Since beginning her studio in 2009, Christine O’Kennedy has designed several ranges of her nostalgic, enchanting gowns – “romantic, vintage-styled dresses with a sense of relaxed luxury,” as she describes them. She has fashioned dresses in Zurich, Switzerland and is now based in Edinburgh, Scotland, but she got her start in her hometown of Capetown, South Africa making bespoke (tailor-made) gowns. Each dress has a story and a particular bride in mind. Here, Christine “pulls back the veil” to share these wedding dresses and the stories of her creativity.
Carla’s dress
The first words Carla Steyn said to me were: “I want something different!” And yes, her stunning dress was different, but not compromising on elegance and beauty. Both the front and back bodice, made of dotted mesh, had lace applique and vintage embroidery
Coba’s dress
Creative, spectacular and dramatic – That is how I would describe Coba’s wedding dress and her style. Her lace-appliquéd duchess satin gown was tight-fitting up to the hip, flaring out and creating a dramatic train. The back had an elegant chiffon drape finished off with a brooch.
Photographer: Heather Steyn
Vania’s dress
Every business has a “behind the scenes” fairy, a helping hand, an angel to make things run smoothly…My fairy is called Leonie.
When her daughter, Vania, got married I was delighted to be able to help her with the wedding dress. Her dress had asymmetrical layers of vintage lace and a romantic lace bodice. The empire-line was hand-beaded and the look was finished off with a beautiful brooch.
Photographer: Bernard Bravenboer
Lindi’s dress
Lindi’s pleated raw silk gown had layers of soft tulle finished off with lace edging. The shoulder strap was covered with handmade silk flowers, and to give her look a bit of a twist, there was a layer of turquoise tulle peeking out at the bottom.
Phototographer: Yvette Gilbert
The one with the blue tulle!!! ? my favorite.
Absolutely beautiful dresses! What a gift to be able to imagine them and make them real!