Amsale scores big brownie points with me because their dresses are elegant, sophisticated and timeless. “Twenty years after the wedding, I want a bride to be able to look at her pictures and be as happy with the way she looked as she was on her wedding day,” says designer Amsale Aberra.

It was a cold Thursday night when I was lucky enough to see the Amsale (pronounced Ahm-sah’-leh) collection at Angela Wilson’s New York Bridal Gala. These beautiful bridal gowns, little white dresses and bridesmaid dresses are now available to Aussie brides thanks to Angela.  It was a fun night – sipping on bubbles, eating polka dot cake (a stunner by Faye Cahill) and looking at a bridal collection that really has something to offer everyone. What a tough job!

As the models paraded down the catwalk, it was obvious that these dresses are comfortable to wear. Most of the designs are floaty and feminine, but even the more-fitted of the collection don’t cling to the body – they skim and give shape. While I was watching them go by, I could imagine most of the bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses working in a variety of different weddings: from formal church ceremonies, to an informal garden wedding or a laid-back beach affair.

First up were the bridesmaids, featuring a palette of Amsale’s favourite colours: deep reds and greens, violets and soft pinks. Perfect for Spring and Summer weddings, especially with the chiffon material and the oh-so-pretty floral detail that features on some of the designs. The majority were floor-length numbers (with a slight Romanesque feel) which some bridesmaids might have trouble wearing again. However, the short styles were gems and could fast become their new cocktail or even out-to-dinner favourite.

The little white dresses were next up. They are perfect for the anti-brides out there or for those brides who simply don’t want to wear a more traditional gown. Again, there was a range of styles here – from the more corporate, courthouse look to softer designs with lace, bows and A-line skirts.

The real stars of the show though were the bridal gowns.  They truly encapsulate Amsale’s understated and classic style.  What’s great about these gowns is that they will most likely look amazing on any body type and also with or without a veil. This collection also offers more than strapless gowns and has a variety of strappy dresses (ruffle halter-necks, spaghetti and one-shoulder). Another plus is that the hems on the bridal gowns glide nicely just above the ground and the skirts didn’t appear to be heavy as the models were able to pose and move swiftly with ease.

After eating my last piece of polka dot cake (yum!), I hurried home to type up all my thoughts for you, dear readers, because I think lots of you will appreciate the beautiful simplicity of this collection.

Note from Ms Polka Dot : Ms Floral has come on board as our Sydney features editor, what do you think? Can we convince her to cover more fantastic events for us? On that note, we’re opening up our guest contributors feature soon so stay tuned and get your words ready!

Photos by gm photographics