Glamour has always been rock solid

And certainly now, in this “new world” we’ve found ourselves in, we believe that holding on to solid values and maintaining feel-goods are more important than ever. And there’s really nothing like dressing up to reclaim this feeling.

Our “Glam” range was in development prior to Covid-19 hitting the globe. During the nation-wide lockdown we naturally questioned all sorts of fundamental values and priorities, so as the levels began to drop back to a ‘new normal’ we looked long and hard at our collections. Glitz and glamour felt almost inappropriate as we were watching our communities near and far reel from the effects of this pandemic.

But, a chance meeting during level 3 with the Kate Bloomfield from Tantra Art, found us being able to access an incredible artist space and re-inspired us to push forward to showcase these beautiful gowns we had created. The textured and rustic space, along with the amazing Stone Art pieces from artist Shane Woolridge, became the perfect backdrop and juxtaposition against the lush and dramatic nature of our new glamorous range.

We simply couldn’t ignore the lure to showcase our hard work and to launch a collection of gorgeous gowns that will ultimately bring joy to the eventual owners. It’s important to us to stand by the idea that we must not let anything dull our sparkle, not even a global pandemic.

The first in our collection is the ‘Madonna’ Gown, featured above in an amazing gold glitter fabric with geometric patterning that gives it a very fresh and modern feel. This gown is designed to be the icing on the cake. The Madonna’s lavish sleeve packs the punch this fabulous gold-embellished fabric deserves. Its princess cut bodice offers great shape and a generous plunging neckline on both the front and the back, with a circular skirt falling to a court length train.

Made as two-pieces, the Madonna also includes the princess cut ‘Stella’ Slip (pictured below). Designed to be worn together, or remove the embellished outer layer for a more simplified, yet still luxurious gown. This golden slip has the added advantage of being able to be worn independently for a different look later in the evening or for another event.

Both Madonna and Stella are available to purchase from our online bridal shop:

The work yard of artist Shane Woolridge was full of incredible rock pillars, providing wonderful “staging posts” for showing off another of our sequined creations- The Kellie Dress; a princess cut cup dress with a full wrapped skirt allowing for a court length trailing train.

The one-of-a kind sequin material on this gown was first introduced into the workshop for a made-to-measure bride a few years back. We held onto the leftover scraps and wanted to make it in to a simply elegant gown where the sequins do all the talking, and quite literally they do! This sequin material not only looks amazing but also creates a mesmerising swooshing sound with the wearer’s every stride.

Our man Luke from Monarch models, looked great in our Sinatra suit, a great look for weddings or any formal event.

The Kellie Dress is available to purchase from our online bridal shop:

View Kellie in shop

Our favourite part of every collection shoot is the gathering of a collaborative team to showcase our collective talents. A key part of the Rock Solid Glam team is one of our favourite creative customers: Clare Todd, the collector and stylist behind Vintage Liberation. Claire not only did the makeup on our gorgeous model Lucy (also from Monarch models), but she adorned the looks with a fabulous selection of old and truly luscious jewellery that can be found on Vintage Liberation’s instagram and facebook shop.

Being able to style our models in this unique environment was made all the easier with one of our favourite florists Rosie Bristed from Rosie’s Flowers, her relaxed style and amazing colour aesthetic always nails it without fuss.

And the glue that held us all together was photographer Kellie Francis as she captured the day with such ease and delivered a flawless package of photos. We just love working with Kellie!

Luke and Lucy had a great time on this glorious afternoon outdoors where we got to drink champagne and play with fun setups under this old and wise looking pine tree. Oh, the life of a model!

Lucy wore another ‘Madonna’ gown (above), this time in white, with delicate detailing on the slip dress and magical stars on the tulle-based fabric in the over dress. Her hands & ears were adorned with the lux of Claire’s amazing vintage jewellery, a few unreal pieces from the 1920’s.

The Madonna Star is a one of a kind gown, with full deep-cuffed sleeves giving this star-spangled dress the drama & wow-factor it fully deserves. Gorgeous delicate buttons down the front of the star-y outer layer allows for the centre front split in the circular skirt to be as deep & dramatic as desired, with a gorgeous train trailing in the back.

Made as two-pieces, the Madonna also includes the princess-cut ‘Stella’ Slip (below) with a wrapped front, deep slit, and detailed edges. Designed to be worn together, or remove the star-embellished outer layer for a more simplified & soft look.

To complete this look, we stuck to vintage styling for Luke with one of Omen Suit Hires’ fabulous vintage tweed jackets. The beautiful bone feather earrings Lucy wore, along with Luke’s Greenstone, were another of Kate’s Bloomfield’s Tantra-Art connections. Get in touch with her for any purchase inquiries.

Both Madonna and Stella are available to purchase from our online bridal shop:

All that glitters is not gold… but the ‘Marrakech’ dress is, in this stunning multi toned sequin on a stretch mesh base. Lined with a delicious rust coloured satin, this low back, high centre-front split dress exudes the elegance of Hollywood red carpet and of ‘olde world’ opulence.

Together with the accents of the amazing basalt stones that artist Shane works with, the beautiful old rustic building (which apparently was an old dance hall) was a heavenly juxtapose for this look. We just loved everything about this part of our mid winter shoot.

Luke was dressed in the formal look of Omen Suit Hire, having traded the Sinatra jacket for a waistcoat for the outside part of the shoot.

The Marrakech Dress is available to purchase from our online bridal shop:

View Marrakech in shop

Lucy and Luke played perfect tribute to our final look on a gorgeous sunny afternoon in Dalefield, Queenstown. The below overhead photo Kellie snapped is one of our absolute favourites!

The ‘Serena’ dress Lucy wore has the most spectacular large floral lace that gives it the sass and weight to drape like a heavy cotton. Serena's princess-cut bodice with plunging deep V neckline is filled in with flesh illusion tulle, keeping the look delicately sexy with a touch of modesty. Serena is accented with straps and matching belt made from cord, adding a fresh & youthful feel to this beautiful gown.

We just loved that this dress is perfect for either a mountain or beach wedding, or even someone looking to simply add a gorgeous white dress to their wardrobe.