The Modern Bridal Salon

Three distinct perspectives on modern bridal style.

There’s a beautiful bridal event heading to Christchurch this August, bringing together Love James, Naveya & Sloane and BONES by Benjamin Alexander for an intimate two-day celebration of modern bridal style, craftsmanship and a more individual approach to dressing for the occasion.

For the first time, Auckland-based vintage bridal and occasionwear salon Love James will travel south for an exclusive Christchurch trunk show, hosted in collaboration with fine jeweller Naveya & Sloane at its Christchurch showroom.

Taking place on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August, the event offers brides private access to a curated selection of Love James gowns and occasionwear, creating a rare opportunity for South Island brides to experience the salon’s considered approach to vintage dressing in person.

Known for sourcing pieces with character, craftsmanship and a sense of history, Love James offers an alternative perspective on the traditional bridal appointment. Its edit speaks particularly well to brides looking beyond conventional wedding dressing, whether that means discovering a one-of-a-kind gown, finding something unexpected for a second look, or building a wedding wardrobe that moves from ceremony to reception and beyond.

Alongside the gowns, Naveya & Sloane will present a curated selection of fine jewellery. The pairing feels especially fitting. Both houses share an appreciation for pieces that hold meaning beyond the wedding day, bringing together vintage fashion and jewellery designed to become part of a personal story.

The weekend will also mark the launch of the latest collection of BONES corsets by Benjamin Alexander, available exclusively through Love James. Sculptural and fashion-led, the corsetry introduces another dimension to the event and reflects the increasingly individual way brides are approaching their wardrobes. Rather than relying on a single traditional bridal look, there is greater freedom to mix silhouettes, eras and designers, choosing pieces that feel expressive of personal style.

Together, the three New Zealand names create a compelling dialogue between old and new: vintage gowns selected for their enduring beauty, contemporary corsetry with a strong design perspective, and bespoke jewellery created to accompany life’s most significant moments.

The intimate appointment format allows brides the time and space to explore each element thoughtfully, considering not only the ceremony but the wider wedding wardrobe, from welcome dinners and rehearsal celebrations to reception looks and pieces that can be worn long after the day itself.

Each attendee will also receive a copy of Together Journal, with plenty of further fashion, wedding and celebration inspiration to take home as the planning continues.

Appointments for the Love James × Naveya & Sloane Christchurch trunk show are essential, with limited availability across Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August.

Love James, @lovejamesstore | Naveya & Sloane, @naveyaandsloanejewellery | Benjamin Alexander, @benjaminalexander_