Meiling, The Designer Icon for Bridal 2017

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Simple Silhouette Wedding Dress

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

Bridal season is in full swing and brides are scampering to “say yes to the dress”. My heart goes out to the destination brides who are panicking over deciding whether they should go with silk, satin, taffeta, chiffon, lace or cotton blended fabrics for the tropics, finding the right hues for their bridesmaids, checking in the dress and woes of paying exorbitant fees only to arrive stressed out, in full “bridezilla” mode with a wrinkled wedding dress in hand at their dream destination wedding location. Rest assured brides, brides to be, bridal party and guests you can find top notch, internationally acclaimed fashion designers in Trinidad and Tobago who can hear your S.O.S and save your life for your “big” day.

 

Off Shoulder Lace Wedding Dress

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

The destination wedding dress designer that beams of an effortlessly chic Caribbean aesthetic is Meiling Esau, otherwise known by her brand name Meiling Inc. This designer grew up in an environment where her mother, Evelyn Achong was a prominent woman in her field as a seamstress. Meiling’s passion for this fashion led her to pursue her studies at Lucie Clayton School of Design in London in the 1970’s. Meiling was immersed in the creative culture of London.  She was exposed to creatives, creative design, creative thinking and design management. Meiling graduated and returned to her homeland. After working at a garment factory where one of her prototypes became a top seller Meiling decided to stand on her own and set up her own atelier in 1982.

Vintage Wedding Dress

http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

Since Meiling’s debut on the fashion industry scene she has copped many achievements some of which include the Chaconia Silver Medal in 2008 for her longstanding merit to the Trinidad and Tobago business sector. In that same year she was awarded the title of “Grand Master of Fashion Design” at Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica. In 2010 she was one of two designers from the English speaking Caribbean invited to showcase at Plataforma K in Colombia. In 2011 she was the only one invited to return to show. In 2012 The Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago honoured  Meiling with The Woman of Influence Award. In 2013 she was listed as a national icon of Trinidad and Tobago. She was also invited as one of the top global designers to the Women of Influence Summit in that year. She received Ocean Style Award in 2013.

Lace Sleeves and Details for Wedding Dress

http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

Today Meiling’s aesthetic is considered minimalistic however I prefer the term Caribbean chic. Her focus is on the quality of work and her talent is found in design and craftsmanship. In the age of digital printing and mass production Meiling adds the extra “oomph” to her work with hand sewn details. In addition, she still believes in her mother’s words that the inside and outside of the garment being constructed must have a beautiful finish. She has designed uniforms and outfits for Trinidad and Tobago athletes to top entertainers. As a creative she has surrounded herself in creative spaces with veteran creatives such as Peter Minshall. Her product line is differentiated from her own clothing lines in haute couture, resort and bridal to her diffusion line entitled, “MSquared” for the local retail department store Micles  and recently she added on Meiling Complete featuring scent diffusers, candles and body creams.

Lace Detail on Wedding Dress

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

So now that you have a fair idea of the brand (Meiling Inc.) we can begin to explore your options for saying “yes to the dress”.  Meiling has an established repertoire in the Caribbean and the Latin American community for her work in the local fashion industry. She has a keen eye for detail and a unique vision based on her knowledge and functioning in several destinations with her clients including brides and some eloquent to brazen personalities from multifaceted cultures. Meiling has worked with contemporary and vintage designs in fabrics that range from silk, satin, lace with intricate embellishments and hand beading to name a few. The advantages of choosing Meiling include a 100% guarantee that your wedding dress will be a timeless design and that you will stand out. The quality of the garment construction is flawless. Your dress will flatter your figure and accentuate your best highlights. You will be in the proficient hands of the expert who is familiar with silhouette to body type ratios in fashion. Also you will have several fittings in the lead up to final production.

Unconventional Bridal Gown

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

Your wedding dress will not just be a product you bought off a rack but the result of an inimitable, delicate creative process where your soul is reverberated throughout the statement piece. This means whilst the designer will design and create the dress you too will have a direct say in perfecting your look for that memorable day.  Your dream wedding dress becomes a reality. When you look back on the occasion you will not just have the snapshots of that point in your life. You will have a reminder of your identity at that stage in your life, a reflection of your growth and transition to your new role in life and most importantly it will stand the test of time as evidence of your power to create and to contribute to the collateral beauty that is life.

