Athena Valorus
An expert in creating tailored gowns, Athena Valorus is a popular choice for dramatic silhouettes and beautifully long trains for traditional ceremonies. For east-west weddings or Chinese banquets, it also offers a sophisticated line of qipao-inspired dresses. Bring your own designs down and have them realized by the team of expert tailors. Gowns can be completed in as little as three weeks.
1402, Double Building, 22 Stanley St., Central, 2111-3700, www.athenavalorus.com
Belier Design
Paris-educated local designer Vien Lee utilizes luxe fabrics like silk chiffon, European lace and silk from Thailand and Shanghai. Her creations are chic, elegant and wearable—perfect for the modern bride. Besides wedding gowns, Belier Design also does cocktail dresses, evening gowns and contemporary-styled qipaos.
Room 1302, Skyline Commercial Centre, 71-77 Wing Lok St., Sheung Wan, 2869-9030, www.belierdesign.com
Blush Bridal
Blush Bridal boasts an array of impressive designer lables, from Junko Yoshioka – whose collection has been featured in InStyle and Vogue magazines, and has been worn at the Oscars – to Tulle, led by former Calvin Klein designer Lia McNairy, and Parisian Chambre Syndicale-accredited designer Antonia Gual. Also available are L.A. designer Tadashi Shoji, who has dressed stylish women from Zhang Zi Yi (章子怡), Blake Lively and Beyonce; Sara Gabriel, who not only creates theatrical, glamorous white gowns, but is also an expert bridal milliner. Blush Bridal also stocks the elegant collection of Parsons graduate, Jenny Yoo's bridesmaid dresses giving those ladies-in-waiting a refined, feminine look.
Suite 7B, Man Cheung Building, 15-17 Wyndham St., Central, 2899 2739. [email protected], www.blushbridalcouture.com.
Central Weddings and Occasions
This popular shop in the Landmark offers an exquisite range of gowns, so you’re sure to find one to best suit your personality, whether you’re looking for a ball gown or a sleek slip. The collection includes big names such as Monique Lhuillier, Amsale, Christos and Anne Barge. You can also find classic Vera Wang gowns as well as her latest collections in the free-standing Vera Wang salon. Other wedding services, such as makeup artists and photographers, can be booked through the store.
Shop 3510, Edinburgh Tower, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2869-8666, www.centralweddings.com
Eclat Couture
This boutique is known for its classic, timeless designs. It also makes fabulous bridal gowns that match the personal style and body type of the bride-to-be—gowns are made to-measure, and a wide range of luxe fabrics, beadwork and embroidery is available to choose from. Gowns can take from four to six months to complete, and range from $10,000-$50,000, so set aside some time and money for that dream dress.
Room 206, 2/F, Workingview Commercial Building, 21 Yiu Wa St., Causeway Bay, 3590-4898, www.eclatcouture.com
Kanchan Couture
Founder and designer Kanch Panjabi started out designing dresses for her friends, and set up her business when her illustriousness built up due to word of mouth. Now she creates dresses based on the bride’s body shape, style, personality and budget. She emphasizes the gown-making process just as much as the end result, and working with her on a dress includes several consultation sessions, material sampling, and dress fittings. Kanch draws on everyday life for inspiration in order to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
2/F, 108-110 Wellington St., Central, 2117-1782, www.kanchancouture-bridal.com
Noel Chu
Noel Chu has been in the bridal design business for 10 years and aims to reveal “the woman behind the bride” with her custom-made wedding couture. Her dresses range from wispy and ethereal to dreamy and romantic and incorporate materials such as chiffon voulant, hand-appliquéd organza flowers and petals, and fabrics of her own creation. Some of her pieces blend eastern and western design: a qipao with western accents, for instance, or a wedding dress made with Chinese materials.
Wedding Gallery, 1102, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington St., Central, 2380-6381, www.noelchuwedding.com
Scent of Bride
Scent of Bride offers everything from rental gowns to tailor-made bridal dresses. A tailor-made wedding dress will set you back at least $11,000 while bridesmaids dresses start at $1,600. It also offers richly embroidered Chinese wedding qipaos and qun kwa, which start at $3,600 and are made locally by Shanghainese tailors, ensuring a perfect fit. A range of other bridal services, such as accessories and photography, are available as well.
3/F, 2 Queen Victoria St., Central, 6112-4002, www.scentofbride.com