Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Feathers

It takes a bold person to wear feathers on their wedding day. Feathers are often shunned and categorized as tacky or is placed in the costume accessories department. If overdone, yes, they can over the top. However, is this week’s collection, the designers use feathers and take on an airy new approach and create dramatic silhouettes and accents.

Belted Beauty: The bodice is pulled towards to the natural waist with mild ruching and flows down the skirt. A feathered belt is encrusted with crystals and beads giving this overall simple dress some creative expression. (Priscilla of Boston; $3000+)

Wedded Whisps: It only takes three words to describe this dress: strapless, short and sexy. Ostrich feathers layer the skirt to add some oomph to this streamline silhouette. Sparkling details around the waist and hem kick up the drama.(Sue Wong; $518)

Belted Bird: The skirt features an organza overlay and ruffled hem which adds femininity and flare. Fine feathers and beading line the belt. Watered silk peek-a-boos from under the ruffled hem adding shimmer and sheen to every step.(Junko Yoshioka; $3000+)

Full of Feathers: This tight-fitting mermaid silhouette envelopes the body with structured diamond-like pleating. The full skirt has a canopy of ostrich feathers that will surely seize the scene. Swarovski crystals at the bust add sparkle. (Jane Yeh; $4500)

Light in Flight: Feathered flowers are fastened to the single strap on this empire dress. Sweeping and light weight chiffon float around the body. An assymetrical overlay gathers at the bustline and splits into handkerchief hem. (Augusta Jones; $1500-3000)

Flowers & Feathers: The folded layers of organza create stunning architectural lines and appeals to the eye. Flowers dot the dress and feathers line the neckline and hem. (Becoming Mrs; $1800)

Did this collection ruffle your feathers?

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Angelia Sasmita

I stumbled upon this week’s collection via Portland Fashion Week (October 7-10, 2009). The designer, Angelia Sasmita, currently resides in Shoreline, Washington. Another local talent! Her Spring collection is inspired by all things natural: water, wind and the heavens.

Soft and flowy fabrics that move with the wind are key characteristics in Angelia’s collection. Light and airy chiffons and french lace recreate nature’s best on the body. While heavier silks like duchess satin helps frame the body with sumptuous fabric. Subtle earthy colors such as ivories, creams and pinks are prominently found. Details are abound! Scattered beads, pearls and stones hems show off Angelia’s artistic steer towards the sparkly stars in the heavens.

Brooches and bows literally tie each of the designs together. Dainty peplums and ruching around the waist detail add texture and drama to the skirts. While the bodice and neckline showcase her exquisite beading and detail.

Her prices range from $850-3500.

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Wedding Dress Wednesday:: Vera Wang’s Behind the Dress – Amelia

This week’s collection is going to focus on one dress, Amelia, by Vera Wang. Who knew an ice skating outfit worn designed by Vera and worn by Nancy Kerrigan (love!) in 1994 would make such an impact in bridal fashion. Vera’s explosive entrance on the bridal market gave brides an opportunity to express their personality. Vera shares her insight and inspiration for Amelia in her “Behind the Dress” series.

Soft draping across a structured bodice is a challenging formula in design. At Vera Wang, we have sought to master this technique and made it a signature of my wedding dresses.

The ethereal beauty of a fairytale princess inspired this collection. I wanted to capture the concept of weightlessness through light, frothy skirts. By removing the crinolines (stiff petticoats under the skirt), the wedding dresses gain more movement. The result is a nymph-like sensuality that is both romantic and modern.

Two important elements of my design philosophy: weightlessness and draping.

With Amelia, I chose to leave the seam allowance at the back of the draped bodice free, consciously adding more detail to the back. My eye is always searching for subtle ways to draw attention there…

I never add ornamentation just for the sake of it. Like jewelry, the crystal corsage at the hip of the Amelia wedding dress can stand on its own. As it is placed here, the crystals add an organic touch of magic to the dress. As a philosophy, ornamentation on a wedding dress should reflect the nature of the celebration as well as the shape of the dress. When added directly to the wedding dress (as shown here), ornamentation accentuates.

