Designer DETAIL

Mariana dresses your special day with red carpet glamour.

Searching for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting shopping trips you can embark on, but coming across that perfect dress can be a challenge. Imagine a label that aims to have every customer leave with a gown that is perfectly flattering to their body shape, made to the highest possible standards and in a timeless style, guaranteed to be loved for years to come. Check out the Mariana Hardwick label, and that is exactly what you will find.

Tell me about the designs?

This is a gown label committed to raising the bar when it comes to designing for your special day. Mariana's designs her gowns to complement the beauty of the female form, producing gorgeous creations that are striking, classic and sexy every time.

“While we admire and uphold the best of traditional design methods, we intend our gowns to be very now and relevant, with a twist that makes the collections reflective of contemporary life” says Mariana.

Where did it all begin?

Mariana Hardwick began her career in the 1970's as proprietor of “The Garb Shop” in Toorak Road. It was about this time when women were discovering their own sense of individuality and style, demanding alternative pieces that still maintained a sense of lavish and uncompromised quality. Mariana found her inspiration to design for these women in vintage pieces from the Victorian and Edwardian periods through to the 1920's. She created her collections in beautiful antique silks and laces, sourced on various trips to Europe. After a strong and immediate response, the Mariana Hardwick label was launched as the first contemporary bridal wear designer in the country.

`I discovered that there was a huge demand for alternative bridal, at that point the only gowns that were available were very traditional in formula, full and unflattering; women discovered in my collection something unique and feminine.'

What will I find now?

Today, the Mariana Hardwick label is all about `red carpet glamour all the way down the aisle.' Her latest collection explores the glamour and feminine silhouettes of the 1950's. Full gowns and slimline sheaths strike a perfect balance between Hollywood glamour and contemporary chic.

“We have been closely monitoring responses from brides as to what elements their “dream” gown must possess. Their vision is to look like a “star” for a day and that's exactly the philosophy we've adopted in our latest collection.”

“A structured gown that fuses sexiness with sophistication is what the modern bride wants for her wedding day. Our latest slimline gowns are sleek and sexy, while the fuller gowns play on volume and texture while beautifully accentuating the waist,” says Mariana.

Where can I find Mariana's gowns?

The Mariana Hardwick label just has embarked on a new and exciting phase with the development of the Hardwick Building at Sparta Place. This building will be the new and exclusive home of the Mariana Hardwick retail `Emporium' `Atelier' and `Factory Clearance.'

Until these stores open, pop in to Dress Sense at Miranda, Bridal Collection in DeeWhy, and Marry Me Bridal Studio in Mossman, all in NSW. Phone 03 9388 0199 for more information.