Let Halla Stylist introduce you (if you didn't hear this name yet) to Galia Lahav - one of the
leading couture fashion houses founded in Israel with more than 70 retailers nowadays
worldwide.
This brand became famous for very (daringly!) low backs, sheer gowns and very sexy
silhouettes. Galia Lahav is a trendsetter and fashion innovator, and her gowns are beyond
luxury.
Halla Stylist was happy to arrange a short interview with Galia Lahav to know more about the
designer and the brand's goals.
Halla Stylist:
Dear Galia, first of all, I'm very happy that you have some time to answer my questions. I have Russian roots, just like you. Do you still speak Russian? And after all, which
is the easiest language for you now?
Galia Lahav:
Thanks so much! I do understand Russian, of course, but I don't speak Russian.
Mostly Hebrew. I've been in Israel from a young age, and we really tried to fit in by speaking
more Hebrew instead of Russian.
Halla Stylist:
I'm a big fan of your brand! From which countries are your brides mostly from?
Galia Lahav:
We have many brides from the US, UK, Canada, Japan, China, Australia and
some from Russia, Greece and Italy.
Halla Stylist:
Do you have any favorite dress? Like the queen of all your collections?
Galia Lahav:
I can't choose. Every dress is made for a reason and is inspired by something spectacular. I'm so happy I don't need to choose my wedding gown again. I would probably wear a few.
Halla Stylist:
If you don't mind answering a personal question, did you get married and if yes, what kind of dress were you wearing?
Galia Lahav:
Yes, I did get married, and I still am married, for almost 50 years! I designed and made my own bridal gown. I can't say that it was anything similar to what I design today. But it was beautiful, and I loved wearing it.
Halla Stylist:
What was the biggest barrier to reaching the top of wedding fashion?
Galia Lahav:
It's never easy. You have to be aware every day. There are always newcomers, new designers, new trends, and you have to keep up the pace yet keep your authenticity. During my 30 years in the business, I knew many ups and many downs. It was pretty rare to sell abroad, just around 15 years ago. But then we expanded and decided to grow and become international. Once we could think of it, it could happen. And, it did.
Halla Stylist:
Lots of brides think that Galia Lahav dresses are for very skinny women. What do you think about it?
Galia Lahav:
That is such a shame. We expertise in body contouring, and we know very well how to create a very flattening figure, which makes our brides look skinnier. But never have we aimed to dress just skinny women. That is almost the opposite; our designs are very sexy, accentuating the feminine body with all its curves. We're known for our sexy fits that a lot of women relate to. Some are skinny; some are bustier.
Halla Stylist:
Can you tell us about the process of purchasing a dress from Galia Lahav? How does it work?
Galia Lahav:
We have a lot of stores worldwide; it's recommended to schedule an appointment to a nearby store (and ask for a few gowns to fit, prior to the meeting so the store can be ready for you and your taste, although they'll offer more). When in the meeting, you'll try on some gowns, your measurements would be taken, and an order will be entered. We start making the gown from scratch, fit to a bride's measures, e.g. custom made gowns, upon her request and alterations (if needed). After a while, you'd be invited to the store again to fit your gown and make final touch-ups. It's a process that takes from 6-10 months usually.
However, the GALA line gowns are sold in unit sizes (34-44, usually), so it takes less than 3-6
months.
Halla Stylist:
What is the price range of your gowns?
Galia Lahav:
GALA by Galia Lahav ranges between 4,000 USD- 9,000 USD. Couture is usually between 8,000 USD to 15,000 USD, but special designs or custom designs can be around 20,000 or more.
Halla Stylist:
We know all your dresses are unique, but can you tell our brides what this uniqueness is?
Galia Lahav:
We pay so much attention to make the gown look and feel like the most beautiful and comfortable thing to wear on your wedding day. Our gowns fit the body in the best way,
and the lace is always high-end, soft and delicate. So are our designs. They're timeless and
yet, bold and trendy.
Halla Stylist:
What do you think about the wedding business in Southern Europe? Do you think it's growing?
Galia Lahav:
I can definitely see it growing. However, these things also rely much on culture and tradition. Where culture cherishes marriage, let's say "traditional" weddings, the market grows. Where you see more notions of individualism, it doesn't. Obviously.
Halla Stylist: And the last question, can you give any recommendation for our brides, how to choose the right dress? Is there any secret?
Galia Lahav:
I think every woman knows. Every woman knows her body and what makes her feel good in her skin. You just need to find a designer that can relate to you, and they'll know what to offer. But, never compromise! Your wedding day is for you to enjoy, mingle and be at your peak.
Meet the Bridal Spring 2022 Collection DO NOT DISTURB, which is full of unique embroidery, tulle details and (as always) sexy yet romantic silhouettes.
Find Galia Lahav's retailers link