COUTURE

Kia Dirkson, Fashion & Beauty Editor

WEDDING BELLS

Iam engaged! Does this column count as an announcement these days? Seen above is us at The Heritage Hotel. This is where I lived when we first began and seemed fitting for our engagement shoot. This being my second time around, I have found that the formalities have changed quite a lot. E-vites and DMs now serve as acceptable platforms for a socially informal announcement. The modern bride has never had it so easy.

I love weddings and once owned a stationery company that created custom designs for brides of a certain taste in America. Based upon the selected style, décor, and design of the day, my company handcrafted pieces that became framed keepsakes for the bride and groom to forever remember their nuptials. Despite this blanket announcement, I am personally creating our invitations, and I have visions of recycled ivory fabrics in the making.

For this month’s Couture – entitled Bold, New, and a Bit of Blue – I put a new spin on an old adage that has always assisted in shaping the style of weddings throughout history. We selected a bold print piece that makes a clear statement of style. Have your choice of the ever on-trend wrap dress that we spotted locally at both Lynn Woods and Workshop. Are you heading to a more low-key occasion? The maxi dress we feature here from Witchery is comfortably cool and well-paired with the Mollen heels we selected from Mi Piaci. Finish it off with smart accessories from Deadly Ponies and Christian Dior (I need those glasses!).

Back to me, now. I found my ideal engagement ring at Youngs Jewellers; it’s classic and timeless, as will be the day I pray. We will have a private ceremony held at The Residence at The George Hotel where our publisher also celebrated her special day. Keeping it in the (27 Publishers) family, my editor Joshua Brosnahan will officiate the ceremony. He also took this photo.

And, what will I be wearing? You’ll just have to wait and see.

BOLD, NEW, AND A BIT OF BLUE

Ripple Midi Cornflower Handbag $649 ballantynes.co.nz | Cooper Play by Tier Dress $629 ballantynes.co.nz Dior Sunglasses $590 sunglasshut.com | Broderie Maxi Dress $349.90 witchery.co.nz | Zimmerman wrap Dress $669 lynnwoods.co.nz | Parisian Pintuck Midi Dress $349 stormonline.com | Ganni Viscose V Neck Dress $479 workshop.co.nz Mollen Light Tan Suede Heel $260 mipiaci.co.nz | Jasmine Wrap Dress $550 twentysevennames.co.nz

Elegance you can wear

willowcollective.co.nz

CHARMED

Lisa Carrington’s earrings were a fitting choice for her gold medal efforts. The Te Teina ō Huia, or Little Sister Huia Earrings, are a stylised modern take on the sacred huia feather, a taonga or treasure once revered by Māori and a symbol of leadership and mana.

Te Teina ō Huia Earrings, from $209 bohrunga.com

WELL-HEELED

VEERAH Heel, $348 USD, veerah.com Say “I do” in New York crueltyfree and natural brand VEERAH heels. These covetable stilettos are fashioned with soft, vegan Nappa leather in stunning all-season white. Dance the night away with its cushioned footbed and anti-slip grip outsole. Take these sophisticated heels, 105mm to be exact, beyond your wedding day and dare to pair them with jeans or your favourite cocktail dress.

ADORE THIS STORE

We are currently obsessed with The Florist at Ballantynes. They’re on hand to create bespoke bouquets and posies for your loved ones and all of your special occasions. Situated on the ground floor of Ballantynes in a beautiful new spot alongside Kin, you can browse their range of pre-made bouquets or choose the perfect flowers to create a unique arrangement just for you. ballantynes.co.nz/the-florist

THREAD CRED

WHO Elise

WHERE RUBY at The Crossing

WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK Calling all you Rubettes! It’s a wrap with this look from Ruby that is both red and ready to go. The classic style features a plunging v-neckline and ribbing throughout, making the Roma Wrap Dress the epitome of a feminine fashion statement to end the season in style. The best asset here is the long-sleeves that are ideal for the night temps when those weddings wane into the wee hours. Roma Wrap Dress, $229, rubynz.com STYLE TIP Maximise this multi-use maxi by wearing it open to create a casual cardigan look that is just that cool pop of colour you need for your day look. Discover fashion, beauty, and more in Christchurch’s retail heart at The Crossing, located just off Cashel Mall.