BBFW goes cosmopolitan with Marylise and Rembo Fashion Group, Julia Kontogruni and Katy Corso
Roberta HERRERA
Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week continued to bid on a good number of international brands to walk down its catwalks after its first day saw the presentations of renowned international firms such as Dutch brand Viktor&Rolf and American brand MarchesaPronovias
From Marylise and Rembo Fashion Group’s craftsmanship to Julia Kontogruni’s voluminous silhouettes
Rembo Fashion Group, the Belgian family business founded in 1926 as a millinery shop specializes today in bridalwear and counts on its three bridal brands produced in Portugal: Marylise, Rembo Styling, and since 2020, Carta Branca. They all presented a joint fashion show on April 21 on the Barcelona catwalk under the slogan ‘Entre nós’. The company currently managed by the fourth generation of the family boasts 629 stores in 20 different countries.
The three brands, utilizing European materials and sustainable fabrics, are characterized by a luxurious yet comfortable boho style. Marylise stood out for the simplicity of its designs, with comfortable dresses made with an abundance of lace and voluminous sleeves; while Rembo Styling presented more audacious designs, featuring open backs and more laidback looks. The label counted on Chilean designer Paula Matthei and her creative vision for its new collection.
With the addition of Carta Branca’s more avant-garde and refined aesthetic to its portfolio, the group aims to expand into international markets such as the United States or China. The brand’s new collection designed by Claudia Llagostera and Géraldine Simonnet stands out for its use of pure silk, free of lace or other fabrics. The brand is exclusively available at select stores for the moment.
Meanwhile, the Bulgarian firm founded in 2002 by designer Julia Kontogruni distinguished itself with its handmade pieces. Her new collection unveiled last Friday, April 22, and inspired by opulence and Victorian style featured voluminous dresses, tight corsets with underwire, plenty of lace and Swarovski
Katy Corso’s avant-garde designs during wartime
Katy Corso was the first Ukrainian brand to participate in the Barcelona bridal event during turbulent times marked by the Russian invasion in her home country. For her latest collection, the designer revisited her avant-garde spirit with a wide plethora of dresses. Models with bangs inspired by the 1920s wearing dresses with feather skirts and pleated looks inspired by the world of Hollywood were all fitted and accompanied by discreet and minimalist accessories.
The designer presented all 30 of her new collection’s designs on the event’s last day (Saturday, April 23) through a parade in support of her native country facing the current political situation. All the models wore yellow and blue ribbons, symbolizing the Ukrainian flag, as a sign of protest. A gesture that received a standing ovation from the audience.
Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week’s 2022 edition, which ended on April 24, saw a total of 18,600 visitors, of which 65% came from abroad. In addition, its digital platform received more than 40,000 views and will remain active until June 20. The bridal fashion event’s next edition will be held from April 19-23, 2023.
