”I can't thank you enough for my wedding dress. It was absolutely incredible.
Zoe
When Zoe visited Anna, she already knew she wanted a convertible wedding dress. Her vision was clear: a structured corset bodice paired with a slender long skirt for the ceremony. Later in the day, the long skirt would be swapped for a short, fuller skirt that was perfect for dancing and celebrating.
During the fittings, Zoe worked closely with Anna to refine the design. Creating a convertible wedding dress is more complex than a traditional gown because the style must work seamlessly with interchangeable skirts, each developed independently. The fabric also needs to perform two very different roles – elegant and flowing for the ceremony, then playful for the party.
Real Bride Zoe’s Convertible Wedding Dress – From Vision to Reality
During the initial consultation, Zoe fell in love with a luxurious tissue Mikado, a fabric that is ultra-lightweight yet full of body with a beautiful sheen. While stunning, Mikado can be challenging to work with, especially for a convertible wedding gown. It required a perfect fit in the bodice to look its best, and its stiffness — ideal for full skirts — made it less suited to a slender silhouette. Together, we explored different cuts to achieve the right line while still concealing the complex internal structure the bodice required.
To provide strong support, we incorporated hidden corsetry and back lacing to hold the bust firmly, with the outer bodice sitting soft and elegant. The long skirt and bodice were created to complement each other, while the short skirt — added last — brought playful contrast. Designed with draping folds, volume, and bounce, the short skirt transformed the look from an elegant bridal gown for the ceremony to a fun, party-ready dress for the evening.
“Zoe was gracious during the fittings it took to create this unique bridal dress and I loved the challenge.” – Anna
Credit: Zanthe Vorsatz Photography
Convertible Wedding Dresses in Auckland – Stunning Looks That Transform
Discover the versatility and beauty of Anna Schimmel’s convertible wedding dresses, designed and handcrafted in our Auckland bridal shop. Perfect for brides who want both elegance and fun on their wedding day, these gowns transition effortlessly from ceremony to celebration. Each convertible dress is styled to your ideas, custom-fitted, and created for two perfect bridal looks: a graceful, elegant style for the vows and a second, more playful design for the reception.
With years of experience designing stunning bridal collections as well as unique custom wedding gowns, Anna works closely with each bride to create a dress that reflects her style and vision. Our convertible wedding dresses in NZ are made from quality fabrics, thoughtfully tailored, and designed to flatter and move beautifully. Whether you’re drawn to a refined, classic bridal silhouette or something modern and unique, a convertible wedding gown from Anna Schimmel will ensure you look and feel amazing from the aisle to the dance floor.