Wedding Gown Exhibition Celebrates Seven Decades of Bridal Fashion

The latest exhibition from award-winning fashion designer Donna Dinsdale showcases the evolving craftmanship and emotional significance of bridal fashion.

The Toi Ohomai Bachelor of Creative Industries tutor says she has a deep fascination for wedding gowns, and has recently launched a stunning new exhibition titled Marry Me Wedding Gown Exhibition. This intimate collection features 26 gowns and accessories spanning seven decades.

The exhibition was inspired by a chance encounter with a vintage wedding gown from the 1950s.

“A few months ago, I held a Vintage Dress exhibition on campus, and a fellow staff member at Toi Ohomai, got in touch with me to ask if I was interested in seeing her mother’s vintage wedding dress from the 1950s,” Donna says.

That gown became the catalyst for what would become Marry Me, highlighting her long-standing interest in bridal fashion and wedding attire, which she explored in her Masters project.

The collection was curated in a uniquely organic way, starting with a target of 20 gowns. Donna spoke to colleagues and friends, and the word quickly spread.

“I ended up with 26 gowns... I just couldn’t say no.”

The exhibition now features pieces contributed by colleagues, their families, and even Dinsdale’s own collection, including two gowns of personal significance—one from the 1960s and another from her Masters project.

The Marry Me exhibition is more than a display of beautiful dresses. Each gown reflects a distinct moment in fashion history, showcasing the evolution of bridal trends from the modest silhouettes of the 1950s to the more daring and personalised designs seen today.

“Every gown carries a personal narrative,” Donna says.

“Embodying the unique emotional significance and individual identity that make wedding gowns truly special.”

The craftsmanship behind these gowns shows the artistry of bridal fashion. Earlier gowns feature hand-sewn lace, intricate beadwork, and heavy silk fabrics, while more recent designs incorporate lighter, man-made materials like tulle and organza. Donna says the evolution of these techniques mirrors the changes in fashion over the years, emphasizing how the gowns are both a product of their time and a reflection of timeless beauty.

Curating such a collection presented its own set of challenges and Donna says that many of the vintage gowns were quite small, requiring specially sized mannequins to display them correctly. But, overall, the process came together seamlessly.

“The most important aspect of an exhibition such as this is to honour and uphold the personal and emotional value of each gown,” Donna says.

One gown in the collection remains a mystery and Donna has worked closely with Fiona Kean, Curator from Tauranga Museum, to try and date the piece, which spans an unknown era. More research is needed, but the gown’s unknown origins only add to the charm and intrigue of the exhibition.

As visitors explore Marry Me, Donna hopes they will leave with a deeper appreciation of how fashion, especially wedding gowns, is deeply intertwined with personal and cultural history.

“I hope the audience experiences a real sense of joy and leaves with an understanding that these garments are not just about style but are a reflection of individual stories, societal changes, and evolving ideals of beauty.”

Looking ahead, Donna is already considering expanding the exhibition, with possibilities ranging from the inclusion of more gowns to exploring themes such as bridal accessories or cultural influences.

“I would also love to document the current collection through photography and possibly move the exhibition online to open up future opportunities.”

The Marry Me Wedding Gown Exhibition is a celebration of the artistry, emotion, and history behind bridal fashion. The Exhibition can be viewed at Te Ara O Mauao, M Block at the Toi Ohomai Windermere Campus. The exhibition will be open daily from 9am to 3pm until Friday, 30 August.