#MarisaAbela Reveals How She Worked with #EmiliaWickstead to Bring Her Wedding Dress to Life.

Why It Matters

The collaboration spotlights the rising demand for personalized, Hollywood‑inspired bridal couture, elevating both the designer’s brand and the luxury wedding‑dress market.

Key Takeaways

• Marisa Abela collaborated with Emilia Wickstead on custom dress.
• Design evolved from modest vision to grand, structured silhouette.
• Inspiration drawn from Audrey Hepburn’s “Funny Face” look.
• Dress features Duchess satin, drop waist, corset, whimsical details.
• Antique jeweler Bentley & Skinner supplied iconic tennis necklace accessory.

Summary

Actress Marisa Abela opened up about the creation of her wedding gown, a collaboration with British designer Emilia Wickstead that turned a vague concept into a fully realized bridal look.

Initially unsure of the silhouette, Abela watched the design grow from a modest idea to a surprisingly voluminous dress. Wickstead’s sketches introduced a drop‑waist line inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s “Funny Face” ensemble, while the fabric choice—Duchess satin—gave the piece a regal sheen. A structured corset underpins the romantic drape, balancing whimsy with formality.

Abela highlighted specific details, noting the “diamond necklace” motif and the decision to fasten it with bobby pins after sourcing an antique tennis necklace from London jeweler Bentley & Skinner. She described the final fitting as “incredibly magical,” emphasizing how the oversized skirt never felt overwhelming.

The partnership underscores a broader trend of high‑profile clients commissioning bespoke bridal wear that fuses vintage Hollywood references with contemporary craftsmanship, boosting both the designer’s profile and the market for luxury custom gowns.