White Top with Lace

Photo Credit: Shaista Deen

The Veronica Dress

Photo Credit: Jordan Lum Hung

As a bonus you can also fit the “M” brand into your wardrobe with Meiling’s latest resort wear collection for your destination soiree/ island romp with your newlywed husband. Choose from a variety cotton blends and light, breathable fabrics for your destination honeymoon ensemble. Her most recent collection boasts of distinct, functional, chic and trendy pieces. They range from shirt dresses, dhoti jumpsuits, kite dresses, cowl dresses, off shoulder, strapless tops with lace details, apron inspired tops, denim shirt dresses and long black dresses with tassel details. If you preview her collection online you would notice that most of the resort wear is featured in white or black. Again, this is Meiling’s signature as she pairs the simple but effective pieces as blank canvases to the individual character with the individual in mind as the artist. Basically, when you purchase Meiling’s resort wear it becomes your blank canvas which you bring art to life via “painting” your persona and the experiences you create, the activities that you do and the journeys you take with the designer wear.

 

Dhoti Jump Suit

Photo Credit: Shaista Deen

Swing Dress with Silk Tie

Photo Credit: Joshua Brizan

Off Shoulder Crop Top

Photo Credit: Jordan Lum Hung

If you wish to share your new-found love for the Meiling brand with your bridal party you can browse the collection. Ultimately, you will make your life and theirs easier by selecting appropriate dresses for the bridesmaids. You can even work with the designer on flower girl dresses.  Moreover, you can make this option convenient and accessible by listing Meiling on the R.S.V.P or details card as the premier choice for destination wedding wear in Trinidad and Tobago.  The flights to Trinidad from the U.S.A are only a few hours and you will reach here in no time at all. Hotels and other accommodations are available in Port of Spain where Meiling is located. They are only a stone’s throw away from her boutique. You can request a taxi driver at your front desk and be on your way to your appointment with Meiling. Thus, you will rescue yourself from the drama and stress of a million phone calls and instant messages from your relatives and invited guests badgering you about what they should wear to your destination wedding.

Denim Dresses

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/meilinginc/

Eyelet Strap Sundress

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/meilinginc/

When the wedding and honeymoon is over and you return to your home you do not have to hide away your resort wear. Your bridesmaids and even your guests will thank you later because they can bask in designer bliss by wearing these pieces in spring, summer, autumn and even winter. The only requirement may be reinventing the outfit again with a personal touch of layering it for the colder seasons and dressing it down for the warmer ones. Neither yourself nor your bridal party/guests would regret the choice of colour as white and black can mix and match with a plethora of accessories.  I am also a firm believer of the influence of creative design. Regardless of the season you all choose to wear your Meiling attire you will definitely be moved by donning the outfit. The rationale is straightforward; good design inevitably evokes emotion and makes as much of an impact on the way you feel when you wear it and when you see yourself wearing it.

Cowl Neck Dress with Lace Detail

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-201617/

White Peasant Top with Lace

Photographer: Shaista Deen

The advent of the internet makes your destination wedding dress a few clicks away from being a dream come true. It can literally save you the nightmare of dress shopping, late night foraging for bridal trends and exhaustion from the tears and anxiety of running out of time. Instead place yourself into the safe haven of competence, expertise and professionalism by booking Meiling Esau of Meiling Inc. in Trinidad.

 

Kite Dress

Photo Credit: Jordan Lum Hung

Tied Neck Caftan Dress in Chiffon and Silk

Photo credit: Jordan Lum Hung

Shirt Collar Caftan in Chiffon and Silk

Photo Credit: Jordan Lum Hung

Cowl Collar Caftan in Chiffon and Silk

Photo Credit: Joshua Brizan

Connect with Meiling today!!!

Website: http://www.meilinginc.com/

Email: meiling@meilinginc.com

Location: #6 Carlos Street in Woodbrook, Port of Spain

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Saturdays at 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Telephone: 1.868. 627.6975 or 1.868.627.2122

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meilinginc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meilinginc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meiling-esau-1491097

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VdV Accessories for the Destination Bride

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Admittedly, the best accessory any bride can wear is her smile – a natural creative design crafter by the highest power. Oftentimes, the genuine smile is the direct reflection of the happiness of the bride. She is truly her happiest when she feels most comfortable in her own image. This could mean donning some jewelry, a fancy veil or adding simple but luxurious pieces to her outfit.

