By Cedie Lazaro
Hollywood actress Emma Roberts officially tied the knot with partner Cody John in a private garden ceremony. While the star-studded event captured headlines, it was Roberts’ breathtaking bridal wardrobe that stole the show. For her walk down the aisle, the Scream Queens star collaborated closely with celebrated Filipino-American fashion icon Monique Lhuillier, creating a modular gown that seamlessly transformed throughout the night.
The Vision: “An Antique Ghost Doll”
During her final dress fitting documented by Vogue, Roberts revealed a highly unconventional inspiration for her look. Opting out of standard, bright white bridal tones, she requested a “tea-stained effect” to match her personal obsession with treasure hunting and vintage ephemera.
“I kind of wanted to look like a ghost — a little antique ghost doll,” Roberts shared.
To satisfy this vision, Lhuillier custom-dyed 25 yards of premium silk chiffon into a soft, warm nude-blush shade named “Vintage Rose”—a direct nod to Emma’s middle name.
The Main Gown: Five Looks in One
The centerpiece gown required nine months and nearly 1,000 hours of delicate couture craftsmanship to complete. Built over a structural natural-waist corset, the gown featured linear-draped silk chiffon, a dramatic flowing train, and a daring thigh-high slit.
Lhuillier designed the ensemble to be entirely convertible, allowing Roberts to cycle through five distinct silhouettes. For the ceremony, she wore an asymmetric chiffon shawl accented with custom, hand-dipped ecru French lace. Removing the shawl revealed a sleek, modern strapless neckline perfect for transitioning from the aisle to the reception dinner.
The After-Party: Archival Edge
For the late-night celebration, Roberts leaned further into her love for vintage fashion by selecting a two-piece ensemble pulled directly from Monique Lhuillier’s Autumn 2004 archive.
The second look offered a stark, moody contrast to the romantic ceremony dress, channeling what the designer described as a “boudoir saloon” aesthetic. It featured:
- A structured, jet-black corset bodice crafted from delicate Chantilly lace.
- A tea-length, hand-cut skirt made from layered strips of frayed silk organza designed for effortless movement.
A Win for Global Filipino Artistry
Born and raised in Cebu, Philippines, Monique Lhuillier has long been a powerhouse in the global bridal industry, dressing top-tier international celebrities. This latest partnership further solidifies her status as a premier red-carpet and bridal authority. Lhuillier noted that crafting the wardrobe was all about “capturing a feeling of timeless romance through a modern lens” while celebrating the authentic artistry of traditional couture.
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