Bienvenue 20 ~ Couture Bridal Wear by Kosibah…

Time for a bit of mid-morning bridal fashion – from one of the UK's very best independent bridal wear designers, Yemi Osunkoya, creative director for Kosibah.

Dreams are the focus of Yemi Osunkoya's latest collection, 'Bienvenue 20', that marks his 20th anniversary as a bridal wear designer, and he should know about making dreams a reality. He established Kosibah (named in honour of his mother) during a recession in 1991 as a classically trained designer who had never worked for anybody in his chosen profession.  Today, Yemi is an award winning designer {who was recently honoured as one of Britain's 100+ Black Achievers}, who is responsible for having kitted out many hundreds of Brides in beautiful dresses.

I've been acquainted with Yemi through Twitter for some months now.  I remember his very first 'tweet' to me – I tweeted about the importance of Photographers haveing a blog to represent their brand and he replied 'really? Is it that important?'.  The conversation led from there and since we have chatted about many things since.  More recently, in August this year, I had the huge pleasure of meeting Yemi at the Love My Dress Summer Soiree {check out Yemi in his traditional African finery here!}. Yemi is a true Gentleman, with always impeccable manners. I have a great fondness for him and hugely admire his passion and drive.

Let's take a look at some of the dresses in this collection, where elegance, sophistication and glamour are the watch word. The dresses look so beautifully cut and fit on these models – a clear indication of Yemi's expert levels of design and craftsmanship.

Irina is a strapless gown that has draped bodice fitted to the natural waistline and flaring into a circular skirt with a puddle train. It features hand stitched beaded lace appliqués over the bodice and skirt. Worn with a removable long sleeved organza chemise…

Love My Dress Wedding Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2011, Damien Lovegrove + Adam Dunn {Assisting}

Yemi prides himself on his ability to transform any client that works through his salon. There is always a warm smile to meet you, graciousness in his approach, a willingness to listen and most importantly a feeling that as a client, you can trust his judgment, aside from the fact that he likens himself to a structural engineer who can take inches from a woman's waist. <—  Brides, are you listening??

Margot is sensual sophistication for a bride who seeks fuss free glamour. The bodice, made from soft duchess satin features draping leading to a single rose. The fishtail skirt in a double layer of organza is slit on both sides of the knee with a medium train behind. Margot is the sister dress to Delphine…

 

Grace, romance and class sums up Giselle. Tea length, in champagne organza backed with teal zibeline. Giselle has tiny ruching on the bodice and lace appliqué along the edge of the full length skirt. A tulle chemise with capped sleeves, a high neck and plunging low neck completes the look of this timeless, yet versatile wedding dress that is perfect for afternoon and cocktail celebrations…

Delphine is an elegant Grecian gown in ivory slipper satin with an asymmetrical neckline, plunging back and hand crafted roses on the sleeves and bodice – the embodiment of love.  Delphine means 'flower' and this creation is worthy of a thousand bouquets. Delphine is the sister dress to Margot.

Titania is  a romantic ball gown, a dress of dreams that is soft, floaty and glistens with hand cut Swarovski crystals.  True to the ballet with a tight lace bodice and a full skirt of  layers of tulle over silk taffeta. Worn with a removable boat necked tulle chemise, with hand cut lace appliqués front and back, and hand covered petite buttons on the sides of each sleeve, it is enchanting. Titania is the finale dress in the Bienvenue collection…

Alexandra is classic chic with a contemporary feel where the design is in the detail.  This porcelain antique white fishtail gown, made from silk organza over duchess satin with hand stitched lace appliqué over French seams and an asymmetrical neckline, showcases two straps, which drape beautifully over the shoulder to show off shapely shoulders and spectacular jewels. It's also ideal for the bride who wants to bare her shoulders but isn't  ready for a strapless gown.

Ekaterina is a voluminous showstopper. A majestic zibeline strapless gown with pink and gold sequined appliqué delicately stitched across the bodice, a fish gown front in embroidered tulle, a full cathedral skirt and a sash tied into a glorious bow at the back. Ekaterina allows the bride a regal entrance and a stately departure…

Odette is a gorgeous ruche fishtail gown made from organza with a zibeline base and swirls of embroidered organza roses accentuating the skirt  to give classical ballet look.  Slinky, with a sensual swish on movement, Odette will turn heads and is the sister dress to Odile.

Odile is sensuous, sassy and sparkling for the bride who wants to make a statement. Figure hugging, this gown has a taffeta base, the long bodice features tiny tulle ruched pleats. An overlay of four layers of tulle on the skirt to add volume and hand stitched black Chantilly lace appliqués on the left side of the gown, start on the train and work up to the bodice. Odile, is the sister dress to Odette and is made for drama and the pas de deux – dance for two.

Aurelie means golden and this treasure of a dress has hand stitched lace appliqués tightly in the bodice and sparsely around the hem. With an ivory zibeline fishtail skirt with organza overlay and an amended A line skirt, plus a removable lace chemise,  a bride can twinkle like the star who captured the leading man and won gold.

For further information, contact Yemi Osunkoya at http://www.kosibah.co.uk.  Yemi can also be found on Twitter or telephoned on +44 (0)207 424 8832.

I'd love to know your thoughts on these beautiful designs?

Much love all,

Annabel xXx

♥

 

Creative Team Credits

Photography – Damien Lovegrove
Photgraphy Assistant/ second shooter  - Adam Dunn
Models – Rosemary Chileshe-Ellis, Lisette Mibo, Naomi Sharpe, Olivia Wood
Make-up – Kemi Imevbore-Uwaga
Hair – Kasia Fortuna
Tiaras/Head pieces:Claire Ogden
Heirloom Bouquet – Tiny Gems
Pink hair clip and matching jewelled bouquet – Tiara Heaven
Venue – Room 17 at the Hempel Hotel in London