Wedding Gowns at Shangri-la's Of Veils and Trails

CEBU, Philippines - Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime occasions, events that have to be made to perfection. Thankfully, wedding gown designers help us make this a reality. With "Of Veils and Trails," a wedding fair at Shangri-la's Mactan Resort & Spa on March 29, brides-to-be can have a glimpse of how they want to look on their special day.

The Freeman has been given the privelege for a sneak peek of the designers' sketches of the wedding gowns to be featured in the fair. Here are the works of the first group of five topnotch wedding gown designers participating in "Of Viels and Trails" -

Albert Arriba,

known for his beaded gowns and formal wear, specializes in the construction and detailing of his own creations. His design here is "made of very light-weight materials for the perfect resort look. Minimalist design [gives] a touch of elegance."

Arriba started his career in makeup and hairdressing, but after awhile he fell in love with fashion. He has been in the fashion industry for more or less 30 years now and has no intention to stop. His salon and atelier are located along Mango Avenue. For Arriba, the "endless possibilities of the future" inspire him to make marvelous creations.

The Freeman's very own Honey Jarque Loop describes Arriba as "a master in intricate beadwork."

William Manahan

describes his work as advocating opulence and dense fabric with a rich feel and hang. Elegant in its simplicity, the tension between the fragility of its material and the accent lace fixed into this ensemble displays a softened, more modern hang.

This particular design of Manahan is founded on the outer lace box-type blouse embellished with beads and accented with a black belt, belts being the season's trend.

Manahan goes into the luxury territory through his simple, fluid and classic line of martial elegance. His obsession is to create garments that are well-balanced, neatly built with tones of romantic elegance and impeccable symmetry. He remains faithful to his principle - to dress up people rather than be enthralled by unnecessary accolades.

Marichu Tan

is a designer "whose forte is in dressing  up women in comfort and style," according to Honey Loop in an article titled "Artspeak" in nationally circulated The Philippine Star. Tan's shop is located along D. Jakosalem Street.

Yvonne Quisumbing

 has definitely come back to the fashion industry and to her hometown, signified by her return to the Philippine Fashion Week in 2012. "Now I've set my heart on fashion, and I am enjoying so much, especially now that I'm doing it in my hometown," says Yvonne. She is a member of the Fashion Council of Cebu.

Myrna Cebrecus

 is "best-known for her distinctive fabric construction." Her sketch here is to be made of  Italian silk satin with architectural precision on the waist line and of French guipure lace bodice in irregular pattern with diaphanous layers of silk chiffon. (FREEMAN)