BRIDE CHIC: MOVING AWAY FROM THE CAKE TOP TEMPLATE

Elie Saab

Has bridal fashion become less traditional and more in sinc with haute couture? Think of the brides of the 1960s-70s era. Did their gowns have that fashion forward edge like they do now? No. They were more like satin uniforms trimmed in Alencon lace--the stuff society expected? Bridal fashion aside, women just don't dress up like they used to. Once upon a time we dressed at least three times a day and the right morning, afternoon and evening wear was de riguer. Tune in any episode of I Love Lucy and you'll see what I'm talking about. With the invention of microfibers and ease of wash and wear, we cashed in for comfort eliminating most of the work it takes to sport the kind of chic we created not too far back. In some ways we miss all that and it's coming out in the ultimate dress up game of all: the wedding day. Thus, bridal fashion may be the last bastion designers can really practice their art as an art. So much of fashion is about manufacturing and high production. True designers love an actual niche where someone will fork over some bucks for top quality. Yes, designers want to incorporate all those couture methods no one uses anymore to craft a garment into a work of art.

 Valentino

Competition though sometimes grinding, typically generates excellence. The dresses here are the visions of the top designers in the world. You can see each has put some sort of couture touch or signature on each gown . . . Valentino with pleats and ruffles; Saab with beautiful fitting and one-of-a-kind laces . . . .

Valentino ValentinoElie Saab
 Elie Saab  Elie Saab

 Elie Saab

Elie Saab

 Elie Saab

Elie Saab

I hope these pictures have inspired you. I also hope we keep our casual trends going as well as moving into more of a mode of dressing up. Dressing up to go out to dinner, dressing up to do cocktails, a ride in the country. We all loved Sex and the City. I believe one of the reasons we embraced it was we understood Carrie's need to express herself through dressing. Sure her closet was improbable. And of course I practiced my suspension of disbelief just to get a good look at some of her finds . . . .

Since fashion is more about casual chic these days, there's still a glut of bridal designers all competing to make the finest gown in the finest fabrics. Each has their own version, moving more and more away from the bridal template of traditional into the more experimental realm of couture. And brides as a whole are loving it.

Peter Langner

SAMPLE SALE WEDNESDAY

 While it's been like spring here in Northern California Winter and Christmas are actually here.  That means my next season's glam is on the way or already out on the floor of my design studio and I have to bid farewell to a few samples. While my sizes are limited (mostly size 4), the good news is, my sample markdowns usually go half off.  This listing is for the ultimate in Boho, The 'Musetta' gown, a mix of imported Chantilly laces and diaphanous chiffon. The full skirt is gathered silk lined in crepe backed satin. Bodice has lace cap sleeves and is accented with a gold braid tie belt.  Just a stunner and I'll sure will miss looking at this gem once it finds the right bride . . .

TARTANS AND FOREVER PLAID

What could be more romantic than a tartan wedding during the holiday season?  Tartans and plaids are practically synonomous with Christmas both in decor and fashion, not to mention everything from wrapping paper to Christmas cards. It took me a long time to locate an actual Scottish designer of bridal wear who specialized not only in couture but the true essence of how tartan relates to fashion.  Designer Joyce Young works wool tartans into bridal wear with some real edge. For years I've been in awe of Scotsmen in kilts and the flair they have at using plaids to go formal. Will you get a load of these gowns? Tartan godets. Tartan trains and insets. Joyce is an incredible designer who pairs up these wools with the richness of shantung and taffeta. Her shops are in Glasgow, Gretna Green and London. 'Touch of Tartan' is only one collection she offers as she has a whole range of traditional as well as destination gowns to choose from.

INSPIRATION FRIDAY

Not marble, nor the gilded monuments

Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme;

But you shall shine more bright in these contents

Than unswept stone, besmear'd with sluttish time.

When wasteful war shall statues overturn,

And broils root out the work of masonry,

Nor Mars his sword nor war's quick fire shall burn

The living record of your memory.

'Gainst death and all oblivious enmity

Shall you pace forth; your praise shall still find room,

Even in the eyes of all posterity

That wear this world out to the ending doom.

So, till the judgment that yourself arise,

You live in this, and dwell in lovers' eyes.

William Shakespeare

(1564 - 1616

Dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum
Flowers by Victoria's Florals and Events

Model: Rocio
Photos copyright Bride Chic 2011

PORTRAIT OF A SNOW PRINCESS

Scattered Stardust

I lifted these chic and sweet winter pieces off yesterday's Etsy Newsletter.  It's the Winter Wonderland here that intrigues and inspires me most to want to get married allover again--this time with a snowy backdrop and me under a pile of fur--faux of course . . . .

 Woodland Bridal

 Twigs and Honey

 Fascinating Creations

 Whichgoose

SASHES AND BELTS

 Just a pointer here for finishing off your bridal look with belts and sashes: the simpler the gown, the more ornate the belt can be.  These floral sashes are works of art by indie designers and could jazz up the look on most gowns.   I'm loving the feathered looks here . . . so ultra-sophisticate and Boho all at once . . .

Top photo: Feathered Flower Bridal Sash by BC Girls

Row 1: Vintage inspired flowers by Erica Elizabeth Design/ Row 2: Lissette Sash by Lo Boheme

THE VINEYARD BRIDE

Simply beyond gorgeousness!  Recently I had the pleasure of working with wedding photographer extraordinaire, Shannon Stellmacher on this stylized shoot at Annadel Estate Winery, in Sonoma County.  Believe me this is one spot so quaint and rustic it will take your breath away.  Makeup artist and hair stylist, Julie Morgan put all of us together for this shoot and I'm so grateful for her vision every time I look at these magnificent images.  The range of looks Julie created alongside our photographer is amazing.  A word here about the gowns and head chic: I designed them and model Lori Dorfman brought each piece to life creating a sort of magical picture story.  Special thanks to Mary of B-Jeweled for use of the exquisite necklaces and earrings and Nancy Ann Flowers who created all the lovely bouquets.
If perchance you're ever kicking around Valley of the Moon in Sonoma County, do check out Annadel Estate Winery.  The folks who run it seem like good pals you've known all your life offering up some of the finest Roses and Zinfandels . . . .

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CREDITS

Photography by Shannon Stellmacher Photography

Gowns and Head Chic by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Hair and Makeup by Julie Morgan

Model Lori Dorfman

Jewelry by B-Jeweled

Flowers by Nancy Ann Flowers

Venue-Annadel Estate Winery