A HARBOURED HAVEN

Editorial

Feb 21

Wildly authentic, honest and true – the concept for A Harboured Haven is anchored to the unchallenged beauty of wholehearted acceptance. Of yielding to one’s untameable, true self, and all the intricate nuances that go along with it. Conceptualised by Studio Porter and captured by Kat Gillespie, the floating venue of Woods Quay is a physical embodiment of the editorial messaging. Set above the indigenous waters of the Thames, the space observes the passing city with unwavering sovereignty – ever-accepting of its urban environment.

Through gliding folds of opalescent silk, the bridal styling presents a considered translation of this concept – calling on the sartorial mastery of A La Robe, Bon Bride and Harriette Gordon. A triumvirate of empowered seamstresses (each with their own pledge towards a sustainable, kinder future), the three ensembles harness the principles of simplicity – in turn, creating a cacophony of character.

Through Elizabeth Soljak’s meticulous needlework, A La Robe’s Juliette gown forms a statuesque silhouette of fluid draping – structured only by the small dive of its neckline, which mirrors the sharp descent of an open back. Presented from behind an organic haze of transparent silk (by way of the floor-length Shadow veil), the look remains true to A La Robe’s minimalistic nature.

A modern interpretation of the brief, Bon Bride’s BB:05 gown presents a balance of dimensional folds and sharp lines. Boldly simple, the gathered off-the-shoulder neckline is neutralised by a clean swoop of an open back. Harmonised by its own dimensionality, the ensemble is a proud representation of co-existing contradictions.

Finally, the contemporary 1.6 gown by Harriette Gordon cuts a contoured image – defined by its T-shirt-inspired bodice and capped short sleeves. Realised in luminescent crêpe de Chine, the piece is fitted on a bias grain and contrasted with a diamond-shaped, exposed back. Unexpected in form, the piece echoes Harriette Gordon’s unapologetically modern approach to romantic bridal.