Wedding Gowns & Bridal Fashion

Trends have been changing drastically. Now, even brides don’t want to wear that unmanaged bright and gaudy stuff. Either we talk about outfits, jewellery, makeup and even shoes and footwears. Choice of new generation is very soothing and wise. Colours which appeal you is your choice for your special day its not important to use golden or silver only. Other then colours style has become much more designer and elegant. Its a kind of stuff which can be used by the bride later also. One thing more which is being emphesised in these pairs are the usage as these can be used with both western as well as ethenic dresses. Detailing is also being taken care of in these footwears which make the pairs so beautiful and different.

Lets have a look on these smart pair of footwears for the would be bride.

Source: Indiculture

White silk, lace, embroidery, petticoats… what does your dream wedding gown look like? Have you found the person who will make it for you?

When you ask around the first name that usually comes up is Vera Wang. This creative and talented artist often went with her mother to fashion shows in Paris. She got frustrated with the lack of fashion in bridal wear and decided to create her own shop. Today she is the hottest name in this industry, dressing such glamorous ladies for their nuptials as Jessica Simpson, Mariah Carey, Vanessa Williams and Sharon Stone.

Another name to watch out for in bridal fashion is Monique Lhuillier. This lady always wanted to be a fashion designer. She attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising but didn’t go into designing wedding gowns until after she designed her own wedding dress and then she decided to get into this business. Today she designs gowns for such celebrities as Britney Spears, Christine Baumgartner (wife of Kevin Costner), Natalie Imbruglia and Charlotte Ross.

Now, you may be saying to yourself that you can’t afford the price tag of these designers. You may be surprised. While it’s true that to ask these designers to make a gown specifically for you would be expensive, you can get their designs off the rack, so to speak in places like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus. You can also check out the online stores for wedding gowns made by these wonderful designers.

Quite a number of brides don’t wish to waste their gowns, sitting in their closets, just mouldering. That would be a shame. Their generosity, your find, an absolute treasure. Check out the bargains to be had from purchasing used wedding gowns created by these very same designers. They are absolutely beautiful and can make you feel absolutely glamorous on your wedding day without breaking your bank.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. Visit Lesley-Ann’s wedding blog for more free wedding planning help and advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley-Ann_Graham

Wedding items often left to the last minute are the shoes. This can be a major mistake as some styles can be difficult to find. Let’s not even talk about the size and fit!

Things to keep in mind is that the shoes you choose should be both great looking and comfortable. Keep in mind that there’s a lot of walking and standing to be done at your wedding. Hobbling is definitely not elegant and will definitely jar with your perfect image.

For the grooms, the choice is more restricted compared to the women. A good choice would be patent leather shoes or low-cut ones. They will look both elegant and smart with your suit.

For the brides, keep your dress in mind when you choose. A simple gown would call for a simple shoe, while a more elaborate gown would allow for a more embellished shoe. There are a whole lot of designs to choose from. Would boots or slingbacks look better with your dress? How about a pair of pumps?

Another thing to keep in mind is the heel of the shoe. You might look great in really high heels but how will you feel after almost two hours in them, carrying a ton of weight in your gown and train? You might end up in pain which is not a good way to celebrate your special day. Maybe an elegant pair of wedding slippers after a pedicure will do the trick, and the pampering feels great.

No matter what kind of shoes you choose, it’s always a great idea to break them in before the big day. Wear them for at least a week to really get used to them and have them form properly to your foot. This way there’ll be no blisters marring your special day.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. Visit Lesley-Ann’s wedding shop for some of the best wedding bargains on the Internet!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley-Ann_Graham

Veils were traditionally used to hide the bride’s identity, as part of a custom that the bride and groom would be kept utter strangers until they met at the altar. (This also explains the superstition that you’re not allowed to see each other on your actual wedding day.)

Today, veils serve no other purpose than to make you feel beautiful. Of course, it also adds to the wedding’s romance: the magical moment of the bride lifting her veil for her first kiss often inspires tears.

Here are some things to remember as you survey your options:

A blusher is a short veil that’s worn over the face, then flipped back when it’s time for the groom to kiss the bride. It’s usually sewn to a longer veil, or a hat. The fly-away veil just brushes across your shoulders, while the elbow veil (as the name implies) falls in the middle of your arm, approximately 25 inches. The most popular veil, however, is the fingertip. It’s composed of several layers that reach up to the hands.

Because of the return of vintage dresses some types of veils are regaining popularity. There’s the waterfall veil, held in place by a headband, and often made with several layers of tulle. Other options are the mantilla (a Spanish veil that’s draped over the head, usually with a lace border) and a ballet (which kisses the ankles).

When choosing a veil, consider your height. If you’re very petite (under 5′4″) a very long veil will overwhelm your frame. Stick to an elbow veil. If you’re over 5′7″ you can wear a fingertip veil, which look gorgeous on your statuesque body. Also look at the detail of your dress. Your veil should lead the eye to the focal point, such as embroidery or lace.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. Visit Lesley-Ann’s wedding shop for some of the best wedding bargains on the Internet!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley-Ann_Graham

The summer season brings with it an influx of wedding invites. With this in mind, Sunday Life took three themes that will see you go from morning to night with effortless style.

