With more than three decades spent building her couture empire, Galia Lahav is one of the world’s hottest bridal designers right now. Her ability to fuse old Hollywood glamour with modern exoticism keeps her gowns on-trend, but timeless.
Eternal Bridal’s CEO, Sebastian Lee sat down with Galia to get her thoughts on bridal fashion trends, as well as her wedding-day advice to all of the Wedded Wonderland fairies.
WW: Your designs have an almost cult-like following the world over and many women aspire to be a Galia Lahav bride long before they’re even engaged. What sets a Galia Lahav bride apart?
Galia: I believe that a Galia Lahav bride is a statement bride. She wants to have a dress that is iconic and extravagant. A Galia Lahav bride loves luxury and fashion. She isn’t afraid to be daring, adventurous, and non-traditional. She pays attention to detail and appreciates good taste.
WW: Galia Lahav gowns are well known for their low backs, intricate lace, and sleek silhouettes. How would you describe Galia Lahav’s signature look?
Galia: That’s spot on! My dresses are easily recognised for having a revealing low backs, body-hugging silhouettes, and endless trains.
WW: How do you balance timelessness and that oh-so-important point of difference?
Galia: It is a mix of modern trends and classic bridal elements. I strive to achieve a combination of both.
Your latest collection, ‘’Les Rêves Bohémiens’ features a number of multi-piece ensembles, such as gowns with detachable capes and skirts. What drove you to include so many convertible pieces in this collection?
Galia: I listen to my brides. There are different stages in every wedding, and I want my gowns to take the bride from when she says her vows, to the party afterwards! I know that brides like to transform themselves throughout the night so I try to make this possible for them.
WW: Where do you see bridal gown trends heading over the next 12 months?
Galia: I think we are going to see the ball gown come back now. I also see different shades of ivory coming in this season and the Raphaelite look becoming popular.
WW: What’s the biggest wedding dress mistake you see bride-to-bes making over and over again?
Galia: I think one of the biggest wedding dress mistakes that bride-to-bes make is when they don’t listen to themselves. It’s important to avoid having too many opinions when it comes to deciding on a dress. The biggest mistake is when brides pick a dress that all their friends and family like and forget to ask themselves if they feel it is the dress.
WW: If you could impart one piece of advice to bride-to-bes around the world, what would it be?
Galia: To take it easy and enjoy the ride. This is a once in a lifetime experience so make sure you have fun!
WW: Bridal showings, fashion catwalks, designing haute couture gowns… your life must be 24/7 glamour! Describe a typical day in the life of Galia Lahav.
Galia: It’s hard to define this in just a day because there are so many different stages that I go through throughout the year beyond designing my gowns. For several months, I live in my studio designing with my team. Other times, I am traveling to Paris or Italy seeking new fabrics, textiles and laces for my gowns. I am often out town for runway events and trunk shows promoting my brand with my international stores. My job is a non-stop work lifestyle. It can be overwhelming at times but I adore what I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else in this world!
WW: What are you passionate about outside the world of weddings?
Galia: My family. I have an amazing family and outside of the world of weddings I do my best to spend quality time with them.
Eternal Bridal is a network of intimate boutiques with locations in both Melbourne and Sydney, stocking a range of internationally renowned designers such as Galia Lahav, Lazaro, Tara Keely, Hayley Paige, and Blush. They have quickly become a premier stockist of global couturier Galia Lahav since its arrival in early 2015, cementing their place in the Australian bridal industry as one of the foremost providers of hot-off-the-catwalk bridal fashion.
