SHORT, CHIC, AND OH SO VINTAGE ON THE DETAILS

Check out this great over blouse and skirt by Siri. Most akin to 1950s detail here is the sheer blouse over a strapless bodice. We're seeing more of this design reinvented lately. It was once the hot look in bridal circa the early 50s. Brides wanted it both ways: to be demure and a hint of sexy at the same time . . .

The pouf or cage veil has many variations these days. This one is a hint net with chenille dots.

BALLET INSPIRED

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Just how much does the world of ballet influence bridal? A lot. Traditional ballet costume evolved in the era of the Johann Strass', a young Queen Victoria, and Giselle, an 1840s ballet by Aldophe Adam. Think classic corps de ballet in long white tulle and floral wreath. The 'Willis'--brides to be who had the bad luck to die on the eve of their wedding--wore this exact ensemble in Giselle. Also reflecting the silhouette of the ballet costume as we know it, Queen Victoria clinched the look when she married Prince Albert wearing yards of white lace and dressing her flock of attendants accordingly.

Stephanie James Couture
The most classic ballet-inspired silhouette is a ball gown, sometimes an A-line. Typically a tiny waist sits a top a full gathered skirt.
RS Couture
The ball gown is an hourglass and remains the most dramatic of all bridal The ball gown is an hourglass and remains the most dramatic of all bridal silhouettes. It is as romantic a confection as those seen in the corps de ballet, flowing in swirls of white tulle. The skirt and its under structure are both based on volume. Thus, sweeping skirts equal sweeping entrances especially awesome on brides who know how to work their strut.
Regardless of its formality, a ball gown seems to have flex when it comes to showing up anywhere and looking beautiful. While they go great in all the splendor of a full-blown cathedral ceremony, imagine an outdoor garden wedding where nature, big and diverse as a thousand cathedrals can be the perfect sanctuary.
Tall, slim brides carry this silhouette off best. Also if you’re medium to tall and pear shaped, you’ll benefit from the uber-volume in the skirts that camouflage your every imperfection from the waist down. Petite brides who want some gown drama might be better off going with the more modified A-line since the mass of a ball gown skirt will swallow you up.

Variations of the Ball Gown

Bouffant or Hourglass-Fitted bodice with cinched natural or dropped waist atop gathered or pleated full skirt.
Bubble-Bouffant shaped skirt swelling out of a cinched natural or dropped waist. Skirt curves in a balloon like shape at the hemline.
Petal-Very structured over skirt. Imagine a fuchsia. A cinched natural or dropped waist sitting atop a full skirt with curving under structure that slits open in the front. Sometimes shows a bit.

RS Couture

An A-line cut is a more modified form of hourglass, bringing with it refinement and understatement. Fitted through the bodice, the A-line can have a slight to moderate flair in the skirt. Dubbed by fashionistas as “The Deb Dress” it’s been one of the most popular silhouettes for the reason it flatters just about every figure type.

La Sposa
Head chic that instantly comes to mind for ballet-inspired bridal is either the floral wreath or modified cloche cap of white feathers emulating The Swan Queen in Swan Lake. A tiara or single floral(s) attached to a bun is also considered a classic ballet touch.

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La Sposa

Olga D’Gallegos

SHOOT CHIC

IMAGE COURTESY OF SWEET LIGHT STUDIOS aka Digital She

Working with a lot of classy, creative people stokes me. I have to thank two very talented photographers, Shelah and Robin of Sweet Light Studios in San Francisco for shooting my gowns and headpieces with such an eye for that vintage feeling I like to create. Pictured here are model Elle W and I during our Friday shoot. She's in one of my new headpieces, a pancake/cocktail hat with a pouf of tulle that totally rocks with this classic Chantilly lace and silk dupioni gown. I get loads of comments from brides as well as fashion folks whenever I post alternatives to the traditional veil, including the birdcage or a net pouf like this one.

If you like the look of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's stick around. Up and coming I'll have an article on Savvy Scoop all about wedding day hair, including a few pics from this shoot highlighting some of the most beautiful hair jewelry offered by hair stylist/makeup artist, Christal Saville.
Here, Elle's Golightlyesque hair makes my gown look very Givenchy, n'est pas?

MAKING HIGH CONCEPT ART OUT OF YOUR TRASH THE DRESS SESSION

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Another idea for trashing the dress, this photo is titled, Bride on a Budget. Natalie Angela proves here you don't have to plunge into water or roll around in the grass to trash. A Juliet Nicole photo, with the amazing talent of Alaina Garcia and Makeup by Mina.

COUTURE REPORT: NEW YORK SPRING 2010

From left: Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta

2010. I know it sounds pretty futuristic but it's the reality we're looking right at. Actually, Spring 2010 looks a bit like Back to the Future. Designers are time traveling through the 2oth century reviving trends that never made it past the gates of that once very regulated bridal scene. We're seeing still more color and interesting textures this season. Oscar de la Renta has brought out a stunning collection in optical whites. Showing short, chic cocktail dresses paired up with gloves and big white pouf cocktail hats, they’re reminiscent of mid-1940s film noir. In fact, most of Oscar de la Renta's gowns are accessorized with these festive hybrid hat/headpieces. Even the pantsuit toward the end of his show had one.

. READ AND SEE MORE IMAGES . . . . .

1950s INSPIRATION

inspiration board for B by Chrissy4 on Polyvore.com

Knowing how I love the 1950s, how could I not share this board? In fact this board is where I found Whirling Turban, a site devoted to Pin-Up style coutre. What I respect so much about the folks here is they post their client's dresses under construction (though they do look finished, don't they?). Customers can see their work in progress. This is a great place to check out if you're considering an alternative and/or smaller wedding with a theme.

DOUBLE DUTY SEPARATES

Madrid Corset

Imagine either of these confections sitting on top a full tulle skirt? Or how about over a long, sleek satin?. Separates are an option I like. Something you can actually wear after the wedding. Whether you're the bride, bridesmaid or guest, admit it, you'd have no problem pairing these sweet little corsets with jeans. Great for summer evenings out and gala events.

Victoria's Secret