Alençon lace, Italian silk and hand-twisted tulle are often shaped into couture confections by Nardos Imam. More than any other medium, however, the designer delights in spinning dresses from the stuff of dreams for discerning women of all shapes, sizes and ages—a theme reflected in every detail of her debut runway show last Sunday at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas.
Hints of the magic soon to come were evident throughout pre-show preparations. After a practice sashay down the runway overseen by show producer Jan Strimple, models were prepped backstage with retro-modern coifs and soft makeup. Mary-Frances Hurt and her team from DFW Events buzzed about backstage to ensure that every element of the show was executed to perfection, while Lucy Diaz-Flores and Bella Flora of Dallas created stunning floral headpieces, accents and arrangements that brought the event design of Stage Works’ Nelson Robinson to life. Richard Eiseman’s team carefully matched an array of glittering jewels to the personality of the gowns in the runway collection—Mozambique ruby earrings worn by Mila Kunis were paired with a delicate lace trumpet finale dress, for example, while an antique French necklace dating to the Victorian era accented the constructed bodice and billowing skirt of the standout Gilded Gold gown. Don’t just take our word for it, though—see for yourself in these exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.
When it was time for the show to begin, the illusion of a twinkling night sky immediately transported guests into the impossibly imaginative world of Nardos Imam. Dramatic music and dimmed lighting heightened the fantasy as models took the runway, often alongside mini-models—Nardos’ own daughter among them—who delighted the audience in charming cupcake dresses that further showcased the designer’s range.
From the open-backed caftan wedding gown dripping with silver beading, to the dramatic evening fit-and-flare accented by an ebony feather caplet, to the red carpet -worthy blush mermaid dress, to the vibrant crimson lace gown that inspired a standing ovation at the close of the show, every piece combined to ensure that Nardos’ breathtaking debut was nothing short of—you guessed it—a dream come true.
“Design is not just something I do, or a job, or even a career. For me, it is the grace of God taking the shape a gown. It is finding what’s beautiful in each individual woman, and celebrating that beauty by creating a gown that is unmistakably hers.” —Nardos Imam
View the Nardos Imam Debut Bridal Fashion Show to experience the luxury wedding dress magic!
Photos: John Cain Sargent | www.johncainphotography.com
Special thanks to: The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas; Bella Flora of Dallas; DFW Events; Dallas Modern Luxury; Modern Luxury Brides; Needle in a Haystack; Jan Strimple Productions; Dallas Valet; Hakim Sons Films; Stage Works; Beyond Lite, Sound, Video; JK Chocolate; Dallas String Quartet; Boardwalk Ferrari; Chad Rookstool Salon; Maitee Miles; Lydia Duron; My Fabulous Faces; Eiseman Jewels; Alton Lane; Lauren Lorraine.
A Dallas-based writer and artist, Nardos Imam guest blogger Karley Kiker has interned for Us Weekly and D Magazine, worked as an au pair in Southern France, and attended parties as a society columnist for People Newspapers. Her bridal guide, Hitched in a Hurry: The ultimate how-to for a speedy “I do,” published April 3, 2014. To learn more, visit www.hitchedinahurrybook.com.