Kobus Dippenaar Exclusive Premiere
Bridal Collection 2014
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ConfettiDaydreams.com is honoured to treat our readers to an absolutely exclusive look at renowned South African designer, Kobus Dippenaar’s brand new bridal line as we launch his 2014 Bridal Collection online!
PLUS! Keep reading for an exclusive behind the scenes interview with Dippenaar himself.
Kobus Dippenaar, who’s been making women look even more beautiful for the last 25 years, is one of South Africa’s most loved and well-established fashion designers. Dippenaar’s new collection draws on the linear textures of silk dupoin, the old-world magic of lace, the sensuousness of silk charmeuse and the lightness of tulle. A great deal of attention has been given to handfinishes, from Swarovski elements to lace applique. Vogue colours include blush, pale pinks, ivory and gold.
Dippenaar’s dresses are currently available at Morgan Davies Bridal in London, the White Tulip Wedding Company in Northumberland and at several boutiques in South Africa. For specific details, go to www.annageorgina.co.za.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Zaza
Zaza
Flowers and crystals bedeck Zaza’s appliqued open-back bodice, which rests atop a skirt of tulle.
“I’m a stylist at heart. I see the big picture – the makeup, the hair, the mood, the tone, the fabric, the dress, the shoes. It must all work together.” – Designer, Kobus Dippenaar
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Birgit
Birgit
A figure-defining silhouette, the lace and tulle composition of Birgit is accentuated by a diamante embellished slender belt and floral appliques.
“One of the hallmarks of my dresses is the relationship – the play – between masculinity and femininity, between structure and fluidity.” – Designer, Kobus Dippenaar
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Linka
Linka
The applique on Linka is complemented by a bold plunging neckline and a low back that flows into a fantasy of wispy tulle.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Tanika
Tanika
For the bride who wants to be romanced, Tanika boasts lace appliques and surprises with a low, illusion back and a sweeping fish tail.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Nina
Nina
Softened by an arrangement of ornamental lace flowers, Nina combines the old-world sensuousness of silk mixed with satin and features a dramatic, plunging neckline any man would die for.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Karla
Karla
The simplicity of a tulle skirt contrasts beautifully against the exquisite rivulets of lace adorning the bodice of Karla.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Flora
Flora
Reminiscent of an era of charm, Flora effortlessly combines the structure of a corseted bodice with the timeless tenderness of intricate floral appliques.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Jonelle
Jonelle
Jonelle is crafted from heavenly silk and organza, and has a drop-waist generously adorned with intricate applique details, and bow trimmings that grace the shoulders.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Christelle
Christelle
Christelle is ethereal – with a bodice of appliqued flowers, this gown glows from within with its translucent underlay and layers of ivory, gold and blush.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Aidia
Aidia (Available in Black and Ivory)
Aidia showcases Dippenaar’s trademark play between contrasting structures and flowing silhouettes brought to life by luxurious Chantilly lace and subtle touches of shimmer.
Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection: Rio
Rio
Making a statement of understated and timeless elegance, Rio is bias-cut and features ornate lace over sequins and beaded detailing across the bodice and shoulders. The gown has a swooping low back, inspired by the sultry style of the 1920s.
“Every woman has a beauty that is her own. I really believe that essence deserves to be emphasised.” – Designer, Kobus Dippenaar
Exclusive Behind The Scenes
Interview with Kobus Dippenaar
Born in 1968, in Paarl, South Africa, Kobus Dippenaar is best known for his couture evening and bridal gowns. His love for fashion design developed rather serendipitously…
When I was in high school, I had classmates who couldn’t afford Matric (Grade 12) dance dresses off the rack. (Our Matric dances are the South African equivalent of America’s high school Proms.) I decided something had to be done, so I designed their dresses. My mother, who was a Home Economics teacher – back when high schools still taught that subject – sewed the dresses that I designed.
After serving in the military, Dippenaar pursued a fashion diploma in Cape Town. Dippenaar then began designing fashion wear from his home in Paarl, which went on to scoop awards for five consecutive years at the J&B Met, one of South Africa’s premier horse racing and socialite events.
I’m a stylist at heart, says Dippenaar. I see the big picture – everything. I see the makeup, the hair, the mood, the tone, the fabric, the dress, the shoes. It must all work together.
A best reflection of this statement is perhaps Dippenaar’s detailed and hands-on approach to his craft, which can be attributed to his experience in corsetry and millinery in London during the mid-1990s.
In 2000, Dippenaar returned to South Africa to set up his atelier designing exclusively for the private, bespoke market in the creative hub of Cape Town. After earning more awards and recognition in the South African couture scene than he can recall, by 2012, Dippenaar launched his Anna Georgina by Kobus Dippenaar wedding gown range. Inspired by a desire to make haute couture fashion both affordable and accessible, his bridal wear collection was launched as a tribute to his mother.
The Anna Georgina Signature Style
Dippenaar tells us about his signature style for the Anna Georgina collection.
One of the hallmarks of my dresses is the relationship – the play – between masculinity and femininity, between structure and fluidity. You’ll notice that full skirts contrast against the structure of boning and corsetry, for example. But I would say that even more “signature” than this juxtaposition is my belief that every woman has a beauty that is her own. I really believe that essence deserves to be emphasised. That’s why my clients come to me. They trust me to see their best features and then highlight those with the dresses that I make for them.
The Creative Process
I am not the kind of designer who will sit down and start out with page after page of sketches. Unfortunately it doesn’t work like this for me; I am very hands-on. I’ll feel the weight of a fabric, and how that fabric and weight convey a particular mood. And then I’ll drape that fabric, noticing how it falls, what it does. It’s in this play that my ideas begin to develop. For example, tulle – it’s ethereal; silk charmeuse is so glamorous; and heavy satin is perfect for draping on a woman’s body.
Continental Counterparts: The South African and British Bride
The Anna Georgina line has seen success in both the UK and South Africa. We asked Dippenaar if he noticed any differences between the British and South African bride’s style.
Yes, there are differences. In general, I find the British bride a little more conservative in her taste than the South African bride, who is more individualistic. In the UK, it seems the client comes with her mother and her aunt and her sister and her friends – a whole entourage. She gets input from everyone and often relies on their opinions. The South African woman will typically come alone or with one or two close friends – she tends to be a little more self-possessed. And these differences reflect in the sales of particular dresses in a collection.
2014 Design Trends
When asked about his predictions for bridal wear trends in 2014, Dippenaar told us that the 1920’s would be a big influence on style in the upcoming season.
I think the movie The Great Gatsby made a big impression in the collective conscious! So I suspect we’ll be seeing more bias cuts, illusion backs and very low backs, and fish tails.
Advice for Selecting the Perfect Wedding Gown
Know yourself, know what works for your body type – and choose a dress that accentuates your best features. Don’t choose a dress just because it looked good on someone else. So this might mean you’ll need to try on several different styles to get a feel for the right one; don’t let anyone talk you into wearing a gown you don’t feel like an absolute princess in!
Brides wanting to get their hands on this Anna Georgina by Kobus Dippenaar 2014 Bridal Collection, can visit Morgan Davies Bridal in London, the White Tulip Wedding Company in Northumberland and several boutiques in South Africa. For more details, visit www.annageorgina.co.za.
Asemrowend!