The winner of a Kleinfeld Bridal and Contrex Mineral Water-sponsored design contest this year, beating out 800 other entrants for the top prize, Sabag presented a heavily ornamented selection of show-stopping bridal gowns, best suited to the gal who, naturally, wants to be the center of attention on her big day.

"She feels like a woman in it," said Sabag of the design philosophy behind her gowns. "The dresses are sophisticated, but also edgy and young."

Many dresses featured tightly laced corsets and the classically Spanish flamenco dancer trumpet silhouette. Others had a more vintage feel, designed to look like heirlooms – if you can't borrow your grandmother's wedding dress, Sabag offered a good substitute with a flapper-like dress with dramatic silver beading, softened with fluttery layers of silk chiffon.

To emphasize the Spanish theme, a young man, posing as a bullfighter, came out onto the runway with a red bullfighter's flag, which he dramatically twirled and snapped, eventually introducing the first model who kicked off a series of couture evening gowns. There were ruffles of bright red chiffon embellished with jet black beads, black tulle empire gowns for goth gals and a halter dress with a delicate lace collars.

Though clearly Sabag is going for a look that is over-the-top, with fabrics heavily worked with beaded embellishment and frothy layers of tulle, there were times when the removal of just one element might have made the difference between sophistication or simply tacky. A beautiful two-piece corset and skirt in deep midnight blue featured elegant pintuck pleating - the only detailing necessary - it was so immaculate - but the addition of a rather cheesy bow lessened the haute effect.

Still, Sabag proved she has the skills to tackle complicated techniques, and she'll certainly be a designer to watch as she continues to develop and refine her ideas.