Fashion Alert: X-Raying Hadassah Bridal’s Double Up, The Elizabeth Collections

By Daniel Usidamen

BRIDAL fashion is a niche area and while some may think that bridal styles may sometimes look bland and repetitive, this is not totally true as many fashion houses are stepping up in this regard with more edgy, classy, elegant and timeless looks.
Leading voice in bridal fashion in Lagos, Nigeria, Hadassah Bridals and the brain behind it, Zainab Ifedolapo Olayemi-Okewole, has over the years, put out different collections yearly for brides and recently, bridesmaids; cementing its status as a foremost name in Nigerian bridal fashion.
This article will critically look at two of the brand’s recent collections, the Double Up collection released last year and The Elizabeth collection earlier this year.
Renowned for its use of delicate, Elizabethan lace with a mix of other materials, the the Double Up ’22 collection is the fifth major collection Hadassah Bridals has released since it started releasing collections in 2018.

This collection showcased wedding gowns with regal and unique detachable skirts, offering brides the option to switch looks seamlessly between the main event and the reception party. This also helps bride save on costs, while looking glamorous without breaking the bank. It also showed the brand’s commitment to creating designs that are not only stylish but timeless and cost-effective. This collection, in particular, showcases the brand’s signature style, which effortlessly blends beauty and functionality.

One of the most striking aspects of the Double Up collection, released in 2022, is its ability to transcend size boundaries. By creating stunning gowns for women of all sizes, Hadassah Bridals succeeded in making women of all sizes feel beautiful and unique on their big day. The collection’s designs are beautifully simple, elegant and timeless, ensuring that brides create lasting memories while still looking chic and stylish.
With a meticulous eye for detail and commitment to craftsmanship, the creative director, Olayemi-Okewole, curated a collection that not just makes brides fall in love again but lends glam and reaffirms their identity and style in re-imagined ways. Each piece in the collection is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to accentuate the natural beauty and grace of the wearer, while also celebrating the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Nigeria.
It also helps that while designing the Double Up collection, she thought about how to create timeless, ultimate and stylish masterpieces that would not only be functional but also affordable; pieces that would stand the test of time and I make bold to say she delivered on this promise.

Another great thing about this collection is the addition of exotic veils and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for a complete look. What this simply means is that a bride to-be no longer has to shop in different places but can source everything as well as match her gown with the right accessories from the same collection. This is the ultimate game-changer in bridal fashion and definitely something that excited not just brides alone but lovers of bridal fashion.
Moving over to The Elizabeth Collection released this year, from the name alone, we knew we were in for a treat. The pieces in this year’s collection were definitely something many looked forward to seeing, after the breakthrough from last year and I am glad to say it was not a let-down.
From modern classics to bold embellishments, this collection delivered with enchanting trends that redefined elegance and style. The Elizabeth collection also brought back full ball wedding gowns with high necklines, which further cements this brand as a pacesetter. It also boasted many long forgotten classical looks as well as dramatic sleeves.

Hadassah Bridal’s skillful incorporation of old, classical looks into modern designs is very notable throughout the collection. From the intricate detailing and lacing to the carefully selected colours, each piece reflects a deep understanding of fashion history and a keen eye for contemporary trends. The use of varying shades of whites further adds to the collection’s appeal, giving it a sense of earthiness and authenticity that is both different and refreshing.
In terms of craftsmanship, The Elizabeth collection stands out. Each gown is meticulously sewn with the highest level of skill to ensure a perfect fit and flawless finish. The use of high-quality fabrics and attention to detail is evident in every stitch, showcasing the brand’s dedication to excellence. Additionally, the collection’s focus on style is evident in the choice of fabrics, which are unique and classic. With sustainability and longevity in mind, the gowns are so well crafted that they can be passed from one generation to another.
Off the back of last year’s Double Up collection, innovative headpieces and beautiful veils that do much more than serve as head covers, also feature in this collection as well.

While Hadassah Bridal’s Double Up and The Elizabeth collections are quite impressive and a breath of fresh air, there are some areas that could benefit from improvement. One aspect that stands out is the limited looks in each of the collections. Variety it is said, is the spice of life and having many options from brides to choose from will never be a bad option. Introducing a wider range of designs would surely cater to more women.

Additionally, while the Double Up collection had a great idea in fusing style and functionality, it seems functionality got the upper hand in some outfits. While many would agree that wedding gowns need not be over the top in terms of design, one must still leave room for style and pizzazz because after all, a wedding gown is definitely not an everyday wear.
Lastly, while the collections took note of longevity, more efforts could be made to ensure that the clothes use fabrics that can be repurposed in the future if the owner sees fit. Some of the fabrics used were a little too restrictive to bridal fashion and could have left room for this purpose.
Overall, these suggestions are meant to enhance the absolutely delightful collections and further solidify Hadassah Bridals’ position as a pacesetter in Nigerian bridal fashion.
Overall, Hadassah Bridal’s Double Up and The Elizabeth collections is a plethora of style, craftsmanship and innovation and a driving testament to the brand’s commitment to creating bridal gowns that not only make brides look stunning on their big day, but also feel confident and empowered. With both collections, Hadassah Bridals has once again proven that it is at the forefront of Nigerian fashion, setting trends and beautifying brides of all sizes and from all walks of life.