(Pearl Hair Comb by VdV Accessories)

(Sequins and Lace Bra by VdV Accessories)

The destination bride also accessorizes her look. In Trinidad, there are several bridal accessory designers who maintain distinct aesthetics and are exceptional in the quality of the work they deliver. Darcel de Vlugt of Van der Vlugt, recently unveiled more of the VdV accessories she has been working on by creating a separate social media presence for the pieces. Island brides are now swooning over VdV accessories, which are quickly becoming “must have” pieces when it comes to the finishing bridal touch.

(Fresh Water Pearl Hair Pins by VdV Accessories)

( Pearl Hair Comb by VdV Accessories )

The VdV brand has always been closely linked to the designer’s own story. More than just a designer, de Vlugt sees herself as a creative, having served in the role as Editor-in-Chief for CFstyle.com as well as Fashion Editor for teenage lifestyle magazine AmPassion Teen.  A professionally trained dancer from a young age, she chose to study art and fashion after a sports injury rendered a career in dance unlikely. However, she completed her dance studies past A level standard to attain her Associate diploma in Modern Theatre Jazz – making her qualified to teach dance – at just 18 years old. She has been a freelance writer for many years, writing for media publications around the world on fashion and lifestyle, as well as freelance ghost writing and a published poet and short story writer. While these creative undertakings have helped to define the woman that she is, Darcel is also very well known for her work as an ambassador for Vitiligo, a skin condition she has had since she was five years old.

( Swarovski Crystal Crown by VdV Accessories)

(Custom Swarovski and Pearl Waistband by VdV Accessories)

A graduate of the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts, London with a BA in Fashion Design Technology (Women), Darcel debuted her first post-graduation collection at the Islands of the World Fashion Week in Nassau, the Bahamas in late 2008, returning the year after to win the Next Generation Designer Award with her second collection. Deciding to venture into the bridal realm in 2013, she empathizes with the great lengths brides go to in order to look and feel their best, during what can be a very testing and fragile time. This, she says, come from her own life journey with regards to beauty and strength, both inner and outer. She considers herself to be a “world citizen”, having lived in Israel, Syria, Cyprus and England throughout her life and travelling extensively beyond that. She speaks four languages, including Greek fluently, and has a strong understanding and appreciation for various cultures, countries, languages and all the adjustments necessary when moving from one place to the next; something a destination bride will definitely benefit from. Her experiences around the world have definitely contributed to the unique aesthetic of the VdV brand, including her accessories, which are designed to evoke “a moment of fantasy and inspiration through the noise of the norm.”

( Swarovski Body Jewelry Cover Up by VdV Accessories)

( Swarovski Body Jewelry Cover Up by VdV Accessories)

The designer operates a one woman show from conception to consultation to execution, exercising her skills in pattern making, fitting, sewing, hand stitching and particularly beading and lace embellishment, which she has become known for. The range of body chains, hair combs, bandeaus, hair pins, veils, crowns, bridal belts and other pieces for bridal and special occasion is created using fine materials like genuine Swarovski crystals and pearls, silk and handmade imported lace.  She prides herself on not being conventional with the designs that are 100% her own, and pushing brides to consider less traditional options, particularly in the Caribbean where wedding traditions are still heavily embedded in the culture.

(Bird Cage Veil by VdV Accessories)

(Lace and Feather Headpiece by VdV Accessories)

“My best work has always been the original, non-traditional work that the bride trusts me to create for her; the work that is most me,” she says. Darcel designs with a whimsical touch of fantasy, shown in her runway work over the years. Since moving into bridal, old vintage glamour is also one of her biggest inspirations, most evident in the VdV accessories. The unconventional bride can definitely incorporate these far from spurious pieces into her attire, both for her special day and beyond. Even for the simple bride who may not subscribe to the “glitterati”, a touch, a sparkle from VdV Accessories is the perfect way to bask in a slice of bridal heaven.

