After facing online criticism for her wedding dress, plus-sized model Riley Hemson has showcased her very revealing reception ensemble. The 30-year-old New Zealand-born influencer, who married Vita Tomoana last month, shared a clip on Instagram showing off her head-turning reception attire.
Stunning Reception Dress
Riley posted a short video of herself and a beaming Vita arriving at their upscale reception venue. She wore a striking two-piece outfit from Melbourne-based label Atalie Studios. The focal point was a strapless, handwoven corset with defined bustier cups that highlighted her décolletage. The figure-hugging dress also featured dramatic ruffled tiers at the base, with a floor-length skirt that flared at the knee and created a slight pooling effect, accentuating her shapely hips.
The post garnered a flurry of comments from friends and followers, many praising her reception garb. One wrote, "The dress line-up has been phenomenal," while another said, "What a stunning bride!!!" A third commented, "This dress is EVERYTHING queen!"
Previous Wedding Dress Controversy
This comes after Riley faced criticism for the dress she wore the day before her wedding. The unique woven corset and mermaid silhouette divided fans. Some loved the look, while others deemed it "unflattering." The gown featured a long, frilled skirt with a woven corset and a distinctive Basque waistline. One critic wrote, "I think she is beautiful, but yikes she's been planning the wedding so long and that's the dress?" Another added, "It's unflattering." A third commented, "That is so odd. It looks like six dresses in one, with a basket as the corset."
However, some pointed out that the woven detailing might be a nod to Vita's Māori culture. Many fans also defended the dress, calling it "incredible," "pretty," and "beautiful." One supporter wrote, "Your smile lights up this hideous world we live in... Gorgeous woman inside and out!"
Wedding Dress Designed by Celebrity Couturier
Riley's actual wedding dress, designed by celebrity couturier Lillian Khallouf, also drew criticism, with fans split over its fit, construction, and styling. Some questioned how the wedding landed in Vogue magazine, which published exclusive photos. One user asked, "Why would you want your boobs to look like this?" Another said, "Why would you intentionally want a mini third boob on the side? It's just a terrible cut for her shape."
Riley's Journey and Fashion Labels
Riley and Vita got engaged in 2022 and recently held a combined hens and bucks party in Thailand. The influencer, who once worked as a paramedic, began creating online content in 2016, documenting her health and weight loss journey. She later transitioned to body positivity content and started the popular Realistic Running Diaries. Riley has since launched two fashion labels: Jorja and Joseph, and her size-inclusive brand Remmie by Riley, catering to women from sizes 6 to 24.
