This wedding gown by designer John Galliano is bedecked in dazzling crystals by Crystallized Swarovski Elements. / Courtesy of Crystallized Swarovski Elements

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Brides always seem to have that special glow on their wedding day. Of course, it also helps when the bride is wearing a stunning wedding gown when she walks down the aisle. And these days, wedding fashion is sparkling more than ever.

A glittering array of wedding dresses, created by world-famous designers including Vera Wang and Julian MacDonald, were on the runway during the ``Crystallized Wedding in Seoul 2009'' event at the Millennium Seoul Hilton, Namdaemun, Monday.

Designs by international and Korean designers, ranging from classic and romantic to avant-garde fashion, were liberally sprinkled with crystals from Crystallized Swarovski Elements.

Brides who dream of becoming a ``princess'' on their wedding day will fall for the frothy, romantic creations by Korean designers Kwon Hyung-min and Lee Myoung-soon.

Sexy and sparkling would best describe the figure-hugging and cleavage-baring dresses by Julian MacDonald, Elie Saab and Colette Dinnigan.

For the bride who wants something simple but beautiful, Vera Wang's wedding dress was a picture of understated elegance. The Grecian goddess-inspired gown draped gracefully, and featured crystal-studded neckline and belt.

Modern wedding gowns don't need to be in white or cream colors. Korea-based My Daughter's Wedding showed with its one-shouldered ball gown that even pale gray can be a cool choice for fashion-forward brides.

Brides who opt for traditional Korean weddings will be delighted by the designs of Kim Young-seok. She decorated the ``jeogori,'' or the upper garment of a traditional hanbok, with twinkling crystal floral patterns.

Brides with a punk edge will love British designer Zandra Rhodes' wedding dress, featuring holes, an uneven hemline and lariats of crystals hanging in the front and back.

Off the runway, the hall was filled with fashionable nuptial gowns from John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Phillip Lim and Monique Lhuillier, stylish heels by Victor & Rolf and Lolita Lempicka, and fabulous jewelry and accessories such as headbands, veils and clutches. Korean jewelry brands Aislinn, Gache, Minetani and Panache also offered specially designed pieces studded with crystals.

Some of the wedding dresses on display were specially commissioned by Crystallized for the coffee table book ``Unbridaled: The Marriage of Tradition and Avant Garde,'' released last year. More than 100 world-class designers from fashion, accessories, interior design, floristry, linen and stationery participated in the project. The book, highlighting the romance and fantasy of weddings, was meant to inspire brides and future brides.

Crystallized Swarovski Elements teamed up with the Millennium Seoul Hilton to address the wedding needs of all couples. The hotel now has a Vista Suite made in conjunction with Crystallized Swarovski Elements. This premium suite has a king-sized bed with snowy white sheets, glittering chandeliers, exquisite china and, of course, crystal-studded interior decor, including the wallpaper.

For information, visit www.crystallized.com or www.milleniumseoulhilton.co.kr.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr