What Is a Trunk Show - and Why You Have to Be There
What is a trunk show- and why you have to be there.
At its heart, a trunk show is a unique, limited-time event that transforms your bridal shopping experience from browsing racks into an exclusive exploration of gowns. While we always maintain a carefully curated selection from each of our designers, during a trunk show we open the doors wide to everything included in the designer’s newest collection lineup.
What to Expect
When you book your appointment for a trunk show, here’s what you can expect:
Extra choice: You’ll have access to dozens more gowns than usual- often featuring bolder styles, more intricate detailing, new silhouettes - the kind of variety that makes your dress feel one of a kind.
One-on-one attention: Your appointment means you’ll be working individually with a stylist, exploring those additional gowns with expert guidance.
A timely decision: Because the trunk-show gowns are only here for the weekend (or a brief window), you’ll want to be ready to say “yes” when you feel it. No procrastinating on “sleeping on it” unless you’re okay risking your favorite dress not being there for your next appointment!
Special perks: Occasionally, trunk shows bring sweet extras - from exclusive pricing to limited-edition styles- making the event even more memorable.
How to Prepare (and Make the Most of It)
Book early- trunk show slots are limited!
Bring your entourage, but keep it small and aligned - those closest to you who know your style and will be your best hype people.
Know your vision - it’s helpful to come with a few images or thoughts of what you’re drawn to: neckline, silhouette, vibe. With all the extra gowns available, you’ll want to guide the search to the right direction. That being said, if you have no idea, we can work with that too!
Be ready to commit - if you find “the one,” trunk show timeframes mean the piece (or the price) may not stay long.
Enjoy the moment - the atmosphere is elevated but relaxed: you’re in the spotlight, trying on something special, with the support of your stylist and team.
Why It’s So Worth It
A trunk show gives you access to the kind of gown selection and personalized experience that sets your dress-shopping apart. It’s a chance to see more, try more, and fall for a style you might never have discovered otherwise. And when you do, you’ll walk out not just with a dress, but with a story about how you found it.
We can’t wait to welcome you, roll out the extra gowns, and help you say “yes” in the moment that feels right, because at the end of the day, this is your dress, your story!
Designer Spotlight: Gaby Bayona
At Hinterland, we’re drawn to designers whose work feels quietly powerful—where detail is intentional, silhouettes are thoughtfully constructed, and the bride always comes first. Gaby Bayona, the designer behind Truvelle, Laudae, and Aesling, brings that ethos to life across three distinct labels.
Though each collection has its own voice, there’s a through-line in Gaby’s work: an unwavering commitment to celebrating modern brides, on their own terms. Her gowns are designed and made in Vancouver, crafted with care, and deeply aligned with our vision at Hinterland—effortless, grounded beauty that feels entirely your own.
Truvelle: Effortless Romance
Truvelle is where it all began. Founded in 2013, it’s the heart-forward line that introduced Gaby’s thoughtful design to the bridal world. These gowns are romantic but never fussy—fluid skirts, soft lace, unexpected details, and an ease that feels made for barefoot dancing and unstructured bouquets.
Truvelle brides are dreamers. But they’re grounded too—and they know that the best moments are the ones that feel natural, not staged.
Laudae: Bold Structure, Playful Spirit
Laudae arrived in 2016 with a clear message: confidence is the new classic. This line leans into form-fitting silhouettes, daring necklines, and rich textures like jacquard and stretch satin. With details like detachable sleeves and statement backs, Laudae is made for the bride who isn’t afraid to stand out.
It’s modern, sculptural, and never overly serious. For brides who crave style and comfort—and maybe a little drama too.
Aesling: Minimalism with Presence
Launched in 2019, Aesling is the most architectural of Gaby’s lines. Here, she pares everything back to pure form: no lace, no beading—just beautiful fabric, intentional draping, and tailored silhouettes. Inspired by women artists and designers, these gowns are about quiet confidence and grounded beauty.
Aesling is perfect for the bride who wants her dress to be felt more than fussed over. Understated, elevated, and undeniably chic.
A Perfect Fit for Hinterland
Gaby Bayona’s work aligns beautifully with what we hold dear at Hinterland: authenticity, ease, and design that whispers rather than shouts. Whether it’s the romantic flow of Truvelle, the striking edge of Laudae, or the refined restraint of Aesling, her gowns speak to brides who want to show up as their fullest selves.
Her dresses are more than beautiful. They’re intentional, elevated, and completely unforgettable.
Designer Spotlight: KYHA Bride
We love introducing you to the designers who make our hearts flutter—and this one’s a total showstopper.
KYHA is for the bride who isn’t afraid to break the mold. Think bold silhouettes, unexpected details, and a little drama—in the best way. This is bridal, reimagined. And yet, every piece still feels effortlessly chic.
Founded by Kyha Scott in Melbourne, Australia, the brand was born out of a desire to do things differently. Tired of cookie-cutter wedding dresses, Kyha designed her own gown—and then never stopped designing. What followed was a collection that celebrates individuality, movement, and fashion-forward design, without compromising on quality or fit.
At Hinterland Bride, we’ve fallen hard for the clean lines, sculptural fabrics, and statement-making details of the collection. Whether you’re into sleek minimalism or a little sparkle and skin, there’s something here that’ll have you feeling exactly like yourself—just turned all the way up.
✨ PSA for our fashion-forward babes: We’re hosting a KYHA Bride trunk show April 4–13, 2025, and trust us—you’re going to want to be there. It’s your chance to try on exclusive styles from the “Le Coucou” collection, and find the one that speaks to your soul.
These gowns are made for the bride who’s rewriting the rules. And if that sounds like you? Let’s try some on.
A Guide to Saying Yes at Hinterland
It all begins with an idea.
Your left ring finger is feeling a little heavier, and suddenly all eyes are on you. Let's talk wedding dresses. We get it – it’s not just a dress, it’s THE dress. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and let’s be honest, it can feel like a wild ride at times. But don't stress, we’re here to break down the whole process for you, timeline included- we got you!
Step 1: The Engagement Glow-Up (When to Start)
So, you’re newly engaged and riding high- now’s the perfect time to start your dress journey! Most brides begin shopping about 9-12 months before the big day. Trust us, it sounds like a long time, but bridal timelines are a different beast. It takes months to order, tailor, and perfect your dress. So, once you’ve nailed down your venue (or at least the season), it's time to book your first appointment. Cue the bubbly!
Step 2: Finding the One
Here’s the truth: finding your dress is like finding your person. You may think you have a great idea of what you’re looking for, pros and cons, all of that. But when it finds you, it finds you. That moment where your heart screams, “this is it!” Listen to that moment.
However, we know what happens next… Your brain kicks in, and suddenly you hear your mom’s voice in your head: “Are you sure? Maybe sleep on it?” And you start second-guessing. Don’t worry, it's normal, but here’s a little secret: saying yes in the moment feels magical, and we absolutely love celebrating that moment with you! Saying hell yeah in the dress, on the pedestal, with all your people hits a little different than just sending an email the next day to say “okay, that’s the one”.
But hey, if you need a moment to mull it over, no pressure – we’ll still be here cheering you on when you’re ready to commit. After all, there’s no “wrong” way to find your dress, but don’t rob yourself of that giant moment!
Step 3: The Part Where Your Dress Gets Made
Once you’ve said yes, your dress gets brought into the world. Typically, your gown will take 6-8 months to arrive. Yep, you read that right. Wedding dresses aren’t off-the-rack, so they need to be made just for you, by a real person. If you’re thinking, “What if I’m a last-minute bride?” – don’t panic. We’ve got you. If you’re getting married sooner, we’ll help you find the perfect solution, even if it means a rush order or exploring some dreamy off-the-rack options.
Step 4: Alterations Time
The dress is here! Woohoo! Now it’s time for some final touches. Usually, you’ll need about 2-3 fittings to get that perfect fit. Give yourself 3-4 months before the wedding for this. Your tailor is basically a fairy godmother with needles, making sure every seam hugs your curves in all the right places.
And don’t forget this is your time to play around with accessories, veils, and shoes. Channel your inner minimal Carolyn Bessette Kennedy vibe, or go full glam – whatever makes you feel like the best version of you.
Step 5: Dress Delivery and the Big Day
Finally, it’s time to pick up your gown and hang it somewhere special. The big day is around the corner, and now all you have to do is walk down that aisle looking like a literal goddess. Take a deep breath, soak in every moment, and give your dress one final twirl in front of the mirror.
Now it’s time to celebrate! No matter how or when you find your dream dress, remember that it’s all about you, your person and how you want to feel on your wedding day. The journey should be as fun as it is meaningful, and we’re here to help every step of the way –so let yourself feel the joy, because babe, you deserve it.