Najwa, host for the evening Yasmin Yusoff, Owner and Managing Director of Designer Bridal Room Donis Chan together with General Manager Lai Leng, Ambassador of Spain His Excellency Jose Ramon Baranano and Madam Ana Garcia de Baranano.

Clockwise from top: Wedding planners Nigel Skelchy of Just Heavenly, Shirlyn Peh, Leticia Hsu and Loh Tjun Hong of Events Wizard, Denise Mah and Natasha Khoo of The Peak Xperience, Alann Lung and Ken G together with renowned international photographer Zung, Geo Zio and Jovita Lo of JLo Weddings.

Clockwise from top: Sea Yen and Sze Yoong, Chrissie and Debbie, Madam Ana Garcia de Baranano presenting the prize to one of the lucky draw winners Dianna Lee and her fiance.

Photography by Bonnie Yap

INCOQNITO Intimate Jewellery

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, we’ve decided to skip the sickly sweet stuff and go with the unconventional by introducing these jaw-dropping, awesomely cool intimate jewellery with dual functions by INCOQNITO. At first glance, these sleek accessories with its fine craftsmanship are unsuspectingly elegant and sophisticated but these daytime wear gracefully evolves into night time arousal to enhance sexual pleasure and experience. They have ‘unsuspectingly’ became our TOP recommended Valentine’s Day gift for your other half.

A sexy neck accessory that can also be used as an adjustable leash for sensual control of your partner.
Gifts the ladies – a pair of stylish cuff bracelets crafted from fine leather which can double as handcuffs for a dose of risqué fun.

Or an adjustable belt that transforms into a sexy whip.

But if you are expected to come with a neatly wrapped up box of fine jewellery, if you must …
A pair of discreet nipple vibrators on a 43” stainless steel chain fashioned from fine metals.

Indulge in your own sensual secret with INCOQNITO. Check out their website for the full range of products. If you are based in Asia, you can also purchase them from Wola Wola (Taiwan).