The dress the bride chose

by Carmina Pairet
L'Arca brides
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Sometimes it’s not the bride who chooses the wedding dress, but the dress that chooses the bride. The story of Africa’s dress is very special; it’s a story of love at first sight. The dress was kept for more than three years, waiting for her to get married.

The antique lace dress looked like it came straight out of a Sorolla painting on the beach. Ideal for getting married in Zahara de los Atunes.

It was love at first sight, for her and her friend who was with her (a few years later she would tell me why it was so special, but at that time they both worked together in Madrid).

They saw it at a vintage fair in Madrid organized by our friend Lorenzo Caprile near the Castellana, which brought together the best of Spanish vintage fashion. We had the dress reserved, without a contact number, because Nina and I felt bad about putting it up for sale.

It was a very special piece, an authentic modernist dress made of Irish lace, hand-crocheted. It’s a very unusual piece, both for its texture and the size of its motifs.

Only someone with a strong personality could pull it off. The dress was made for África, owner of the sustainable jewelry brand Copal Collective . Like many special vintage fashion pieces—and all the ones that end up in our archives are special—we’re not keen on selling them, because it’s impossible to find another one like them.

We always wait for some romantic to come along and offer us a worthwhile new life. We’re a bit sentimental. And that’s exactly what happened.

After three years, África changed jobs, moved back to Barcelona, and called us to see if we still had the dress. When we told her we did, she couldn’t believe it. All she needed to complete the look was a vintage bejeweled fascinator and some high-heeled gold sandals to add a touch of glam.

Africa and Fabio met 14 years ago and got engaged on a train crossing India 6 years ago. On June 23, with the summer solstice, they celebrated their union in the magical place for them, Zahara de los Atunes, right where they met.

They knew from the start that they wanted it to be there. “It’s definitely our place in the world. We held both the ceremony and the reception at our family home, surrounded by close friends and family. The catering was provided by Ramon Pipi restaurant; they don’t usually cater, but as lifelong friends, they dedicated all their time and love to us. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped us organize it! Including you all for your patience!”

“Fabio, my husband, and I did the decorations ourselves, in a very handmade style and at home. It was a community wedding: a day full of love in a perfect microcosm!”