Next week, I will feature another dress by Vera, in addition to our regularly scheduled WDW post about a local designer. Yay local!

(All content is straight from Vera’s mouth)

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Rose Embellishments

Rose, rose, everywhere and not a petal to pick. All the dresses featured are from the designer’s Spring 2010 runway collection. The designers may or may not feature these dresses in their upcoming Spring collection, but it still fun to look at the stylish efforts. Of course in all the collections, there were shared designs, one obviously being the rose.

Silver Surfer: Luxurious metallic fabric adds shimmer and shine to this dramatic dress. A ruffled hem sneaks up the front of the dress. Dashes of rose-like ruffles are strewn on the bodice. (Romona Keveza)

Rose Garden: This whipped concoction shows off layers and layers of petals that ripple downward. The petals create a scalloped neckline and hemline. (Rivini)

Fleur de Frock: Feathers and floral dance along the bodice this fit and flare silhouette. (Melissa Sweet)

Bloooming Bride: Ruffles twist into the shape of flowers in this cascading ball gown of blooms. A sweetheart neckline shows off the tightly fitted ruched bodice. (Monique Lhuillier)

Pretty Posy: A sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps are paired with svelte sheath silhouette that skims the body’s curves. Roses line the hemline and outlines the peek-a-boo slit. (Elizabeth Fillmore)

Petal Pusher: A trumpeting gown with ruching to the thigh. A line of roses fall in an asymmetrical pattern at the top of the skirt. (Maggie Sottero)

Did you take time to smell the roses today?

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Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Retro Inspiration

Sit back and dream about yesteryear. The glamorous silver screen where famous faces would dance across stage with a grace and elegance. My husband and I are fascinated with Old Hollywood 50’s and 60’s, especially the AMC TV series, Mad Men. The TV series is set in the 60’s in New York City at an Advertising Agency, Sterling Cooper. This week’s collection is inspired by the women who fret around the playboys of Sterling Cooper and the timeless style they bring to the screen. I feature a dress with sleeves, since showing one’s shoulders was considered risque. If you like the style, but not sure about the neckline, check out bateau, square or v-neck (with thicker straps).

Night Cap: Duchess satin a-line dress is a perfect for a modest bride. A modified square neckline softens the edges around the bust. Add a double hem in a different color or fabric to add color or texture.  (Aria; $225)

Debutante Doll: A ballerina-esqe tea length ball gown is set apart from other frilly frocks. A rounded sweetheart neckline made of silk connected to a full tulle skirt that flounces at every step. (Candy Anthony; $2000)

Tip Off: Lace embellishments adorn this 3/4 sleeve Italian organza ball gown. An off-the-shoulder neckline flatters the collar bone. A basque waist is flattering on all body types, as the hem of the bodice dips downward. (Demetrios; $1500-3000)

Dipping Dots: A 50’s inspired strapless silk organza dress decorated with coin-sized polka dots. A playful and cute dress for a spunky bride. (Michelle Roth; $2,250)

Old Hollywood: Ballerina length (just above the ankles) makes this a feminine and charming option. Tulle wraps the bust and cinches in a bow-like manner. French lace peers from under the circular skirt. (Roz la Kelin; $1500)

Hour Glass Hottie: The bodice is boned and lined to create a fabulous hour-glass shape. Halter neckline paired with a sweetheart outline gives this dress subtle sexiness and appeal. The belt draws the eye to the skinniest part of the waist, flattering all body types. (Vivien of Holloway; $130 )

As you can see, dresses that are inspired from timeless beauty are still relevant and popular almost 50 years later. Glorious gowns with impudent neck and hemlines are created to make a sensational and timeless dress. Find one that fits your style today.

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