From left: Khoon Hooi, model Lily and Kuan (Photo: Selberan)
Modern brides embrace different styles when it comes to their wedding finery, from dresses and shoes, to jewellery and veil. An increasing number, however, appear to favour the contemporary aesthetic of simplicity and minimalism. In terms of jewellery, versatile luxurious pieces are preferred over chunky necklaces, bracelets and rings that may be suitable only for weddings.
A collaboration between Selberan and Khoon Hooi exemplifies this aesthetic, bringing together the world of fine jewellery and haute couture to inspire women who want to wear a beautiful, timeless gown complemented by refined jewellery on their special day.
Selberan, the jewellery company that is part of pewter specialists Royal Selangor, has partnered Khoon Hooi for its White Story bridal gown collection. It will present several collections to match the exquisite pieces by the local fashion house.
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The fine jewellery in this collaboration emphasises timelessness and versatility to cater to modern women who want dainty pieces that can be worn for both special occasions and regular outings.
“Nowadays, if people buy big chunky jewellery pieces, the bride will most likely wear them on her wedding day and never put them on again. We took that into consideration and crafted something that one can wear even after the wedding,” says Selberan’s general manager Amanda Kuan.
A new collection has been added to Selberan’s fine jewellery gallery to commemorate the collaboration. The Victoria takes inspiration from the laurel leaf, which was regarded as a symbol of victory, power and glory during the Greek civilisation.
The set, suitable for weddings as well as daily wear, comprises a solitaire diamond ring, twinning couple rings for the bride and groom, pendants, earring studs, a necklace and a bracelet.
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Kuan says each piece of Selberan jewellery is made exclusively by craftsmen, and this can be seen in the creation of the bracelet in the collection. The process of cutting, soldering, casting and setting is done completely by hand to highlight the intricate design of the leaves, which are coated in white, yellow and rose gold.
One of Selberan’s most anticipated jewellery collections is the Ilona, which is inspired by geometric designs and intricate mathematical fractals. Playing with different lengths and shapes of triangles, this stack comprises a diamond pendant, earrings, earring studs and rings for those who admire futuristic design. The edgy pattern is softened with diamonds and the pieces come in yellow and white gold.
Among the Ilona pieces is a splendid diamond pendant, designed to be worn at any angle owing to the space between the triangles. The unique placement of the diamond in the case allows its wearer to wear it horizontally or vertically by adjusting the chain, and depending on one’s mood.
Khoon Hooi’s creations, meanwhile, have been spotted at international events such as Paris Trade Week and multiple award shows. Singer/songwriter Katy Perry has worn one of his pieces while the Khoon Hooi EID 2020 Huda Gown was seen on actress Leslie Grossman at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2020. His bespoke tailoring is also admired by brides from all over the world, including the Middle East.
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With White Story, the designer has put the spotlight on petal bows, sculpted sleeves and ruffles, which adorn bodycon and fitted midi dresses as well as princess-cut gowns while still maintaining the ‘less is more’ concept. In particular, Kirsten, a wide-legged jumpsuit, stands out. Suitable for parties and gatherings, it is top-stitched with a high waist band in shiny taffeta and contrasted with a bustier in a bonded mix of lace and organza. The jumpsuit is finished with rhinestone buckle detailing.
Another stunning piece from the collection is Jackie, a notched wide boat-neck fitted midi in taffeta. It is embellished with bell sleeves trimmed with ostrich plumes and completed with a wide bow tie sash belt.
Gone are the days when dramatic and elaborate white dresses were seen exclusively on brides walking down the aisle. White is versatile, white is timeless and most importantly, white tells a lot of stories. With confidence and grace, anyone can look dreamy in an all-white attire worn to any special occasion beyond the wedding, such as rehearsal dinners, vow renewals and engagement, civil or commitment ceremonies.
One of the ways to show appreciation for something is to wear it over and over again. The jewellery and gowns in this collaboration, which caters to a generation that is bidding goodbye to extravagance and welcoming simplicity and classic design, allow women to do just that.
This article first appeared on Nov 8, 2021 in The Edge Malaysia.
