Take a leaf out of the most recognizable wedding dress trailblazers: Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot. Imagine marrying those dresses with a touch of style from Hollywood legends like Dorothy Dangridges, Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe. What you have at the end of this marriage of style and creativity is fashion house Galia Lahav's latest couture bridal collection - "Iconic".

This collection of a dozen grandiose wedding dresses is a "celebration of authentic beauty and pure confidence - with refreshing, glistening twists". These red carpet-worthy bridal dresses are even more jaw-dropping than the previous Galia Lahav couture collection "Rise" and play with exaggerated beadwork, daring drop waistlines, sumptuous cinched bodices, contouring cutouts and, of course, the signature Galia Lahav open backs. Here's a look at all the star features and gowns of the Galia Lahav Fall 2023 "Iconic" couture bridal collection.

WHEN RUFFLES MEETS TULLE

Tulle and wedding dresses are timeless pairings. In 2023, bridal designers have taken tulle and married it with an at-times-questionable classic, the ruffle. Created with soft tulles artistically layered over each other, the ruffle and tulle coupling is a pleasant surprise.For the Iconic collection, head designers Galia Lahav and Sharon Server have created an Oscar-worthy ball gown, Diamond. Featuring the classic ruffles with softly pleated tulle, a low-waisted corset embellished with sparkling scattered beadwork and off-the-shoulder crystal strands, this is a must-try for brides looking for a show-stopping ballgown.

Try Veronica for brides who loved the glamour and drama of the Diamond ballgown but want something slightly softer and more figure-hugging. This feminine trumpet corset dress features stunning 3D embroidered floral lace with sparkling beaded crystals. The gown has a voluminous soft ruffle tulle skirt paired with a signature low back and elegant detachable floral long sleeves. We also love the cheeky sheer side panels, which give the dress a sexy touch.

BOLD AND BEJEWELLED

It's not a Hollywood-inspired collection if there are no jewels and sparkles. Detailed embellishments are an icon of Galia Lahav couture collections, and our top pick would be the Dakota dress. Inspired by a more Art Deco Hollywood, the dress features a fitted s-neckline bodice with geometrically placed glass and crystal beads. The tulle skirt with a long train adds a touch of whimsical drama. Pair it with matching long-fitted illusion tulle sleeves, and it's a wedding dress fit for any red-carpet queen on her special day. 

With her ombre of beads and sequins, Monroe could be the one for the brides after a wedding dress with a modern and geometric twist. This figure-embracing mermaid dress with her sexy sheer cutouts and low open back will turn heads as Marilyn did. Our favourite feature of this dress is the long gathered illusion tulle gloves that have matching beads and sequins. 

Rewind to that Happy-Birthday-Mr-President dress infamously worn by Marilyn Monroe and Kim K. The Blonde dress is a nod to the jaw-dropping classic. Featuring a daring deep v-plunge neckline, bare back, and sheer long sleeves, it is the perfect dress for brides who want to turn up the sexy glamour on their special day. This dress has hundreds of hand-placed crystals scattered all over it, which will catch the light and make you shine with every movement. 

ARRANGED FLORALS

Florals are always in style when it comes to bridal dresses. When done right, it adds a touch of romance and drama to the bridal look. For the Iconic collection, we love the Sasha dress and her modern-meet-classical take on the ballgown. Featuring a semi-fitted semi-flared skirt hand embroidered with simmering crystals, beads and sequins and a long, dramatic train, this dress is perfect for brides looking for a glamourous ballgown for a garden "I do". Pair it with the off-the-shoulder removable gloved sleeves to complete the fairytale look. 

If a soft, modern romance ticks all your boxes for the perfect wedding dress, try the Noa dress for her whimsical movie star aura. This softly box-pleated A-line dress comes with a cinched silk tulle corset and round train. The ombre of beaded and crystal embellished 3D flowers give a feminine statement, while the off-the-shoulder straps make for an almost fairy-like touch to finish the whimsically romantic bridal look. 

STRIKING STRAPLESS

When someone mentions strapless wedding dresses, we often think of the classic sweetheart cake toppers worn by many iconic film characters. The Iconic collection has rewritten the rule book for the strapless by adding a modern twist and figure-hugging excitement. Introducing Zendaya, the corseted mermaid strapless dress. For the bride who loves sparkles with a sexy twist. The dress features a sheer pointed corset bodice, glistening beaded soft lace, and a figure-hugging lined skirt with a short train. We recommend getting their detachable low-waisted tulle skirt with a long train to add drama to your walk down the aisle. 

For brides wanting a more modern French romance vibe to their dress, we highly recommend Scarlett with her unique pointy scoop next corset, sheer side panels and soft floral french lace train. Pair it with a set of long gloved sleeves in matching lace to finish off the look of chic romance. 

SLEEVED DIFFERENTLY

Sleeves are increasingly becoming the statement-making feature of modern wedding dresses. By adding or removing a pair of sleeves, the bride can get a second look at their bridal outfit. Over the last few couture collections, head designers of Galia Lahav fashion house have boldly experimented with different sleeves. The Iconic group has taken the sleeve experience to a whole new level. Inspired by the feather boas worn by screen goddesses over the years, the Eilish ballgown features a pointy sweetheart corset, voluminous skirt and stunning beaded hand sewn in swirling lush spirals. We adore adding the feathered off-the-shoulder cape sleeves that frame the gown's shoulders and back.

Enter the sexy ballgown with the fearless side slit that Galia Lahav has been making a feature of in her latest collections. This wedding dress is a must-try for the bride after dress which screams modern romantic. We love the trailing floral lace with matching off-the-shoulder strap, but the addition of the voluminous off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves with beaded elongated cuffs has us swooning in style. 

If ballgowns aren't your cup of tea, but a dress offering two different looks is a must on your list of wedding dress features, try Kristen with her figure-hugging look and geometrical beaded fabrics. We love the option of adding a sparkling corseted tulle overdress with a side slit and beaded 3D flowers that add a cross-over sleeve to the look. 

Eternal Bridal is excited to welcome Galia Lahav's "Iconic" Haute Couture bridal dress collection and GALA by Galia Lahav's 'Darling' Ready-to-wear wedding dress collection to our Galia Lahav trunk show in 2023. Be one of the first Australian brides to try on gowns from Galia Lahav's brand new FW23 "Iconic" and "Darling" collections complemented by a selection of spectacular bridal gowns from past collections. To register or for more information, click here.