Wendy Makin unveils her stunning new RTW bridal collection

If you’ve already locked in your wedding gown, you may want to look away now because one of our favourite Brisbane wedding dress designers, Wendy Makin, has just unveiled her new RTW (Ready to Wear) collection. And it’s stunning!

The beloved designer showcased her prêt-à-porter designs at Fortitude Valley’s Hotel X, and we’re obsessed with the shots. The label’s clean, classic style and top-shelf quality is underscored with luscious fabrics (don’t worry, the signature Mikado silk is front and centre) and gorgeous modern accents. 

The designs are so elegant, so wearable, so effortlessly chic that we knew you’d want in. Love bold minimalism? You have to meet Addison. Obsessed with sleeves? Say hi to sleek, modern Megan, romantic Florence or charming Catalina. Going modern? Gaby will give you those contemporary-cool vibes. And if you’re trying to track down a square neckline (in lace), Tegan is the girl for you. 

For a proper introduction to the new kids on the bridal block, we caught up with Wendy Makin to chat about dancefloor-ready designs, statement bows, and how listening to her brides helped inspire this latest collection.

Wendy Makin talks us through the difference between ready-to-wear & couture

QB: Love, love the new collection, what was the inspiration behind it? 
WM: We feel our new collection has something for every bride — but at their core, a Wendy Makin bride is classic and elegant, she is attracted to simplicity and clean lines. We are always inspired by our own brides in our Wendy Makin Studio, so a lot of inspiration comes from our couture gowns and making them more accessible as part of our RTW range. This time we have added a few accents for a bit of flair!

QB: Can you run us through some of the key fabrics used? 
WM: Aura, Addison and Catalina-C are in our signature Mikado fabric; we just love the structure and sheen the fabric gives. Kirralee is in a delustered satin for a softer look whilst also still having structure. Tegan uses the same deco-inspired guipure lace as our Tia gown with a new neckline, and our Lola Topper is a revamped version of our beloved Lulu top in beaded tulle.

QB: You always come through pockets! Are there any other ‘wearability’ features to note? 
WM: Addison features a thigh-high split for ease of walking and getting down on the dancefloor at the reception. Our new separates can all tie in with our previous separates range so there are endless combinations between all these pieces. Also, our Gaby jumpsuit can have an overskirt for the ceremony and have a big reveal at the reception!

QB: Tell us about the addition of two square neckline options (Kirralee & Tegan)?
WM: Given the popularity of our Kirra gown from our last collection, we felt we needed a full skirt version of this dress as well as a lace option.

QB: The Mena/Phoebe combo is very cool. Have brides been asking for alternatives to the traditional gown?
WM: Pants and separates are only increasing in popularity as more and more brides choose what makes them feel their absolute best rather than what they ‘should’ wear. We are all for our brides feeling like themselves on their wedding day and being confident in their own skin.

QB: We know it’s hard to play favourites, but do any designs have an extra special significance?
WM: It’s hard to go past the Aura gown, but we also have a soft spot for Florence. A couple of the pieces are named after our brides.

QB: Aura really gave us that jaw-drop moment too!
WM: What can we say other than we LOVE a statement bow. We love that this dress has interest from every angle with its off-the-shoulder, asymmetrical collar and fishtail skirt. 

QB: Gorgeous location, especially the poolside
WM: It’s such an incredible hotel and we love the ambience and pared-back aesthetic, and that’s just as you step inside! The rooftop pool area is the stuff of dreams and such a luxurious hidden gem we have tucked away in Fortitude Valley.

See the full Wendy Makin Ready to Wear collection here

Photos and video from Sundown film and Photography, Hair and Make-up Bella Brides.