Photo courtesy of Gala Lahav
Galia Lahav needs no introduction in the world of bridal fashion. For more than 30 years, she has been designing and making some of the most sought after wedding dresses in the world, all hand stitched by a team of 100 from her studio in Tel Aviv.
Born in the Israeli town of Ashdod to a family of Russian seamstresses, she has always had a passion for sewing and art. After a brief stint as an artist in the early 1980s, she began working with ivory lace and lace applique, and this soon turned into a hugely successful line of haute couture evening gowns and bespoke wedding dresses.
Galia's dresses are known for their extraordinary attention to detail, their custom-made fit, and the luxury materials that make them such a dream to wear (silk and ivory lace are particular favourites). Her dresses have been worn by the likes of Rihanna, Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Hudgens and Nicole Scherzinger, and she recently created a one-off wedding dress for Michelle Keegan.
About the collection
Launched at New York Fashion Week, Gala by Galia Lahav is the label’s first ever ready to wear bridal collection. In keeping with the brand, Gala is a confident, beautiful and extravagant collection, which features a series of stunning beaded and lace-embellished gowns in show-stopping styles.
The dresses were inspired by the most romantic capital cities of the world, and this sheer romanticism shines through in the structured bodices, billowing skirts and cathedral trains, all made out of the most delicate French lace and hand-beaded tulle. As well as her famous ivory gowns, Galia Lahav’s Gala collection features some soft, off-white shades of blush pink, dusky taupe, and glowing champagne, which conjure up images of Florence or Paris at sunset.
Key looks
Galia's most popular designs include her ‘illusion backs’ (backless dresses scattered with sparkling stones and shimmering threads), plunging necklines paired with full tulle skirts, and jewel-encrusted, Jazz-inspired dresses.
Gala by Galia Lahav makes these show-stopping features appear eminently wearable, thanks to clever corseting, subtle straps and strategically placed sheer mesh panels.
Our favourites include:
For the bride who… wants to bring some haute couture to her wedding day.