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Amazing Lace - featuring Dang Bridal
"I eventually began designing bridal gowns because of my love for beautiful things," explains Dang. "What can be more breath-taking than a bride in a resplendent gown?" This vision inspired her so much, she eventually set up her own boutique, Dang Bridal, in 1984. And come June, look out for Dang’s spanking new collection of ready-to-wear pieces specially designed for bridesmaids and mothers of the couple. "Besides the bride, they are the most important women during the wedding" she says. "But they are also most often the ones who lament they can't find suitable gowns for the event. This selection will offer an array of looks to please everyone."
By the way, details are going to be huge this year. According to Dang, "Unlike the '80s, when wedding gowns used to look over-the-top, they are more simple these days. So, women have become bolder in terms of details, like crystal beading, embroidery and laces."
She also encourages women to be open to try out new necklines. "Most brides come in, expecting a bustier gown," says Dang, "because it is in vogue now. Also, it is a neckline that flatters most people, so eight out of 10 customers tend to end up choosing a bustier." One of her favourites is the V-neck, because it helps to stretch the figure and posture, whether you're a petite or a plus-sized bride. When designing a gown, Dang considers three factors: the venue, bride's personality and bride's body shape. For instance, if it's a poolside or garden wedding, then the gown cannot be too heavy or it will be difficult for the bride to move around. If the bride prefers a more minimalist look, then beading, rather than lace, is more suitable for her. Finally, if she is petite, a long train is out. "If you're 1.58m and wear a 2m-long train, you'e going to look ridiculous at the end of the day," she warns. Her most memorable experience in the trade happened last year, when she created a full-lace mini-dress with a long head veil – for a 40-year-old bride who held her wedding at the Botanic Gardens. Adds Dang, "I don't believe in sugar-coating my suggestions to the customers. Many women come to the shop having the mistaken perception that they'll definitely fit into their dream gown. But that doesn't happen all the time. I tell them plainly that the dress is not suitable for their body shape. Even so, if a customer insists on her opinion eventually, I can come up with the initial design and work from there." Dang Bridal is at 165 Tanjong Pagar #03-15 The Amara. For appointments, call 6223-8829. For more details, please log on to www.dangbridal.com.sg. Prices start at $3,388 for bridal packages. |
Creating and selling wedding gowns was perhaps the furthest thing on the mind of Dang Lim. She had been enjoying her work as a designer in a ladies' fashion boutique, and occasionally churned out evening gowns for regular customers who needed a party outfit. Word quickly got around, and soon, she found herself deluged with requests every month.
Meanwhile, the boutique, located at The Amara, is jam-packed with brides-to-be searching for that perfect gown. It is easy to see why, especially since Dang is popular for classic, sophisticated designs, which are jazzed up with her signature sharp play of stylish fabrics and pretty handcrafted embellishments.
Ladies who love their laces are in luck too. Describing French lace as her pet specialty – "It has a soft, vintage feel and doesn't look cheap" – Dang intends to create more numbers revolving round the romantic fabric. In fact, one of her first pieces for the year is an elegant lace cheongsam, a cut she professes to be "good at".