( Veil, Dress and Hair Piece by VdV Accessories)

( Cathedral Veil by VdV Accessories)

Overall styling advice and other services for both the bride and her bridal party are available from the designer, who has found over the years that there is never a dull moment in the bridal world, with the most unusual requests constantly coming her way. One of her favourite projects to undertake is customization of gowns for the bride or bridesmaids, by taking something pre-purchased and transforming it using the VdV aesthetic into something new and original for its owner. She also believes in repurposing the bridal gown, having transformed her clients’ gowns into christening gowns when baby comes along and other items for the bride after the wedding. Having created her own daughter’s christening gown from a mix of her mother’s wedding dress and her First Communion dress, Darcel is also quite passionate about bringing luxury to the little ladies, continuing with her story.

(Pear and Crystal for Sienna Bandeau by VdV Accessories)

( Bridal Pouch with Lace and Pearl details by VdV Accessories)

Bridal season is in full swing so if you assume that this designer has her hands full, you are correct. Nonetheless, VdV accessories are available and made to order, either from previous designs or custom. Inspired destination brides can even collaborate with the designer to create gifts for the bridal party; a simple pearl necklace may be the perfect finishing touch presented as a bridal show gift to the maid of honour or bridesmaids. My advice is to get in touch and book a consultation as soon as possible, as time is definitely of the essence. Brides are able to pick up their pieces in studio, or have them delivered, even shipped internationally, so destination brides can definitely rest easy when it comes to their accessories.

( Vintage Hair Comb by VdV Accessories)(Swarovski and Pearl Dynasty Hair Comb by VdV Accessories)

I previously mentioned Darcel operating all aspects of her business. She is a major player in our fashion industry, both home and abroad. However, she contributes more than her fashion expertise, by increasing the marketability of destination Trinidad & Tobago to those brides who have the glitz and glamour of a VdV accessory in their trousseau and ever after. Mostly, purchases of VdV accessories make a profound statement – the destination bride stand to support a talented young woman who is a mother and a creative, who, despite medical challenges and life obstacles, has accepted herself and stands to be a beacon of hope for those women facing struggles but who also dare to dream and rise above them. This is the story behind her brand, and the story of the women she encounters. There is little doubt that as a bride who spends time with this designer, you will be inspired by more than the accessories she creates for you; you will be inspired by the value of her journey and the ability to move fearlessly into the next chapter of your own story.

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/VDV_Accessories

House of VDV Studio:  Central Trinidad

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseofvdv/

Blogspot: http://houseofvdv.blogspot.com/

Email: houseofvdv@gmail.com

 

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The Sophisticated Destination Bride by Charu Lochan Dass

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Destination brides have bridal identities too! Just because the bride is having a destination wedding does not always mean that she will be clad in typical resort wear of typical materials and shades of white.  Obvious images that grace the cover of some wedding magazine or cover story with exclusive photos of the random celebrity and her destination wedding in her common tropical inspired wedding dress comes to mind .  However stop for a minute or two and recollect that under this façade is a living person who has likes and dislikes, who has their own culture and experiences which have played a huge part in forming their identity (apart from their parents’ DNA). Now that you know this information think of the identities in your girls squad or circle or whatever you all call it these days. Are the identities as colourful as a rainbow? Can you find the tomboy, the girly girl, the hippie, the feminist, the “bourgeoisie” ? If the answer is yes then you can understand my train of thought.  Simply, brides have identities. Although destination weddings may allot some restrictions to brides in terms of choice of materials for climate this does not exempt the destination bride from having a bridal identity. Charu Lochan Dass is a designer based in Trinidad and Tobago. CLD is the name of her fashion house. She creates clothing inspired by women and her niche caters to their distinct identities. Undeniably, she will be featured here because of her unsurpassed empathy for identities as it relates to the destination bride.

