A New Chapter

Not so long ago, wedding fashion was all about the bride. Today, their partners get to go all out with the latest and often over-the-top looks that demand just as much attention

Think cut and colour. Think fabrics and finishes. Think anything but the tailored three-piece suit of yesteryear. Waistcoats may be double-breasted and with their own lapels. Jackets must be lean, or at least on the straight and narrow, but can be cropped short or cut away to show off layers of details beneath. And when it comes to the preferred materials, it’s rather a case of anything goes, from plains to patterned, smooths to textures, matte finishes to subtle sheen. Accessories are important; belts, buckles and braces, ties that go from the positively skinny to the flared and fancy, and jewelled buttons.

Cleofe Finati by Italian master Archetipo takes design to the extreme, never hesitating to go that one stop further to make an impression. And what an impression it is! Clashes of colour, splashes of print, fabrics shot with shine, astonishing combinations of cut. There are luxurious pure silks, tighter-than-tight trousers, formal shirts that would look just as well with ripped denims. Bright pinks, soft greens, a brilliant turquoise. And that’s just the start of the palette.

Torre is a made-in-Portugal brand that has a big following across Europe and in the UK. In the fourlabel portfolio – Roberto Vicentti, Torre Uomo, Thomas Pina and Javier Arnaiz – there is much to offer, and here again, detail is what makes the difference. Across the ranges there are brocades and checks, and blue remains the king-pin shade, with black, beige, Bordeaux and grey playing an important role. Patterned cut-away waistcoats are important for the new season.

Wilvorst from Germany is another multi-brand stable which includes relaxed suitings – perfect for destination weddings – along with the fotmals. There’s a good choice of classic colours and quality fabrics as well as the newly-introduced lighter shades. The Green Wedding

BLUE MOOD Opposite page: Benetti goes pale. This page above: Cleofe Finati, dark and detailed

WILVORST Elegant rather than outrageous, with neat, uncluttered cuts

TORRE Soft colours add a touch of informality

label is proving to be popular with its message of sustainability.

Benetti is an Irish label run in the UK by Graham Phebey of the Kent Wedding Centre, and noted as being one of Ireland’s fastest-growing businesses over the past five years. Recent sponsorships in Gallic Football, the Republic of Ireland Soccer team, and the Irish Golf Open, alongside the signing of the ex-British Lion Rohan O’Gara as a brand ambassador has enabled the company to gain great exposure.

Currently in excess of 20 styles of suit are held in stock along with shirts and shoes in numerous colours, with next day service from the UK stock, and a weekly delivery from Ireland.

Blues and greys, and chic cuts that are a contemporary twist of the classical, are the story.

Glamour since 1991

Poirier is specialized in bridal bodywear and accessories for the contemporary bride. By focusing only on using the best designs and materials our mission is to make our brides glamorous and beautiful.

Enjoy the best bridal accessories on your journey of love.

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