CCFW 2018 // BRIDES, BEAUTY & BUBBLES

On a sunny Sunday afternoon in late Autumn, KOUKLA showcased its inaugural bridal collection for Central Coast Fashion Week 2018.  Set in a light, white and airy restaurant space, the venue was both intimate and open - a golden mean for high tea amongst friends with a makeup tutorial and bridal runway show to finish. 

With sweet live tunes filling the room, guests indulged in delicious food and sipped champagne at long banquet tables enveloped by a green canopy of foliage and crystal chandeliers. 

Following an informative and entertaining makeup demonstration by my talented friend, Caitlin Miller Makeup, KOUKLA had its opportunity to shine in a crescendo moment, following all the hard work of the past month. After five intense weeks of juggling family with designing, sourcing, creating, trips to suppliers, hand draping, appliquéing and sewing, we had five bridesmaid looks and seven bridal gowns to showcase for the event. 

Mustard, emerald, rust and gold - a palette of autumn tones formed the bridesmaids’ collection. These designs could transcend the brief of bridesmaid dresses to become special occasion wear, race day outfits and beautiful attire for the wedding guests themselves. KOUKLA’s aesthetic is very much merging fashion with bridal in a timeless way. 

Following a small discussion of the inspiration behind the collection as an interlude, the beautiful models then made their way back out in the feminine array of KOUKLA bridal gown designs. A mixture of beaded fabrics, soft tulles and three-dimensional lace formed the collection of statement sleeves and even-more-statement beaded fringed designs. My first bridal collection was created as a reflection of my feminine style, with some wow factor thrown in. 

Without prior rehearsal or intentional plan, the models all formed a group on the perimeter of the room sashaying to the music for the guests to see the collective bridal designs. At this point, Caitlin and I squeezed each others’ hands and eyes welled up with pride at how utterly beautiful the models looked, the overwhelm of a successful event and the sacrifices and effort we put in to make it happen. 

And, we would do it all again in a heartbeat. 

Love, Natasha x