Here comes the brides — all dressed in white — and vases, too!

Actresses Maxene Magalona and Elisse Joson recently gave a sneak peek of their new looks as future brides as among the eight models of designer Julianne Syjuco’s new bridal collection called “Loved,” presented as part of the launch of the new bridal registry at Opulence Design Concept (ODC) in Greenbelt 5, Makati City. Instead of usual flower bouquets, the modern brides marched with Versace Home vases, goblets and other home accents as centerpieces.

“It is a story of a woman who learns to love herself,” Syjuco said of her new bridal collection in a speech before the show. “Traditionally, with the bridal fashion, we celebrate the moment where the bride is chosen by the man. But this time, I want to celebrate the moment that the woman chooses herself. And because she loves herself, somehow, she shares that chapter with a partner that adores and cherishes her in the same way…”

The self-love ethos of Syjuco’s “Loved” collection mirrors Maxene’s current path. Four years after marrying musician Rob Mananquil in 2018, she and Rob separated in 2022, calling the mutually-decided split as a “blessing in disguise” for her to heal and work on herself. Last year, Maxene confirmed her relationship with new partner, disc jockey and videographer Geoff Gonzalez.

The collection’s self-love mantra is also the current mood of Elisse, who has been single for more than a year now following her split from long-time reel and real-life partner McCoy de Leon. In her interview with ABS-CBN last month, Elisse said she is choosing to focus on her personal growth and raising her daughter, Felize, via a co-parenting arrangement with McCoy.

Inspired by the rich Italian heritage and timeless elegance of Versace Home, the seven-piece bridal collection was presented alongside Syjuco’s latest seven-piece ready-to-wear line. Complementing the launch was a Versace Home vignette curated by interior designer Jenice Yeung, revealing the brand’s softer, more romantic expression through delicate interiors that echo the spirit of the collection. Together, they celebrate the seamless harmony between fashion and home.

According to Syjuco, the collection marks a new direction for their brand, with their use of luxurious bridal satin and sculptural details, but still maintaining their signature details like flowers, roses and lace.

“I am inspired by the Versace Home furniture, so as a designer, I want to feel the romance and I thought how romantic it is to have a house that is beautifully designed with Versace Home furniture,” she said of the collection’s main inspiration.

“When I think about love, I think about romanticizing every day — the slow mornings, intimate conversations over dinner, and a husband and wife creating a home filled with memories,” Syjuco adds in a statement. “As I designed the collection alongside my creative director, Ega Rivera, the iconic Versace brocades became a source of inspiration, influencing the custom embroidery and lace developed for the gowns. These subtle references are woven throughout the collection through luxurious bridal satins, sculptural silhouettes and our signature delicate 3D florals and statement bows.”

Created in collaboration with ODC and Versace Home, “Loved” is an ode to bridal fashion, the home and the beautiful life a couple creates together long after they say “I do.”

Extending the collaboration beyond the launch, Syjuco will utilize the ODC Greenbelt 5 showroom as her satellite showroom for this month. Clients may schedule bridal consultations and gown fittings while exploring Syjuco’s bridal portfolio alongside Opulence Design Concept’s curated collection of internationally-renowned home decor.

“At Opulence Design Concept, we believe every beautiful home begins with a story,” states Gerry Sy, ODC owner. “Through our collaboration with Julianne Syjuco, we’re celebrating not just the wedding day, but the beginning of a lifetime of creating meaningful spaces together.”

Jinky Sy, ODC co-owner, adds in a statement, “A home is where a couple’s story continues to unfold. We hope this partnership inspires couples to surround themselves with pieces that reflect their journey and create spaces filled with love, purpose and lasting memories.”