Helen Rodrigues NYC Bridal Fashion Week Edit

Helen Rodrigues, Owner of Helen Rodrigues Bridal goes to NYC each year for Bridal Fashion Week to view the collections and place orders to bring Australian brides gowns straight from the runways. The Wedding Series spoke with Helen about bridal trends for 2020 and her favourite fashion week moments.

Which shows did you attend at NYC Bridal Fashion Week?

This year I met with the existing designers in my portfolio. It's always great to meet up in person. Provides the opportunity to also make some alterations to the gowns to customise them for the Australian bride. This builds on the personal relationship I have with the designers. This always helps when I need a special request for a bride be that a super rush or several customisations. To have direct access to the designer is a major benefit to the Australian bride! It ensures our boutique keeps up to date with the latest trends. The Australian bride is one who wants something different and unique. She is a confident bride who wants a unique gown. Travelling to new York ensures I personally deliver this to all my brides.

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2020 Collection

MoniqueLhuillier-Fall2020-Bridal-Look5-Wish-ktmerry (1).jpg

What were your stand out moments from NYC Bridal Fashion Week?

Monique hand designed botanical prints combined with light, airy fabrics that move so beautifully. Pure romance.

Pretty much every single dress that Lee sent down the catwalk. I adore her use of the pearl as her inspiration for the collection and the way in which she used her fabric to mimic the shape of the pearl. The classic, pure elegance with the modern twist of sheer cut out panels in the bodice, the puffy billowing sleeves and the accessories of belts to highlight the female form and waist. The uniqueness each gown brings.

Suzanne Neville beautiful clean lines that are timeless. I have never met a designer whose corsetry is so impeccable. Her gowns give brides the confidence to wear on the day. They are comfortable as well as being elegant. All hand made in England from fabrics sourced from France and Italy. Crisp silk organza teamed with stretched crepe create movement and perfect fit

What are some of the key bridal trends you noticed?

The bridal trends I noticed were:

1. Floral /botanical fabric

2. Sheer panels in bodice

3. Puffy sleeves

4. Billowing sleeves

5. Pearls

6. Detachable sleeves /capes

7. Clean lines

8. Dramatic veils

Behind the scenes in the Lee Petra Grebenau Couture House

Lee Grebenau 2020/21 Collection

Are there any new Designers on your radar?

There are a number of amazing up and coming Designers I met with to discuss the prospect of bringing this new talent to the Australian bride. Very exciting, so watch this space.

When will the gowns be available to brides in Australia?

We are so excited to be bringing these gowns to Australia straight off the back of these shows through our exclusive Designer Trunk Shows.

The way Trunk Shows work is that it gives Australian brides access to the latest collections just launched on the catwalk that would not be available in other stores for at least 6 months. It enables brides to Pre-shop the latest! They then are one of the first brides in the world to be able to order and wear these magnificent gowns on their wedding day.

They are here just for 2 days so it’s important to book in advance. It’s an incredibly special opportunity to have something different. It also enables brides the opportunity to see and try on a greater range of the designer gowns than what is usually available in the boutique. There are usually special incentives in place for brides who purchase at the Trunk Shows including a personal styling session with me.