Weddings make dressing up tricky. Because it’s an all-day affair you need to choose your outfit wisely. The variation in lighting throughout the proceedings - from dazzling daylight to artificial indoor lighting means you need to pick flattering colours.

Think earthy tones that give way to an ethnic theme like browns, tans, olives, burnt reds and oranges, or opt for softer colours, such as nude tones, pastels and matted metallics.

Monochrome is also a good look, as it gives off an air of simple sophistication and is appropriate for all times of the day, while block black is always elegant.

The current neons and florescent tones are probably a no-no for a wedding as you’ll stand out like a sore thumb at the church. However, they’ll work well if you’re attending the evening function, but only venture out when the lighting is dimmed down!

White CAN be worn to a wedding as long as you play it right. Keep it fitted, above calf length and accessorise with metallics and tans to avoid resembling a bridesmaid - or worse still, the bride herself!

Satin, structured cottons, embroiderie anglaise, linens and chiffons are great fabrics for occasion wear, while dresses should be the garment of choice.

Summer is the season of the dress and there are so many styles to chose from to suit all shapes and ages.

Fitted bandeau dresses are classically glamorous, floaty maxi dresses are the height of fashion, smock dresses are perfect for the younger wedding guest, while prom dresses with a subtle kick are traditionally dressy.

If you’re opting for a simple block colour, do add a little bit of life in the form of glistening accessories, from bejewelled sandals to statement bangles, necklaces and even a head piece to demand some extra attention.

And always match your bag and shoes.

Sunday Life explored the earthy, monochrome and nude theme to ensure you arrive in style.

Source: Belfast Telegraph

ONE joy James Packer must surely derive from his ludicrously huge fortune is the freedom to say, “Never mind what it costs, darling.”

And his current darling certainly didn’t mind. Rumours hardened early that the new Mrs Packer’s strapless ivory silk wedding gown, with its tightly corsetted bodice and descending hooped and waved skirts, cost $100,000 and was fitted in the rarefied atelier of no less than John Galliano of Dior.

When Erica Baxter took her vows in that fragrant arbour of flowers yesterday, she wore the frock of many young women’s dreams, by a designer from bridal fashion’s heavenly “Holy Trinity”: John Galliano for Dior, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Valentino.

It will be remembered best for what it wasn’t — not satiny sleek like a million modern bridal gowns and not so puffed that it verged on the dreaded “meringue” aesthetic.

Baxter’s feline prettiness and angular elegance perfectly complemented the not-too-simple, not-too-fancy frock of a lifetime, and incidentally, the beefy bulk of her husband, also.

Source: The Age

I’m not in love with Chloe.

At every store I visited in my hunt for a bridal gown, they told me I should fall in love with my dress. That I would know that this is my dress, THE dress. A few months ago, I bought a dress, in a style named Chloe, at a small store in New York, but I wasn’t in love.

To be sure, I got a beautiful dress. I’ll be excited to walk down the aisle wearing it. I should be; I paid more for this dress than I have ever paid for an article of clothing before — or ever plan to spend again. But love?

I had never shopped for a wedding dress before, and maybe because of that I didn’t expect buying a dress to be much different from buying any other piece of clothing.

Wrong.

For starters, at least where I shopped in New York and northern New Jersey, you can’t go into a bridal store without making an appointment. I tried once and was promptly hustled out with a business card and instructions to call before returning.

Then, instead of browsing through racks, I stood half-dressed in a fitting room while a saleswoman brought in dresses she thought I might like, based on a couple of questions about style and price range. She would pull the dresses over my head, button them up and pin the excess fabric back, pulling tight the way I imagine Victorian maids tugged on their mistresses to tighten a corset. Sometimes, she would put a veil on my head, too, carefully smoothing it over my hair. Then she stood back and asked, “What do you think?”

Here is where I was supposed to swoon.

I went to big stores and small stores, expensive ones and cheap ones. At all of them, the saleswomen told me I was supposed to fall in love with my dress and feel “something” when I first put it on. I was supposed to feel beautiful. Radiant. In love. Like a princess.

At some stores, including the one I ended up purchasing from, the dresses had names, meant to express their personalities. A friend of mine got Rose, who had a tinge of pink shine in her fabric. At these places, the dress is not an “it”; the dress is a “she.” Apparently, it’s easier to fall in love with her than it.

Friends asked me about shopping, too. “Did you cry?” “Was it amazing?” “Did you feel like a bride?”

I didn’t cry. I don’t know how a bride is supposed to feel. In fact, I didn’t feel anything except frustrated and inadequate, like I was missing something.

Maybe I just hadn’t looked hard enough yet.

My initial shopping excitement turned to drudgery as I marched through store after store, dragging along my mother, sister, friends and even a groomsman, just waiting for that special feeling. Waiting for love at first sight. Everyone told me it would happen. All I had to do was find the right dress.

Again and again, I waited to gaze into the mirror, feeling it. Every time, I left disappointed. Each time, I would go into a store thinking my dress, THE dress, might be here. It had to be somewhere. All I had to do was keep looking for that right dress, that right damn dress.

