Galia Lahav Partners with Helen Rodrigues Bridal in Australia

Galia Lahav, the renowned luxury bridal and evening couture fashion house, is delighted to announce its partnership with Helen Rodrigues Bridal as the exclusive official retailer in Australia.

Beginning March 2024, Australian brides will have the opportunity to discover and indulge in the dreamy creations of Galia Lahav at the prestigious Helen Rodrigues boutique in Sydney.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s Lower North Shore suburb of Neutral Bay, an iconic bridal destination awaits, adorned with the legacy of elegance. Since its establishment in 2001, this boutique has been the go-to for Australia’s most sophisticated brides, offering a curated collection from the world’s eminent designers. Now, a new chapter unfolds as Galia Lahav, the renowned luxury bridal and evening couture fashion house, joins hands with Helen Rodrigues Bridal to bring a touch of couture splendor to Australian brides.

The Boutique Experience

Helen Rodrigues Bridal stands as a symbol of unparalleled dedication to excellence, offering a unique bridal experience that transcends the ordinary. With collections sourced from international fashion hubs like New York, London, Israel, and Lebanon, Helen ensures that each bride receives exclusive attention during their “By appointment only” sessions.

The boutique becomes a private haven, where brides immerse themselves in a world of style, intimacy, and meticulous attention to detail.

A bridal gown from Helen Rodrigues Bridal is an experience of excellence, and not just a purchase.

Galia Lahav's Couture Elegance in Australia

The Galia Lahav team, are delighted at the prospect of brides at Helen Rodrigues Bridal in Australia enveloping themselves in the artistry and romance meticulously woven into our haute couture creations. The anticipation of unveiling the pinnacle of haute couture at this exquisite boutique, enabling brides to feel their most exquisite, is a moment we earnestly look forward to.

And as Helen herself said “This partnership is a testament to our ongoing commitment to bringing the best in luxury bridal design to the Australian bride.”

Booking an Appointment and Unveiling Dreams

Brides, it’s time to turn your wedding dreams into reality. Book your appointment at Helen Rodrigues Bridal and immerse yourself in the beauty of our Galia Lahav gowns.

HOW - The Intimate Edit

If the recent Covid outbreak in NSW and lockdowns have you thinking of postponing or rethinking your big wedding plans for 2021 and considering an elopement or more intimate celebration, here at Helen Rodrigues Bridal we are here to help with our Intimate Edit of bridal looks including gowns, accessories, veils and shoes that can all be perfect for a smaller but incredible celebration of love.

Halfpenny London Iris Slip gown

Halfpenny London Cheryl gown

Our beautiful designers Halfpenny London, Suzanne Neville and for a limited time Viktor & Rolf all have an exquisite selection of gowns perfect for an intimate celebration and are available to order with a shorter leader time of less than 6 months.

Halfpenny London Daffodil gown

Halfpenny London Oliver gown

Halfpenny London’s collection includes a stunning array of modern gowns, tops, skirts, jackets, pants, bows, sleeves, and capes that you can combine together to create your perfect intimate wedding look, with all pieces lovingly handmade in London. Kate Halfpenny understands the desire as a bride to be the best version of yourself and to express that in your own way.

Suzanne Neville Adair gown

Suzanne Neville Zarina gown

Suzanne Neville’s collection are hand crafted using the techniques of contemporary couture. Most well know for beautifully constructed gowns with signature-structure bodices, Suzanne’s gowns are elegant and timeless perfect for an intimate celebration.

Viktor & Rolf VRM111

Viktor & Rolf VRM081

The Viktor & Rolf Mariage collection represents Viktor & Rolf’s artistic interpretation of bridalwear, adhering to three key pillars: unexpected elegance, conceptual glamour and provocative couture. Each dress has an individual character giving the bride wearing it a fashion edge. The Viktor & Rolf collection is only available at Helen Rodrigues Bridal until the end of September 2021.

Viktor & Rolf VRM046

Viktor & Rolf VRM247

The other appealing option for those brides that can’t wait is buying one of our stunning sample gowns off the rack, from our sister store Luxe Bridal Samples. Sample gowns are a perfect option for brides who are getting married with a short planning time as you can take the gown home with you on the day you purchase it! It is also an incredible option for brides that already have a gown but have decided to wear something different from their original gown for their intimate celebration, or for those brides who are just wanting to secure a designer gown for a great price.

Suzanne Neville Venus gown available to purchase off the rack from Luxe Bridal Samples

Make our Intimate Edit gowns your own by perfectly pairing your gown with our exclusive designer accessories and veils by Jennifer Behr, Keren Wolf, Peter Langner and silk robes for getting ready in by Canandian designer Daphne Newman. All our designer accessories are available to order online and be delivered to your door from HR Bridal Accessories.

If you would like to find out more about our Intimate Edit for your wedding day please email our stylist team HERE.

