Cowboy boots and an oversized scrunchie may not be the first items one envisions when planning their wedding wardrobe, but these accessories topped the list for Bana Abujaber’s. “They’re a genuine reflection of my personal style,” says the Dubai-based stylist and former fashion buyer, who opts for flats over heels, and drop- waist silhouettes in monochrome palettes over traditional femininity. She emphasises that a memorable — and meaningful — wedding outfit is all in the details.
In 2024, Bana launched Trou/so, witnessing a gap in the market for bridal styling while planning her own wedding. “I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to begin or how to find what I was looking for,” she tells MOJEH. “The idea of a bridal stylist really resonated with me — this type of service is common in the UK and US, but less available in our region.” Her starting point for the business was the wedding trousseau, a custom in which a bride-to-be and her family put together a collection of clothing, jewellery and homeware for her new chapter as a bride and wife. Sometimes, garments within these elaborate packages are hand-sewn by female family members; other times, pieces are sourced from abroad. This pre-wedding tradition one is a cross-cultural one, but particularly common — and celebrated — in the Middle East and Asia. “To me, it holds profound significance, especially through memories of my mother and late grandfather,” says Bana, recalling when her mother echoed her own father’s sentiment and suggested they fly to London and Paris to put together Bana’s trousseau. “This tradition beautifully combines heritage and individuality, with each piece telling a story,” she adds. “As Middle Eastern weddings evolve toward modern, personalised expressions, there’s a renewed appreciation for the trousseau as a link to the past.”
While some have a knack for putting together their bridal wardrobes themselves, others find the process daunting. Bana hopes to make it more streamlined and enjoyable for these brides-to-be: “I curate your entire aesthetic, ensuring that your dress, accessories and even your beauty choices come together perfectly. This holistic approach not only saves time and stress, but it ensures you feel confident and truly yourself.” Trou/so is a one-woman show, and Bana manages everything from the styling and brand partnerships to the day-to-day operations of the business, through both in-person and virtual services. Upon signing a client, Bana provides a tailored proposal for the bride-to-be, before scheduling a call to gain a deeper understanding of her vision, preferences and style. “This is where the creative journey kicks off, as we begin to curate mood boards,” says Bana, who then produces personalised stylebooks that feature full shoppable looks, which appeal to clients interested in ready-to- wear options available online. For those seeking in-store experiences, Bana provides detailed shopping itineraries, guiding brides-to-be through appointments to try on gowns in person, also catering to those interested in bespoke designs, or in travelling for the shopping journey. Since its inception, Trou/so has partnered with bridal brands and boutiques in the region, as well as in bridal fashion hubs such as Turkey, Italy, Paris and London.
While multiple wedding events — and outfits — may be ingrained in some cultures, Bana says the practice is gaining traction among modern-day brides, many of whom have been inspired by celebrity weddings. “Sofia Richie Grainge’s played a pivotal role in reshaping the approach to wedding styling,” explains Bana. “It normalised the idea of a full weekend wedding wardrobe and highlighted the acceptance of various events within the celebration, each with its unique attire. The extensive behind-the-scenes coverage of her wedding shed light on the significance of these transitional, in-between outfits.” Many brides select timeless gowns for their main wedding ceremony, and more contemporary, comfortable looks for other occasions, crafted from lighter fabrics and ideal for mingling and celebrating in more freely. And while some might eschew the traditional bridal hues, others opt for multiple white, cream or champagne dresses — such as fashion influencer Tania Sarin, who combined a modest, vintage Bottega Veneta lace dress with an ivory Danielle Frankel veil for her intimate church ceremony.
“I loved how she blended vintage with modern — something that’s become such a key trend in bridal fashion today. The mix felt fresh, timeless, and so personal,” says Bana, whose own white wedding gown was inspired by Kaia Gerber’s 2021 black Met Gala dress by Oscar de la Renta, which paid tribute to Bianca Jagger’s iconic 1981 Met Gala ensemble.
Some women seek to fuse elements of culture and heritage into their wedding looks. “Brides are blending contemporary pieces with family treasures, curating collections that honour tradition in fresh, meaningful ways,” says Bana. Antique jewellery pieces, lace gloves and delicate veils are some of the vintage accessories making strong comebacks, while chic neck scarves and oversized bows are also trending, in looks that are playful yet refined. Trou/so’s Instagram mood board provides further inspiration — from vintage-esque lace sleeve cuffs lined with pearl buttons, to a romantic bows with scalloped edges that trail down the bride’s back.
Carefully balancing tradition with modernity is crucial to Bana’s approach. But at the end of the day, a woman’s own style preferences are central to her trousseau, and bridal looks. “Ultimately, it’s about the bride’s unique expression of herself,” she says. “I truly believe that the finishing touch should always reflect her personality and style. Whether it’s a bejewelled headpiece or an oversized bow, these details should feel authentic to her vision.”
Originally published in the December/January issue of MOJEH Magazine. Subscribe here