Charu Lochan Dass was born in India and brought to Trinidad to live at an early age of six years. She grew up in Trinidad for some formative years of her life and later returned to India to pursue her studies in Business Administration. She left India again to study Fashion Design and Marketing at London College of Fashion. This decision to change fields was not the result of an overnight epiphany. Charu was exposed to creative thinking and creative design as a child. She developed a flair for the artsy field. In her teen years she converted her mother’s intricate Indian hand woven table runner into a belt. Moreover, Charu  spent some time with one of her aunts in India who operated a fashion boutique. Charu would take her ability to sketch designs there and bring them to life via execution of the design plans. When she returned to Trinidad she would start up her retail boutique. Yet, she would not stop there she was always at the grind designing and launching collections. Finally CLD the atelier was launched at #55 Gallus Street Woodbrook in Trinidad. CLD made its debut and its contribution to the local landscape then it began its journey to take over the fashion globe. The designer’s aesthetic had such a worldly appeal that the brand has stamped its name in fashion markets as far as Amsterdam and Spain ( sold exclusively at BoutiKm5 in Ibiza). Charu’s inspiration comes from almost anything that moves her soul. Nonetheless, the CLD brand exudes sophistication, elegance, poise, sensuality, feminine wiles and characteristics that accentuate the silhouette of the woman. Charu’s collections range from prêt a porter, bridal to resort. Often the fabrics Charu work with for these collections are silk, lace, chiffon and georgette to name a few. These types of materials allow for the movement of the clothing. Her designs come alive and sway with the wind and movement of the woman.

CLD’s recent collection is great for the destination bride who associates herself with that sophisticated bridal identity.  This destination bride does not need to hassle herself with bridal attire. If I were to describe this type of bride I would say she maintains a bridal identity that is a paradox. Her sophistication is fierce yet charming. This equates adjectives for the modern day woman who is also a destination bride. Her wedding and wedding moon pieces can be found at CLD. She can even go ahead and postpone her “bridezilla” coronation and opt for the “bridechilla” role and become the queen of “bridechilla” village with this new solution. The bridal resort collection strikes a chord with grace and empowerment. Destination brides can embrace a collection that features minimal patterns, bell bottom pant suits, peplum tops, capes, A-line, sheath and trumpet silhouettes which are flattering for most body shapes. Inherent to this collection are signature CLD details that highlight Charu’s exposure to creative culture. In addition CLD launched “Satya” an Indo fusion fashion collection for the modern woman. The timing is perfect as brides can find more variety to add to their bridal wardrobe and resort collection!! Notwithstanding, CLD also offers seamstress services  for destination brides who need a few adjustments to their choices. The cuts and styles work well for the bride hosting her destination wedding in Trinidad and Tobago. Albeit the destination bride can also work with the designer with her own design in mind and together they can bring this idea to a reality.  The decision to choose CLD would be a consequence of wise investment thinking as these designs are high quality, unique yet functional.

The CLD brand is powerful. It transcends epochs and stands out as the epitome of the new age destination bride. Women of any colour, social class, culture and background who identify with the caricature of the sophisticated woman can wear CLD.  Charu understands the women who are future destination brides, bridal party members and guests. She connects with them through these designs. In addition, Charu recently tied the knot and is living the wedded life so she has more experience and perspective to add to her destination bridal design etiquette and fervor. The bridal party and guests can also benefit from choosing CLD, the bride’s new found designer binge. Everyone can browse through the many resort and prêt a porter collection from CLD to put together their attire. Their one of a kind outfit would definitely stand out. They would be taking a labour of love with them when they return to their host country. The versatility of the pieces would allow them to wear these clothing for several other occasions. The wearer does not have to worry about looking out of place or being over dramatic as these designs were created with the woman in mind and it resonates with trends that ensure a global appeal.

Fashion designers in Trinidad and Tobago do not mass produce as the major fashion houses in other fashion destinations. Hence, when the destination bride chooses a local designer such as CLD she can bet that she will be helping to support small micro economic enterprises, diversifying the destination’s economy (via sales), distributing a multiplier effect  and circulation of dollars in that economy, diversification of the local tourism product. At the same time she gets to experience the creative process and by product of creative thinking and design that is handmade, created from the depth of the artisan’s soul , curated with individual aesthetic and customized with love just for her.  The dynamics, rationale and advantages of buying local for a destination bride are undisputed and outstanding.  So whether the bride is planning for her betrothal, destination wedding or wedding moon CLD is brand she should consider looking up and scheduling a bridal consultation for herself and her girl squad. When all goes well she can enlist the brand at her bridal shower or in her wedding invitation for the attendees to also sneak a peek at CLD’s designs and make their own preparations. Finally, this would ease some of the drama out of the bride’s life and she can breathe a sigh of relief whilst checking off these items from her wedding list.

Contact CLD here

Instagram

www.instagram.com/charulochandass

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/charulochandass/

Phone

1.868.222.5789

Email

charulochandass@gmail.com