Daphne Newman Grace, Sophia, Capri, and Elle silk robes & the Lola silks set - all available to order online from HR Bridal Accessories

Designer in focus: Kate Halfpenny

With the arrival of the exquisite HALFPENNY London edit in store this week, we spoke for designer Kate Halfpenny about her excitement to bring her beautiful designs to the Australian bride and how COVID-19 has changed her approach to design.

How did you get into bridal design?

I was always obsessed with dresses and fashion. School wasn’t the dream for me that it was for many people,  I wasn’t academically driven so as soon my exams were over I ran as fast as I could to Art college where I just had the best time.  I then was lucky enough to go to University where I did a four year degree in fashion with marketing and manufacture where I specialised in bridal wear for my final show and designed and made a collection of bridal separates.  No one was doing anything like that back then. I saw a gap in the market and knew it was for me. I sent models down the catwalk with huge tulle overskirts. They undid the clasp and dropped the overskirt to reveal a short, fitted cocktail dress underneath.  It was a lot of fun!

After university, I relocated to London to go to St Martins where I studied on the MA design for textiles futures to expand my knowledge of fabrics. I also started working as a stylist, which evolved into an incredible career dressing some of the world’s most iconic, wonderful, inspiring women like Cate Blanchet and Kate Moss, Rihanna and Erin O’Connor, also some brilliant gents too from George Michael to Mick Hucknall.  It was such an amazing job, a career I didn’t believe even existed growing up in a small town, pre-internet. I mainly worked on high profile TV commercials and music videos with huge named directors so the pressure was on.  I was like a sponge soaking up all the knowledge and experience I could get and I truly believe that it helped shape who I am as a designer.  I designed my lovely friend, British Actress Emilia Fox’s wedding dress back in 2005, Vogue mentioned me and then my website launched and the rest is history!  I worked from home until I opened my boutique in Bloomsbury in 2012, A dream come true.  The demand for my dresses grew and I started recruiting more and more staff, it was so exciting.  I had Sylvester in 2015 my precious IVF son so focused all my energy into being a mother and growing my beautiful Bridal brand, we’ve grown so much in the last 16 years. I now have 3 shops in Woburn walk with an 18 strong team. 

How long have you been designing bridal for?

I’ve been designing bridal wear since my degree in the late 90’s, although I guess you could say ever since I could draw as that’s what I used to do as a child. I’d draw big ballgowns with nipped-in waists when I was tiny, so the obsession started early!  Halfpenny London was officially born in 2005 when I launched my website,  I’ve loved working with every single bride since then. It’s a huge privilege being entrusted to make such a special garment.

Can you describe the Halfpenny bride in your own words?

We honestly don’t have a typical bride. My collection is so diverse so there really is something for everyone. I have gorgeous dresses to suit every body shape and a huge range of interchangeable separates so brides can truly express themselves on their big day and be the best version of themselves. I always say “be the bride you want to be” and that’s the cornerstone of Halfpenny London. We are all unique so it would be crazy to expect one style to suit all people! In my opinion, a woman should wear whatever she likes on her wedding day as long as it makes her feel good.  

Where do you normally get your design inspiration from? and has it changed/ developed since covid?

I’m inspired by everything! I love art and architecture, nature and flowers… There’s so much to find beauty in if you lift your head. More often than not, my designs start with a magnificent fabric and the shape grows in front of my eyes, but when we went into lockdown here in the UK, I started looking closer to home for my inspiration. Instead of looking out, I started to look in and realised I had everything I need right here in front of me.
Out of this World, the last collection, was going to be completely different. It was all conceived pre-pandemic and was going to be a celebration of my love affair with textiles, full of decadent beading and textures. Instead, I took the silhouettes and married them with existing Halfpenny London hero fabrics, showcasing the exquisite patterns and expert construction by adding piping, accentuating the seams. It looks very different to how I initially imagined it would but I’ve kept the name as a reminder that things don’t always turn out how you planned, and beauty, like love, often looks quite different to how you imagined.  It can be right under your nose and all you have to do is stop for a moment and look for it.

Are you excited to be able to reach the Australian bride through Helen Rodrigues?

We are so excited to finally have a presence in Australia and, more importantly, with our favourite store Helen Rodriques Bridal. Being a Brit, Helen totally understands my ethos and it brings me great joy that we’ve finally aligned and made this partnership a reality. 

How did you decide on the pieces for the Australian bride?

My team and I worked with Helen and her team to bring together the ultimate, interchangeable edit of pieces to maximise the number of choices Australian brides will have by styling the pieces in different combinations. There’s something for everyone in this gorgeous edit and I’m so excited to see what the brides and the HR team create!

Any predictions for bridal trends in 2021?

I think couples are going to go bigger after the pandemic and celebrate the joy of actually being able to get married again. I think brides will go for that transformation moment and choose layers upon layers of pieces to peel back throughout the day, truly enjoying celebrating themselves and their bodies. 

