Since launching her womenswear label in 2010, Karine Tawil has been busy expanding her ready-to-wear brand Karoline Lang. Known for her structured silhouettes, manipulation of fabrics, and tailored cuts, the ambitious designer––who recently opened the doors to her boutique on 45 Avenue Montaigne in Paris––now unveils her first bridal collection.
Speaking to Vogue Arabia, Tawil shares how she ventured into designing wedding dresses: “When I launched my brand, I didn’t intend to become a bridal designer per se. My main focus is ready-to-wear, but as the years passed I encountered requests from clients to design wedding dresses. Since the demand has grown and I had nothing to show to my clients except for my vision and sketches, it made sense to present a collection as a starting point.”
The collection was picked up by Printemps in Paris. Steering clear of heavy embellishments, the offering includes A-line cocktail style dresses, chevron quilted details across the bodice, pleated asymmetric designs, cutout accents, and floor-sweeping silhouettes featuring paneled lace. As for brides that are not down for the gown, the proposition also includes an ivory silk pantsuit, reminiscent of Bianca Jagger.
For the contemporary bride who wants to let her personal style shine on her big day, the 2016 DDFC/Vogue Fashion Prize finalist emphasizes creating dresses that won’t overshadow the wearer. “The thing that I repeat to all my brides is that they don’t have to be someone else on their wedding day. I want them to feel like themselves,” Tawil notes. “I’m here to embellish the bride, magnify her beauty, and, more than anything, allow her to feel happy about the way she looks.”
The price point of the dresses start at $1,500 (AED/SAR 5,509) and go up to $10,000 (AED/SAR 36,730). Moving forward, Tawil plans to introduce accessories to complement the collection. She has already tried her hand at designing handbags and jewelry, which were debuted amid her Spring 2017 ready-to-wear collection. As for bridal, she looks to evolving the line with veils: “I describe myself as a solution maker, that’s why I decided to have both ready-to-wear, evening wear, and now a bridal line with complete collections. I want women to have options for every occasion in their lives.”
While women in the Middle East lean towards styles that offer a dramatic entrance, Tawil has a clientele base the spans regionally and internationally. “When I encounter clients from the Middle East, they want to be different and they want something new that has never been seen before,” Tawil remarks. “I can do a more spectacular gown but it will still have the Karoline Lang sensibilities.” As for her European clients who look for an understated style, she tackles the diversified tastes through contemporary designs that embody her brand’s ethos. “My most dramatic gowns and simpler dresses have the same feel. The subject is different but the codes are the same,” Tawil concludes.
Click here for 7 wedding dress terms to know before shopping for a bridal gown.
