Exclusive Interview

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In this week's Fashion Fridays Series, we're featuring the second installment of the Galia Lahav Empress 2013 Wedding Collection with another exclusive interview with Galia Lahav Haute Couture.

The debut Galia Lahav Bridal Couture Interview {Exclusive} featured golden insights and all about the inner workings of Galia Lahav dished out by world-renowned bridal designer Galia and her assistant designer, Sharon Sever.

In Part 2, read about the hottest bridal couture trends, Galia's fave fabric and material choices for gowns this season and how to avoid the biggest mistakes that you can make when ordering or purchasing your fantasy wedding gown.

And to sweeten the deal, enjoy more of the enticing dresses from Galia Lahav's latest bridal couture range, The Empress Collection. PLUS! Scroll down to check out the amazing video that reveals a behind the scenes look at The Making of a Galia Lahav Gown.

Galia Lahav Empress Collection Part 2

(Above) The backless Juno lace beauty embraces the feminine silhouette with eye-catching detailing and an intricate bodice design.

The Hottest Bridal Couture Trends this Season

We asked Galia Lahav to give us her expert take on this seasons bridal trends. Here's what she shared:

• Richly beaded laces, sheer detailing and discreet glimpses of skin that gives the eye a compelling illusion of skin and fabric.
• Laces are very big and so are beaded laces and materials that have some weight and substance to it
• Blush, powdered pinks and nudes that are blended in a way that still looks bridal.
• And of course a lot of drama, a bride wants to be very dramatic, she wants to impress everyone

(Above) Every inch of Zoe is adorned with intricate crystal embellishments, which are complemented by an angelic tulle train.

(Above) Fiona shines as a stunning silk satin creation featuring a lace trimmed train and gorgeous lace appliques. We asked Galia to tell us about their favourite fabric and material choices for gowns this season, and how they are best worn by brides. We are constantly looking for new fabrics materials to give the bride a modern touch. Since most of our dresses are very stretchy, the way they feel against the skin is very important. Our fabrics need to have a certain softness to make them comfortable. We can't ever just use simple lycras and satins, because that will not give our bride any rhythm. Everything we make has to be in relation to the body. Our focus is to achieve a better silhouette through softness. It is affected by what's happening in fashion. In terms of the texture, we are always looking for new bodies of laces, appliqués, tulles and we are constantly looking for something that isn't your traditional texture.

(Above) Accented with a draped pearl design on the back and a floor-sweeping tulle train, Jasmine is unlike any other backless lace wedding gown. (Above) The sultry mermaid silhouette of Saffron works wonderfully with the hand-crafted lace detailing on her back.

"Remember to pick the dress that YOU love and not less," - Designer, Galia Lahav

(Above) Wedding daydreams come true with the delicate lace sleeve detailing found on Isabella.

(Above Left) Saffron features a seductive cut-out neckline with luxurious lace elements on her bodice. | (Above Right) From her precious lace sleeves and illusion back design to her ethereal lace skirt and train, Isabella is a Galia Lahav masterpiece.

We asked what the biggest mistakes a bride can make when ordering or purchasing her wedding gown, and how can she avoid them. Galia gave us the following advice to share with our readers:

• Pick the gown that's right for you, not for somebody else. The first piece of advice that we can give to brides is that as you search for your wedding dress, always keep in mind that it is important for it to fit for your character. A big mistake that brides make is that they lose their confidence and their ability to make their own decision.
• Pick a gown that fits your silhouette. There are many different types of dress silhouette and we find that certain shapes are more flattering on specific body types. Always make sure to choose the silhouette that is most flattering to your body.
• Try to keep the opinions minimal. Most brides have a large staff of friends and family come and help them find their gown which washes out their individual taste. Mixing in too many opinions leads to you not making your personal choice.
• rust your designer to make your dream gown. If you go to professional to make your gown, you need to trust them and maybe a close family member or friend to help you make your dream gown.
• Trust the consultant to pick the dress that suits you. You are not just trying on dresses, you are looking for a certain designer because this is your style. Instead of listening to your whole party, you have to trust the consultant to pick the dress that suits you. Remember to pick the dress that YOU love and not less.
• Picking the dress needs to be a happy event. You should be driven by joy and not by stress. Your wedding period is one of the most delightful and happy times in a woman's life and you should always remember even when you are frustrated with all the planning and obstacles that come with preparing for a wedding, to be in the most positive spirit, because this is a time that "normally" happens once.

(Above) Cleo's traffic-stopping train is offset by an understated elegant draping of pearls across her back.

(Above Left) Cleo's open back design is seduced by several strings of pearls. | (Above Right) Amber amazes with her glorious lace composition for a truly feminine effect.

The Making of a Galia Lahav Gown Video

Take a look at The Making of A Galia Lahav Gown Video below:

As we are sure that you're drooling over these incredible Galia Lahav dresses as much as we are, you may not have spared a thought for the many details, designing, elements and stages that each gown passes through until it is finally completed. From the design studio of Galia Lahav, comes this behind the scenes look at the work and details that go into making a Galia Lahav masterpiece. After months of individual care and personal attention awarded to each bride and her dream gown, you can now see just how much goes into a custom made Galia Lahav gown.

As a global bridal couture house, Galia Lahav continues to amaze with their jaw-dropping wedding dress creations. View more gowns from the latest Galia Lahav Haute Couture collection and find a Galia Lahav stockist nearest to you by taking a look at the rest of the Galia Lahav 2013 Empress Wedding Collection.

Founding Editor: Storm Buckingham