Book your exclusive appointment to try on the HALFPENNY London collection in store HERE.

Designer Files - Lee Petra Grebenau

Lee Petra Grebenau, NYC Bridal Fashion Week, Fall 2020 "Fields of Pearls" Collection

In celebration of her brands 10  Year Anniversary, Designer Lee Petra Grebenau crafted her fall 2020 bridal collection inspired by one of nature's most treasured gemstones: the pearl;-a rare symbol of perfection, beauty and purity that from antiquity has epitomised timeless elegance and classic style. These are all elements the designer has always sought her designs to embody, and they are distinctly reflected in this season's collection.

The first gem discovered by man, the pearl, has throughout history been considered the most valuable. The word "pearl" in Latin means "unique," since no two pearls are identical. This is the inspiration behind the collection where each dress is one of a kind, timeless and classic.

The collection's colour palette is equally influenced by the pearl's natural shades: powder, off-white, cream and white. 

The gowns are adorned with rhinestones and handmade pearl embroidery, along with jewellery and belts designed specifically for the collection: silk tulle belts with handmade pearl clasps, and corsets made of pearl inlay. Emblematic of the collection is a unique use of fabrics that combine pearls and Swarovski crystals, rich and flattering dégradé skirts, floral embroidery, and unique French laces, employing design techniques made expressly for each dress. 

Fields of Pearls" marks Lee Petra Grebenau's 10 year anniversary with its unique sophistication, her signature attention to detail, and a sensibility that puts romance and personalisation first. Her use of laces, embroideries, embellishments, and pearls entering a new phase: a reinterpretation of the classics in modern bridal design.

The exclusive Lee Grebenau Trunk Show will be available at Helen Rodrigues Bridal on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November by appointment only.

Places are limited so make your appointment now here or call 02 9904 5700.

Designer Focus Feature: Alon Livne

I always try to keep my gowns timeless and fashion forward - Alon Livne

Helen Rodrigues is renowned for its carefully selected, exclusive collection of exquisite luxury bridal gowns from the most innovative and sought-after international designers around the globe. One brand which has become a highly desired favourite among Australian brides for the past year is Alon Livne White, and so we decided to speak with the designer himself for some exclusive details about the inspiration behind his designs and what we can expect next. 

He’s Israel’s most prestigious fashion designer and is favoured by celebrities and fashionistas worldwide; but according to Alon Livne, it was just something that has always been a part of him.

“My mom says that ever since I was a little boy I would draw models in gowns and that absolutely nothing has changed,” he says. His inspiration however, appears to have come from a few different sources.

“On the one hand, I absolutely adored old Hollywood starlets and icons like Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth and Katharine Hepburn. On the other hand, I was always fascinated by the women of punk-rock like Siouxsie Sioux and Grace Jones. I think this strange, contrasted, mix of inspirations made me the designer I am today.”

At the age of 17, Alon Livne began working in premiere luxury European fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen in London and Roberto Cavalli in Florence, before winning first place in the Israeli version of Project Runway. In high demand following this, he then went out on his own and since 2013 has regularly shown collections at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week which attract much attention far and wide.

“I always try to keep my gowns timeless and fashion forward, never relying on trends and what other people do,” he says, with regards to what defines him as a designer. “When you come to see my designs, you come to be unique and original.”

This is probably why celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Lea Michele, Beyonce and Lady Gaga are all firm fans of Alon Livne and wear his luxurious gowns often. When asked if there are any other stars he would love to work with, the designer is quick to answer:

“I would absolutely love to work with Solange Knowles, I just love her style and overall attitude.”

His outstanding bridal line ‘Alon Livne White’ has also been a global sensation and something that came about quite naturally for the designer.

“I think that ever since I started designing ready-to-wear collections I had white gowns that were really focused towards bridalwear, it was just something I always felt I needed to do,” he says. “I'm now seeing the two lines coming closer in terms of aesthetic, vision and design.”

In the designer’s own words, the Alon Livne bride is “stunning, timeless, bold and original” and we couldn’t agree more.

“I love getting to design gowns that are basically dreams-come-true for women. A lot of girls come up to me and say that they imagined how their wedding gown would be ever since they were little, and that my designs make their childhood fantasy a reality.”

And so what can we expect next from the talented designer?

“With my new 2018 collection I'm really trying to focus on clean, simple designs with unique shapes and details. Kind of stepping away from the over-the-top, sexy-sheer look that has been taking over the bridal scene lately. I think you can expect something truly original and authentic.”

Well we certainly can’t wait and bet our brides can’t either. 

Alon Livne White is available exclusively in Australia at Helen Rodrigues. A special Alon Livne Trunk Show will also be taking place this November. Appointments are essential so to book your place, or for any enquiries, please phone the boutique on 02 9904 5700.

For more detail on Alon Livne and his designs visit his website here.