New Fashion Exhibition SAY YES Opens Jan 31st

Alongside historical artefacts, authentic wedding attire from various cultures, and creations by iconic designers, the exhibition also showcases accessories such as jewellery, headpieces, and shoes, as well as historical and contemporary photographs of newlyweds. And sustainability? A glimpse behind the veil: one of the show-stopping highlights is a sustainable wedding gown, specially created for Wereldmuseum by Rotterdam-based atelier Maison M’Elise, which will literally bloom during the exhibition’s run – a powerful symbol of the relationship between fashion and nature. 

Opinions on marriage continue to evolve, but the essence of wedding fashion remains unchanged: it is a celebration of love, identity, culture, and craftsmanship. Each garment holds unique stories – those of the maker, the wearer, and the traditions woven into it. 

Visitors begin their journey through SAY YES with the theme of white, a global fashion colour with a long history in many cultures worldwide. In Western culture, white symbolises purity and virginity. Since Queen Victoria famously wore a white dress in 1840, the colour gradually became the go-to for weddings in Europe. However, the widespread presence of white in wedding fashion does not make it universal. Around the world, countless traditions highlight the significance of colour in bridal attire. For example, red symbolises luck and prosperity in China and India, while purple was historically reserved for Saudi Arabia’s royal family as a symbol of power and wealth. Colour brings stories to life through luxurious fabrics, embroidery, and sequins.

The theme of tradition showcases the vitality of the past in the present. Across the globe, people honour their heritage by incorporating elements of their culture into their wedding attire. Consider the vibrant Peranakan yellow of Southeast Asian brides, complete with their crown of kingfisher feathers, or the modern reinterpretations of classical styles. For couples with multicultural backgrounds, wedding fashion offers an opportunity to celebrate their diversity, often through multiple outfits that combine various traditions.

SAY YES also highlights how wedding fashion can serve as a platform for rebellion and innovation. Rebellious is the theme for those who defy conventions. Movements such as punk, hippie, and grunge have inspired wedding attire that prioritises self-expression over tradition. Think unconventional fabrics, alternative colours, and bold designs that reflect personal freedom.

The exhibition also celebrates the power of simplicity. Minimalism does not mean less special; it’s a conscious choice for timeless elegance. Minimalist designs, such as those by Dutch designer Beeuwkes, demonstrate how craftsmanship and subtlety together can create an exquisite effect.

For those who dream of grandeur, SAY YES offers inspiration to go all out. Extravagance comes with layers of silk, intricate embroidery, and dazzling Swarovski crystals. These designs, often inspired by royalty and celebrities, transform any wearer into the star of the day.

Finally, the theme of sustainability is an essential focus that addresses our future. Sustainability can mean reusing or renting garments or opting for eco-friendly materials. Wedding fashion can be more than a one-time creation; it becomes a lasting symbol of responsibility and love for the planet. Vintage dresses, repurposed fabrics, and innovative materials in SAY YES demonstrate how style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Visitors are also invited to explore the attention to detail in the accessories that complete the wedding outfits. Jewellery, veils, and shoes provide the perfect finishing touches. These details often carry profound significance, from heirlooms that connect generations to symbolic pieces that tell a story.

And then there is the lasting evident of this very special day: the wedding photographs. From formal portraits to candid moments, from early photography to contemporary wedding pictures, they capture the magic of love and tradition through the years as a tangible reminder of a moment to be cherished forever.

The power of wedding fashion lies in its ability to tell stories, and SAY YES brings these stories to life. Take, for instance, the striking three-piece bridal suit by Dutch designer Mart Visser, also featured in the exhibition. With its voluminous cape and hand-sewn feathers, Visser broke with the conventions around white wedding dresses in the 1990s. This interplay of traditional symbolism and innovative forms is also reflected in the work of Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad. His luxurious creation, showcased in SAY YES, draws inspiration from the glamour of Old Hollywood and the geometry of Art Deco. Loved by stars such as Beyoncé and Viola Davis, Murad’s gowns embody a global fascination with romance and opulence.

In addition to the contemporary couture of Visser and Murad, the exhibition highlights the rich traditions of wedding fashion. A 200-year-old hand-embroidered üçetek entari from Bosnia and Herzegovina reveals the refinement of Ottoman influences, while a Chinese bridal gown adorned with bright red dragons and phoenixes evokes the imperial grandeur of ancient China. The vibrant Mixteca dresses from Mexico and an off-white furisode kimono from Japan, accented with red and pink, illustrate how wedding attire carries deeply rooted cultural significance. Equally striking is the versatility of a Sumatran baju omon, a jacket adorned with metal bells that create a rhythm of celebration and tradition with every movement.

South African craftsmanship shines in a spectacular gown by Bayanda Khathini, a couture designer who painstakingly hand-sewed thousands of beads onto a design specially created for Wereldmuseum. This gown will be unveiled during the exhibition’s opening. This is not just fashion; it is heritage translated into contemporary couture.

That wedding fashion can showcase craftsmanship while making a social statement is exemplified by Bas Kosters’ contribution to the exhibition. Kosters challenges conventions with his patchwork design, emblazoned with the words ‘Weet ik veel’ (‘What do I know?’). In this piece, he rejected traditional haute couture, using recycled materials such as old T-shirts and hotel linens in what he considered a protest against superficiality and shallow rebellion.

Equally groundbreaking is the queer-inspired wedding dress by Yamuna Forzani, whose designs advocate for inclusivity and the celebration of individual identity. Visitors will discover that wedding fashion can also be a symbol of resilience. A black wedding dress from World War II, for instance, shows creativity and perseverance in a time of scarcity. Or consider the white Zeeman wedding dress, an affordable creation that makes luxury accessible to all.

Wedding fashion reflects the wearer’s personal style as well as the values, history, and social structures of their communities. Each garment tells such stories, as do the centuries-old techniques that underpin its creation. Crafting a wedding dress often involves months of care, dedication, and reverence for time-honoured craftsmanship. From hand-embroidered details to bespoke tailoring that meets the wearer’s desires, each piece is a testament to artistry.

The exhibition shows how brides in India and Pakistan adorn their wedding dresses with intricate silk thread embroidery, gemstones, and pearls, using techniques such as zardozi, a form of metallic embroidery. Japanese kimonos, crafted with damask weaving techniques, demonstrate a deep respect for craftsmanship and tradition, while African textiles featuring hand-applied beaded patterns embody the richness of artisanal skill. Europe adds refinement with iconic lace and tulle.

In a world that is constantly evolving and can sometimes feel divided, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam invites everyone to connect and embrace a hopeful outlook through the exhibition SAY YES. Love and tradition are universal and yet as unique as the people who experience them.

Blending different traditions is becoming increasingly common and shows how love transcends boundaries. The exhibition highlights the profound beauty found in diversity, especially when our differences are sometimes magnified, and invites visitors to reflect on sustainability and the importance of understanding and accepting one another.

This exhibition is a must-see for anyone planning a wedding, passionate about fashion, or curious about how fashion can pay tribute to cultural identity. With Rotterdam as a melting pot of cultures, Wereldmuseum is the ideal location to showcase wedding fashion from a global perspective.

Are you looking for inspiration for attire that marks a milestone, expresses your cultural identity, and celebrates love and connection, or are you simply interested in fashion? Then visit SAY YES – Trends in International Wedding Fashion at Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, on view from 31 January 2025 to 26 October 2025.