Just as walking along the shores of Lake Balaton stirs nostalgic memories of childhood holidays, Daalarna’s new wedding dress collection, REMEMBER, takes us on a special journey through time. In this collection, Anita Benes draws inspiration from the vibrant trends of the late 90s and early 2000s, now enjoying a resurgence, and blends them with the elegance and simplicity of today.
“Lake Balaton is a beloved holiday destination for many in Hungary,” says Anita Benes. “By capturing the REMEMBER collection here, we wanted to convey the idea that you don’t always need to travel far to find beauty or inspiration. Often, the true treasures lie in our own backyards, unnoticed. As a Hungarian designer, I’m proud to showcase one of our country’s uniquely inspiring landscapes to an international audience through these lookbook images.”
Lake Balaton is not just a backdrop for summer holidays but a source of lifelong inspiration shaped by the experiences lived there. For her new collection, Anita Benes was inspired by the late 90s and early 2000s—a time when she was a fresh graduate designer entering the world of wedding fashion.
“Revisiting the trends that shaped the fashion world at the time of Daalarna’s founding 22 years ago has been a unique experience,” says Anita Benes. “With years of design experience now behind me, I can reflect on the fashion phenomena that were so influential at the start of my career.”
One of the most exciting elements of the REMEMBER collection is the use of corsets and structured dresses, which are enjoying a resurgence today.
These designs, inspired by historical corsets, enhance femininity and shape the silhouette while offering comfort through modern innovations. The focus on the bust, hips, and waist creates a flattering effect, while the balance of style and ease allows brides to move comfortably on their special day.
What’s particularly interesting about these corset dresses is their versatility, thanks to advanced technology. The same dress can be worn by brides ranging from size S to XL, with a waist-shaping capability of up to 4-6 centimetres. Additionally, no separate bra is needed, as support is built into the design, ensuring even more comfort.
“I’m a huge fan of corsets,” Benes shares. “I believe they create the most beautiful silhouette. And their benefits aren’t just for those wanting to hide a few extra pounds. Brides with athletic figures can use corsets to beautifully emphasize their best features, while those with more feminine figures can highlight their curvier hips. Today, the trend is less about dramatic slimming and more about drawing attention to what you want to accentuate.”
Some of the collection’s patterns and textures evoke the iconic Hungarian destination, Lake Balaton. The shimmer of the water, the shadows cast by the reeds, the graceful swans gliding across the surface, and the warm hues of the sunset are all reflected in the garments and the photos. The fabrics create a watercolor effect, with rich brocades, taffeta, and silks bringing depth and texture. Intricate details like delicate embroidery and special weaving techniques reveal themselves upon closer inspection.
Photography: Éva Papp & Zoltán Schneider @pappschneiderphotography, Dresses: Daalarna @daalarnaofficial, Hair & Makeup: Csilla Kiss @kisscsicsi, Models: Zita Dobár @zitadobar / Attractive Models @attractivemodels, Fanni Csáti @fanniborbala / The Roster @theroster_mgmt, Location: Balaton, LUA Resort @luaresort
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