Golden Realm - Helen Marina - True Vintage

I have a real weakness for the grander side of 1990s bridal as I remember making gowns like this well at the time, and Golden Realm is a fabulous example. This preloved Helen Marina gown is made in a rich gold damask, a fabric which gives the whole dress a wonderful depth.

The fitted, bined bodice has a softly scooped neckline with little (detachable) fabric flowers at the shoulders. Then the sleeves: gathered across the top to sit wide on the shoulder, A small renaissance puff at the top then fitted through the upper arm before being laced up  towards the wrist and finishing with delicate gold ties.

The very full skirt falls from the waist in generous folds and carries on into a magnificent sweeping train.

There is something wonderfully stately about this dress. The gold rather than traditional ivory makes it even more unusual, while the damask means it needs very little in the way of embellishment – the fabric is quite capable of doing the showing off itself. The fabric is stunning.

The back is a corset tied with gold cord and finishes with a grand floral embellishment (detachable) to match those on the shoulders.

Helen Marina was a British bridal designer working from a London studio, known for luxurious fabrics and beautifully constructed gowns. She was named Designer of the Year in both 2000 and 2001.

It's a UK size 14 - 16 - it's got some flexibility built in with the corset back, and there's also room to let the bodice out by another inch at the side seams.

Available to try on in the Aberdeen salon or buy online with worldwide shipping.