The 2021 bridal couture collection by Galia Lahav, named Dancing Queen, is a celebration of bridal fashion. Some may equate the term “Dancing Queen” with the iconic ABBA song, but this lineup of wedding gowns was inspired by strong female figures within the dance world, including Anna Pavlova and Alba Arnova. From romantic tulle to two-in-one wedding gowns, next year’s Galia Lahav brides will be beautifully dressed to celebrate love, whether it’s a large gathering in Las Vegas or an intimate destination wedding in the Caribbean. We asked Sharon Sever – Head Designer of the Galia Lahav House of Couture – to share more about the inspiration behind his latest collection.
Q: What is your favorite dress in the Dancing Queen collection and why?
A: I never have a favorite; these are all my children.
Q: What did you enjoy most about designing your 2021 bridal couture collection?
A: During these challenging times, I am fortunate enough to be able to bring joy and spread happiness among our brides on the happiest day of their lives. This is a very emotional collection.
Q: Where did you draw inspiration from for this season?
A: I am always inspired by the arts, especially the dance world and movement, as strong women surround me and are my driving force. I was very impressed with Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova's life story, who contributed immensely to the art scene. Another story that really touched me is the story about Alba Arnova, who performed on Italian TV with a semi-sheer bodysuit and caused a scandal which banned her from the entertainment industry. Today's perception of femininity allows total freedom for women to be who they really are.
Q: What trends are you looking forward to seeing on brides?
A: I always aim to make a bride's dress reflect her personality, so that she wears the dress, and the dress doesn't wear her. Therefore, the many lightweight and vaporous volumes in the Dancing Queen collection bring a new dimension to the bridal world which I love. Since the current situation is forcing us to be more creative and more personal, it is very exciting to see that most brides are staying true to themselves and giving even more attention to their dream dress by adding personal touches and details, making the dresses closer to their own personal style. So, to sum the above, I would say individuality IS the biggest trend.
Q: Do you offer custom designs?
A: We are a house of couture and custom design is what we do.
Q: What is your favorite bridal couture style?
A: I love being surprised, so I always expect the unexpected.
Q: Who or what inspires you as a designer?
A: I am very inspired by the arts, especially the world of music which includes: Dance, Opera, MTV, and everything that combines visual and musical elements.
Q: Who is your fashion icon?
A: I have so many, although many of my favorite muses draw their inspiration from the iconic Rita Hayworth
The way a bride moves in her dress as she twirls around the dance floor is unforgettable. It’s her moment to express her happiness and excitement. Our FW 2021 bridal collection was inspired by that freedom of expression through dance and movement. Named after the song “Dancing Queen” by ABBA from Mamma Mia!, the first musical our head designer Sharon Sever listened to while away at college, this collection is an homage to a woman’s artistic heart, independent spirit, and freedom to make her own choices in the way she represents herself.
The collection is influenced by two famed ballerinas who left a mark in the world of dance—Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova and Italian-Argentine ballerina/actress Alba Arnova. Pavlova, revered for her solo in The Dying Swan, was one of the most influential ballerinas of her time who helped develop modern dance and formed her own dance company that was the first to tour ballet worldwide. And a bold, creative force, Arnova was challenged for her choice in wearing a leotard that made her appear semi-nude due to the lighting while performing on television. The scandal caused her to be banned from Italian television and she subsequently left show business, but remains an icon to dancers and women around the world. With these two empowering ladies in mind, this collection is composed of feminine, yet strong ballet-inspired silhouettes.
Graceful motion is represented throughout the collection, from light-as-air overskirts and detachable petticoats to sheer capes and delicate draping—all which offer a whimsical feel and sense of freedom. Emphasis is on lots of volume without the weight of traditional fabrics. And new methods of construction for flattering corsets were used, as well as ballet-inspired necklines that reimagine the ballgown and full, pleated skirts for a modern take on the tutu. Other details taken from classic ballet costumes include hints of blush pink that add depth and dimension to the lace and embroideries that were created in our atelier (many motifs taken from Ballets Russes ballet company as a nod to Pavlova) and illusion fabric with rhinestones.
A sense of romance plays throughout this collection for the bride who dreams of a world that is as expressive and dramatic as a glorious ballet.
‘God gives talent. Work transforms talent into genius’.
Anna Pavlova
Designers: Galia Lahav & Sharon Sever
