We spoke with local stylist Sarah Murphy to get some insight into how to make choices for a stylish wedding that acknowledges the ‘now’ aesthetic but are also mindful of the environment.
Sarah Murphy works with a range of people, from musicians, broadcasters, actors and other entertainers developing a style narrative that works in harmony with her clients' personal brands and creative aesthetics. Whether she is helping Six60 dress for a milestone concert or styling a news reader for a magazine spread, Sarah’s philosophy is the same, “Feeling content and comfortable - your best unapologetic self while at at the same time growing and expanding personal expression. It’s something I feel we should all strive for,” says Sarah.
Sustainable style
“There are so many ways to look elegant and feel beautiful as a bride without adding to fashion’s pollution,” says Sarah. "Brides can go traditional with gowns that become heirlooms to hand down to the next generation or they can select something more versatile, opting for a dress or suit that has a life beyond their wedding day.
“Wedding dresses no longer need to be such a one-time wear affair, traditions are shifting and more and more there is room to be experimental and individual. Buying ‘off the rack’ gives a bride the ability to easily wear her dress more than once. A woman donning a winter white suit or boasting a coloured gown, shows that brides are protesting the traditional expectations of wedding attire more and more. Couples are recognising that this is a day for them and their partners to express themselves." says Sarah.
With being mindful comes thinking and buying local. There are so many New Zealand designers who provide inspiration. Juliette Hogan is about to release her 2019 bridal range, Jane Yeh is a long-time player and Knuefermann, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Presents designer, is always a sophisticated and undoubtedly alluring option.
“Knuefermann is always bringing timeless sophistication that never skips an air of sexiness in her garments,” says Sarah. A dress by Knuefermann can make the perfect choice for an elegant wedding gown that can still be worn well after the special day.
As a member of the recently launched Mindful Fashion Collective, Juliette Hogan, like many of our local brands, acknowledges the poor record of the fashion industry as one of the world’s biggest polluters. Their initiative has been created as a collaborative support network to help New Zealand designers work together to overcome a range of challenges at a local level that the industry faces globally.
“Whether a dress is locally made, sourced internationally or is a pre-loved designer piece, it’s how you style your look with the use of jewellery and shoes as well as other additions that transforms a beautiful dress into a stunning wedding gown,” says Sarah. “Harper's Bazaar has already noted the revival of feathers as accessories, subtle (or not) and brides can try embellishments for a nod to an 80s edge or for a 70s disco vibe, go for sequins and embroidery. There really are no rules,” says Sarah. Of course sometimes minimal simplicity wins and a sheer veil is enough to complete a stunning wedding gown.
Wedding trends can be exciting for men, too, and include anything from three-piece tailoring to the use of bright colours and bold prints. “We have some amazing menswear brands in New Zealand and it’s hard to go past Working Style with the options of a custom -made suit or an off the rack purchase. Working Style also has an array of suits to hire. Long-standing local institution WORLD is great if you want a locally made statement shirt, blazer or full suit to add vibrancy and playfulness to your wedding day."
Lingerie and fragrance are a must-have consideration for a wedding and Lonely in Ponsonby has the bride and bridal party covered. Their signature fragrance by Maison Louis Marie is a scent that will have your partner swooning. “You can’t help but feel sexy and romantic in Lonely underwear, the Lina bra and high -waisted underwear in biscuit is a very cool fit and is a colour that will work for most brides. Ending the night in their Hollie Teddy would be ideal,” suggests Sarah.
Mindful wedding beauty
With many different beauty brands to choose from, making a choice to select products for the big day that are sustainably produced and responsibly manufactured is one way Sarah suggests any bride can make mindful choices. “Attaining radiant skin with an inner glow, never needs to be at the cost of an animal’s well-being or the health of our planet or ourselves,” says Sarah.
“Botanicals are the new luxury when it comes to mindful beauty products.” Mecca stocks a number of ethical brands, one that charmed me is Chantecaille,” says Sarah. The story of Chantecaille, a small French family owned business that sees itself as raising the bar in the beauty industry, is a great example of innovation and mindfulness. Chantecaille is cruelty free and responsibly manufactured and the entire product range is built on the incredible properties of a single rare extract from the Rose de Mai. A rose with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging properties that is only able to be harvested one month out of the year, the month of May.
Rose-Marie Swift, a renowned make-up artist created RMS, another range found at Mecca Ponsonby. RMS was created so women could enjoy healthy, clean beauty without harmful heavy metals. All RMS products celebrate the purity of natural ingredients and their ability to heal and revitalise the skin. For brides who want to bring attention to their eyes, Sarah suggests RMS Swift shadows eye palette combined with their mascara simply named 'mascara' with a subtle stroke of the RMS Vintage Cake liner. “There’s really no need to compromise on colour and performance when it comes to making choices that are natural, sustainable and environmentally sound,” she says.
Local brands like Ahimsa Cosmetics developed by former lawyer Shavana Rejendran are 100% vegan and cruelty free. Using no harsh chemicals and deriving maximum benefit from natural ingredients, Ahimsa cosmetics a super hydrating and rich in colour. New Zealand skin care range Trilogy is a beautiful, locally manufactured option for skin prep, with products for both men and women. Trilogy founders and sisters Sarah Gibbs and Catherine De Groot, discovered the natural benefits of rosehip oil and began Trilogy in 2002. “They stand by their values noting that building a meaningful business isn’t rocket science but about being responsible with every choice we make. I have to agree,” says Sarah.
Jewellery
There are a number of talented manufacturing jewellers that offer beautiful options for wedding couples and ascribe to a strict policy of only using conflict-free gems. “Family business Zoe & Morgan Jewellery is a favourite, whether it’s their fine jewellery or their bold, stunningly crafted earrings. Each piece they create has a beautiful story and thoughtful meaning behind it. I especially love their nod to the art deco era,” says Sarah.
Bespoke fine jewellers like Carats, and Diamonds on Richmond (DOR) each offer their own distinctive aesthetic. Carats draws inspiration from the long tradition of English jewellery design and disrupt this with modern influences and a love of colour. Brother and sister jewellery making team DOR are based in Grey Lynn and specialise in custom made engagement and wedding rings. Working closely with clients to create pieces that match their dreams, suit their budgets and sparkle for a lifetime.
Floral Art
Every couple’s wedding is bespoke in some way. Personal touches add character and reflect the personalities of both partners. This not only makes a wedding special for the happy couple but also makes it meaningful for the guests. Styles and themes that run through the event can be cleverly connected through floral art. Wedding flowers have developed beyond a mere button hole and bridal bouquet to become an extension of a wedding’s style aesthetic. “Sue Cameron is an incredible local floral artist who thoughtfully uses local and seasonal flowers. Her work is used on fashion and advertising shoots because she is able to create an overall tone and feeling - this is a vital role for a wedding,” says Sarah.
Photography
A professional photographer can ensure you catch your moments and memories of love to share across your social platforms. Digital sharing options do away with the charming tradition of thank you cards and instead reduce the use of paper for a more sustainable way of sharing your thoughts. Wedding invites are also increasingly being sent via online tools, not only saving the planet, but also making tracking RSVPs and ongoing communications with guests more seamless. Sites like www.evite.com and www.greenvelope.com offer a range of easy to use tools that use hero photography to create professional and clever online invitations.
From start to finish the modern wedding can be mindful of the environment and be full of sustainable and ethical choices, while at the same time celebrating a milestone event celebrating love and togetherness.