Select Your Bridal Outfit with Aslam Hussein

Wedding dresses – no introduction is required for this! We all know that a wedding dress is one of the most prominent details of a wedding that draws attention. It makes a bride look more confident and radiant towards her new beginning. Most girls grow up dreaming about their perfect, dreamy wedding and something that makes it more whimsical is their bridal outfit. One reason wedding dresses are so important is due to the fact that they will remain an element of reminiscence and be a part of a woman’s memory forever. And not just that – being the bride, all eyes will be on you. You are the center of attention and your dress will define your personality and taste. The bridal outfit also is a major factor that contributes to graceful aesthetics that would later be still remembered by people. But how do you choose the most magical dress that’s going to suit your taste as well as be in trend? A timeless creation is what you exactly need with a touch of artistic elegance. But are the endless ideas and inspirations driving you crazy and making you rack your brains? Hey – stop right there! Don’t spend even one more minute worrying about picking the right dress for you! Bringing to you relief and novel ideas, we have our favourite expert, Aslam Hussein, guiding us through selecting the best bridal outfit for your wedding day.

How soon must a bride visit the designer to select her bridal outfit?

Well, to begin with, if the bride comes along with a big retinue, I suggest that she should visit the designer at least one year prior to her wedding or at least 6 months before, in order to give the designer ample time to plan ahead, prepare and bring out a resplendent design. However, there are brides who visit the designer only 3 months or 1 month prior to the wedding and this leaves the designer with no choice than to settle for standard designs as they are unable to take their own time to craft something unique for the bride and her retinue.

How is the outfit decided depending on the bride’s body structure?

Each designer has their own approach to deciding the outfit depending on a bride’s body structure. It requires a designer to find out what look the bride wants, and then blending this design with the one that would suit her body structure. Her height and figure matters prominently.

Let me give some tips to scoring a wedding dress that flatters your figure. I will start with petite body types. A bride with a petite body should avoid overwhelming their small frame, thus they should choose airy sheaths and structured trumpet styles instead of big, frothy ball gowns. A dropped-waist or mermaid silhouette isn’t off limits, too. However, she should remember to opt for slim and more structured skirts over wide, poofy ones. 

Moving on, for plus-sized body types, an empire waistline along with a lace illusion neckline would be one of the perfect picks as it’s a slimming look. They can also minimise their waistlines with design details that draw the eye inward. In addition to this, a high neckline, sheath silhouette and slight train are the ultimate trio to help a bride look long and lean. A scoop neckline can be picked to show off her voluptuous shape and a basque waistline enhances an hourglass figure. Strategic draping on an unembellished gown can also add drama and define curves. 

However, a busty bride has two choices – reveal or conceal. Either way, finding the right gown starts with pinpointing the perfect neckline. A square neckline is especially suitable for the well-endowed as it is not too revealing. Strapless gowns with a straight-across version and a structured off-the-shoulder neckline also gives a minimising effect. 

For lean-and-straight body types? Well, a voluminous peplum skirt, well-embellished sheath, or a bodycon perfectly highlights the shape and curves. On the other hand, a high neckline paired with a full, A-line skirt showcases and balances the bride’s height at the same time. What more? Brides with a lean-and-straight body are the luckiest as they are able to pull off the most eye-catching trend in bridal gowns – crop tops! 

What colors are in favor of the bride depending on skin color and current trends?

I am not someone to follow the current trends. I believe that the trend and fashion all depends on the bride’s preference. But other main factors to consider when choosing the colour are the bride’s complexion as well as the nature of the wedding. Kandyan brides opt for silver, ivory or champagne hues. Hindu brides prefer bright and happy colours. Majority of the Muslim and Christian brides prefer white. 

If we have to take skin colour into the picture, yellow-toned ivory gowns would be a thumbs up for fair-skinned brides. Traditional bright-white wedding dresses will make the bride look washed out in her wedding photographs. If the bride’s skin is a medium shade, she should look for wedding dresses with a creamier undertone. On the other hand, if the bride has medium pale skin with a pinky undertone, it would work best with creamier colours like ivory. A skin colour with yellow undertones and prefer a traditional look? Well, luck is on your side as white dresses will suit you, as will fabrics in a champagne shade. But did you know what? Dark skin tones have the most choice as almost every shade of colour will complement their complexion. If the bride has yellow or olive undertones, she better stay away from ivory dresses with a yellow touch and should try bright white or rum pink colours instead. 

What fabrics are best to use and what must be avoided?

The most common fabric, the most versatile and the most durable wedding dress fabric is satin. You can have a satin that’s made of pure silk, all polyester, or a blend. It has a smooth finish with a lot of body, making it perfect for more structured gowns. It is also a supportive fabric that works with every body type and is a good choice for ruched, draped and ball gown styles. Duchess satin is best for cooler weather weddings as it tends to be a thicker fabric. 

Apart from these, charmeuse, chiffon, organza, tulle, batiste, brocade, crepe and lace are some of the best fabrics for the bridal dress. In general, fabrics made from natural fibers breathe better, but they can also be more expensive or wrinkle more easily.

There are many fabrics out there in the market. My style depends on the design. I use various fabrics that are unique and unusual that one cannot find in the market.

How do you use tailoring techniques to enhance or camouflage body flaws?

I believe that it runs in my blood. I come from a tailoring family. My theory and approach to using tailoring techniques is quite different and this is my etiquette. 

What bridal designs will be in vogue for 2019?

When it comes to fashion trends, styles keep changing every day, month, and year. I predict that capes will be in trend by 2019. Super-elegant tulle or lace capes that cover the shoulders and round out the bride’s look are something that will be amongst the “IT” list. There will also be more brides opting for a colour touch with pastel tones as well as bright and full nuances like red, purple or yellow. More brides will be choosing timeless vintage styles with twenties’ inspo such as fringes, a low waist and sequins. In 2019, brides will prefer linear and shiny dresses, exaggerated volumes that include flounces and multi-tiered tulle skirts to feel like a princess. Plus, sleeves will be long and fitted.

What advice do you have for brides who are looking forward to get their wedding attires designed?

Please do not follow the trend. Go stand in front of a wide mirror. Examine your structure. And then, decide what type of bridal dress you would want to wear on your big day. Keep in mind the nature of your ceremony. Always opt for something elegant, simple and modest as these define a bride.

What should brides keep in mind when deciding on silhouettes and necklines?

Each bride has a different type of neck and the necklines depend on these mainly. However, the jewellery she chooses to adorn herself with on her wedding day plays a pivotal role when deciding the type of neckline. If the bride is opting for less jewellery and an updo, a high neckline would best suit her. A sweetheart neckline is best for busty brides as it helps enhance her natural curves. So, a bride should always take into consideration the type of jewellery she will be wearing, her upper body as well as her height when deciding on silhouettes and necklines.

Your dresses are so unique. How do you manage to bring creativeness to every other outfit you design? 

I try to keep up with the changing preferences of my brides. Each piece I produce is uniquely designed, tailored and crafted. They give an image of high-fashion but it does not deviate from what my brides want.