SAY YES – Trends in International Wedding Fashion

A 200-year-old hand-embroidered üçetek entari from Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Wereldmuseum Rotterdam's exhibition, "SAY YES – Trends in International Wedding Fashion," running from January 31 to October 26, 2025, offers a captivating exploration of global bridal attire. The exhibition is organized into seven themes: white, color, tradition, rebellious, extravagant, minimalist, and sustainable. It features designs from renowned international designers such as Zuhair Murad, Gucci, Mart Visser, Bas Kosters, Queera Wang, Yamuna Forzani, and Bayanda Khathini. 

One of the most striking pieces on display is a 200-year-old üçetek entari from Bosnia-Herzegovina. This traditional wedding coat from Sarajevo, dating back to around 1800, features intricate gold embroidery, a testament to the region's rich craftsmanship and heritage. Seeing such historical garments alongside contemporary wedding attire offers a fascinating contrast between tradition and modernity.

Throughout "SAY YES," visitors are treated to a visual feast of wedding traditions translated into rich textile crafts. From the vibrant Peranakan yellow attire of Southeast Asian brides to modern reinterpretations of classical styles, the exhibition showcases how cultural heritage is honored and reimagined in bridal fashion. The inclusion of accessories such as jewelry, headpieces, and shoes, along with historical and contemporary photographs of newlyweds, further enriches the narrative, illustrating the universal celebration of love, identity, culture, and craftsmanship.

The exhibition does not only celebrate the past but also embraces innovation with works from young contemporary designers such as Queera, Yamuna Forzani, and Bas Kosters. A significant contemporary piece of the exhibition is the emphasis on sustainability, particularly showcased through Maison M’Elise’s innovative bridal creation. 

Maison M’Elise

Bayanda Khathini

Bas Kosters

Gucci

Yamuna Forzani