For Maxine van Zyl, who has in the past been an air hostess, accounts manager and human resources manager, being able to open her own bridal and evening-wear boutique is like a dream come true in many ways. Since childhood, watching her mother craft elaborate dresses for weddings and special occasions from her sewing table at home, Maxine was always intrigued by the prospect of one day following in her footsteps. And while she may not be a master seamstress, from the look of the frocks lining the walls at Belle Amour Boutique, she certainly knows what makes for a show-stopping gown.
Bridal couture
We’ll get to the super-personalised service later, but for starters, Belle Amour Boutique boasts a collection of designer gowns from both local and international fashion houses, namely Maggie Sottero, Jovani, Dessy, Mon-Cheri and Sophia Tolli. Because the boutique shares the same roof with Maxine’s other business, Lavender Boutique Guest House, it would be impossible for the modest space to stock the hundreds of frocks available to order. However, if the sheer size of the numerous catalogues lazing on the table is anything to go by, you will never find yourself wanting.
About that service…
When it comes to bridal consultations in particular, Maxine prides herself on knowing that when visiting her store, you won’t be subjected to the usual trial-by-error process that most bridal stores offer, which often leaves brides even more uncertain than they were before, about what gown to choose for their big day.
Instead, you will be treated like the princess you are, to a personalised consultation that might last up to four hours.
“On a typical consultation, we discuss everything from dress styles, colours and shapes, to materials and designs, and we also do a figure and skin-tone analysis to determine the styles and colours the bride-to-be should look out for.
After fitting a few gowns, we will then start a process of elimination, and also spend some time browsing the designer’s websites and catalogues for more diverse ideas,” explains Maxine.
Suffice to say, her mission is to make sure that no bride leaves with a shred of doubt in her mind as to what she will wear on her big day, because, as Maxine rightly notes, she is the star of the show, and should feel comfortable with, and be radiant in, her choice. “The whole wedding day is built around the bride, she is the most important – sorry for the men, but that’s just the way it is!” laughs Maxine.
What it will cost
It will please you to know that while some extravagant dresses may require an equally generous budget, there are many options available to brides at Maxine’s elegant boutique store, to make sure that everyone leaves with a smile on her face. Besides the various hiring options, Maxine will also feature a range from a local designer in the near future to add to her already lustrous collection, giving it a splash of local flair.
The young Maxine
In her heyday Maxine worked as an air hostess for South African Airways. “That was many years ago,” she says with a slight chuckle, “and in those days, being an air hostess was completely different from what it is today.”
“I remember one instance, in particular, when I was young and all the very short haircuts came into fashion. Of course, I went to the hairdresser immediately, but then I had to hide from the briefing room for a couple of days for fear of being reprimanded for my short hair, that’s how strict they were!” laughs Maxine.
“We weren’t allowed nail polish that was too bright, and there was a certain height restriction in place, much like for ramp models today.”
“But I do think that working for SAA taught me how to be graceful – working for the airlines in those days was more like going to finishing school than anything else.”
Fact file
Belle Amour, 013-750-1084 or maxine@belleamour.co.za
Visit www.belleamour.co.za
To book a consultation, email myconsultation@belleamour.co.za
To order a dress, email dresses@belleamour.co.za
