Fabulous Fabio

We meet a modest wedding dress designer who has taken the world of weddings by storm

IN HUMBLE TRICESIMO, near to the town of Udine in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the beginnings of Fabio Gritti Spose wedding dresses emerged. Today it is one of the best known and most successful companies in the bridal market worldwide, thanks to the genius, creativity and talent of the owner, Fabio Gritti.

It all stemmed from his dream to create beautiful dresses for the perfect wedding. Gritti originally began designing for large-name bridal companies and then in the mid-nineties branched out and launched his first stand-alone collection, with a theme of a hand-made rose. The collection grew, along with a large following of excited brides, and by 2002 the brand was wellestablished and Fabio Gritti Spose was put well and truly on the bridal map.

The designs of the dresses are elegant, witty and creative with styles to flatter every bride’s shape and size. It’s considered in Italy, and throughout the world in fact, to be one of the most glamorous bridal designers in the industry. His collections are adored everywhere, including the UK, the USA, Canada, Japan, Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany, Spain, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Greece, Hungary, Brazil and Mexico.

Anyone who knows Gritti’s collections will quickly understand how his designs are influenced by the beauty around him – he says whether it be a smile, a landscape or just a feeling. Even if it’s just a sensation, his creativity can sometimes be ignited by the most unlikely of situations.

A LASTING PLEASURE

Hands up how many brides actually get to wear part of their dress again after the big day?

Fabio has thought of that (which is why it becomes apparent why he’s so loved). With this year’s ‘jewel dress’ collection he has created some spectacular dresses cleverly incorporated with beautiful gems including rock crystal, coral and aquamarine.

Not only are they are an integral part of the dress but after the wedding the jewellery can be detached and they become beautiful bracelets, necklaces or belts thanks to a precious Swarovski fastening. In this way an accessory becomes a precious memento which can be worn every day with elegant dresses or just with jeans.

The 2008 Fabio Gritti collection also includes seductive fenced bodices reminiscent of period bustiers. The innovative cuts emphasise the figure and make it slender. The skirts, by comparison, are very light, floaty, graceful and romantic. A characteristic of the 2008 collection is also the Empire cut, which is seen on flowing, one-piece and two-piece dresses. Satin ribbons and luminous Swarovski underline this kind of cut, especially created to maximum impact!

Rather unusual and striking are the rouches and the trousers with a jeans cut amongst the collection as well as many kinds of skirts: voluminous, close-fitting, made of lace or characterised with a split. Fabio sees 2008 marking the return of white and bold red for the self-confident bride who is also romantic and passionate.

FABIO SEES 2008 marking the return of white and bold red...

For the bold bride Fabio Gritti proposes dresses inspired by the film Pirates of the Caribbean. These dresses such as the creation ‘Hey Jude’ are structured with sexy bodices to show off the figure, coupled with big low-waist belts. The fabrics are unusual with snakeskin effects and elegant textures. The accessories are essential: elegant pirate boots, hats and bandanas make the bride very glamorous, rather daring and ready to take on any wedding congregation!

A FLATTERING MATERIAL

The ‘Love me Tender’ style is completely made out of silk taffeta with a skilful draping effect, a refined and elegant dress adorned with delicate roses which is both romantic and modern. The champagne hue brings out the best in most skin tones because it lets olive and dark skins glow and Nordic pale ones become brighter! Then ‘Tunnel of Love’ is a dress that is simple but refined. It’s a passionate and sensual creation with a beautiful coral chain attached by Swarovski starfish that hangs delicately on the bride’s back – another precious reminder of the big day.

For the FG Prêt à Porter collection it would seem that lightness and delicacy are a must. The soft petticoat dresses are made out of soft fabrics designed to show off the bride’s figure perfectly. Swarovski crystals embellish the simple lines. There is a prevalence of V necklines and drapes, which are made out of soft fabrics like georgette, satin and shantung.

The ‘Regina delle Nevi’ is perfect for brides thinking about getting married in the winter. The dress is made out of beautiful silk shangung taffeta and is elegant and refined in its silhouette. The simple and feminine ‘Figlia del Re’ is a tribute to fencing attire – strong and sensual at the same time. The charming ‘Bambina dei Fiori’ is a short dress for those happy to show off their legs. Inspired by the fifties, the dress is perfect for a summer wedding dress but also can be worn again for cocktail parties or formal functions. Simple and sleek ‘Jasmine’ is a loose-fitting dress that floats and glides over the body’s contours without clinging. The exquisite Swarovski trimmings mean that the bride will definitely sparkle on her wedding day.

The secret of the Fabio Gritti success is undoubtedly due mainly to its owner, Fabio Gritti, who became one of the wedding world’s best-loved designers having abandoned his career in the car industry. His energy and enthusiasm are infectious and his love of all things creative is mirrored by all those who work with him. He’s a family man who has been educated to respect everyone and thus he works well with his co-workers, checking all they do and ensuring they know he appreciates their work. You could say that Gritti is a good old-fashioned team player, which he thinks is fundamental in keeping a company fresh, passionate and motivated in wanting to always achieve the best.