Finally, I realized that, no matter how much I loved it, my wedding dress was not my groom, not why I was getting married, not who I would promise to love “till death do us part.”

Yet saleswomen had convinced me that it was so. They talked about buying a dress as if it were like falling in love with a person. The language they used equated the wedding dress with the wedding and all that it means. Of course, even in love, we don’t always feel it the minute we try it on. Still, I was just spending an afternoon with this dress, not a lifetime.

That made it easy. I went back to the small boutique where I had tried on Chloe, which I really liked. It (she?) is strapless with a satin empire waist and an ivory-colored silk body. The decision to buy it was not practical, but it was the dress I liked best, even if I wasn’t in love.

Source: NorthJersey.com

Have you ever seen an ugly bride? Probably not. No woman intentionally goes out of her way to plop down more than $887 (the national average, according to the Fairchild Bridal Group’s American Wedding Survey, 2005) to find an unattractive gown that does little to enhance her assets. Why have a wedding if you’re not going to look like the queen you are, right?

No, brides are much smarter. They shop early - frequently a year in advance to find the perfect gown. They bring along friends and relatives to offer soft critiques, and they try on a variety of styles before making the critical choice.

But how do you wade past the fluff and stuff often found in gargantuan bridal guides to discover your own true bride inside? Very carefully . . .

Dress color
Chastity no longer determines bridal gown colors. A woman’s choice is often due to how she thinks a dress looks against her skin. And retailers say the jury is split. Brides, they say, buy as many ivory and champagne-tinged gowns as they buy of the more pristine white ones.

Furthermore, WeddingChannel.com editor-in-chief Rosanna McCollough says September has emerged as the most popular month for weddings, which might account for the more avant-garde bridal offerings seen in powder blue, iridescent pink and even blood red.

Dress style/silhouette
For more than a couple of seasons, strapless has been strong, regardless of the time of year or the bride’s size. And it continues to be the most pervasive dress style found at many bridal boutiques, although halter-neck gowns and capped-sleeve ones have gained momentum.

And, thanks to noted bridal designers like Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier and Angel Sanchez among others, more attention is being brought to a bride’s sweeter sensibilities. Now you’re likely to find sweeping looks that incorporate draping overlays, velvet waist ribbons and sashes, lots of chantilly lace and bows that are thin and wispy or big and bell-like.

Some gowns are full and full-length this season while others are tea-length and fit closer to the body. Drop-waist, natural-waist and empire-waist gowns are all accounted for, too, although trains appear to be going the direction of the dinosaur.

One reason for this, some say, is the onslaught of destination weddings, which are held out of town, on a beach or cruise ship far away from one’s familiar church or synagogue. Such venues often mean that the bride must tug along her dress; thus, the simpler the dress, the better.

Bridal hair
Soft and romantic is what’s in this bridal season when it comes to hair, area stylists say. You might see a slicked-back chignon under a veil or two, but chances are it will include a few petal curls on top, says Bob Pitts, who co-owns Studio 703 in Chesterfield, Mo.

Loosely tousled waves are most popular for brides with longer hair, he says.

‘‘Most hairstyles are a little bit more retro,’’ he says, and most start thinking of a plan to grow out their hair shortly following their engagement.

But don’t look for too many flowers in the hair. Pitts says hair is kept fairly plain, with the exception of possibly a tiara.

Source: The Pueblo Chieftain

Fashion designer Alya Milusheva has told a fantastic bridal fairy-tale with her new VIP collection presented in Lozenetz residence on the last day of May.

The new collection „Confession in white“ interprets a legend about love and the magic of the wedding dress. Every taken shot of a dress was matching to the look of model who had worn it. The wicked seductiveness of Magi, the charm of Aksinia, the subduing innocence of Dilyana, the graceful sex-appeal of Yulia and the tempting charm of Desi were revealed and confessed in the bridal beauty and brilliance.

All models within the collection of Alya Milusheva bring the spirit of an aristocratic past in a perfect combination with the impressive modernism. Colors are airy like silk – pastel nuances of ecru, peach and pink mixtured together with the light blue opal and golden. Elegant silk materials fall down the body shapes sculpturing the silhouettes of ancient goddesses who had saved their souls for centuries. The symbol of this is built of contradictions and excluding each others elements as only a woman could express them. Spanish motives and a classical aristocratism are bound in one of the models and it is done the same way as the hot nature and cold tenacity are interlaced in the mentality of a strong woman.

All wedding dresses are ornate arranged with lace, crystals, embroideries and Svarovski gems. That’s why they will do every bride shining and feeling herself the most special woman in the world exactly on her own most memorable day – the wedding day! One more thing contributes the above namely a plenty of flowery elements – many small airy flowers which look like engraved into material, some of them delicate another ones vivid. Collection was made of different materials as French lace, organza, Italian materials under the brands of Valentinо, Ungaro, Sophie Hallette and Lusi Ricamificio specially requested by Alya. For each dress are used about 15-20 meters of fabric.

Source: Fashion.bg

When a friend asked Reem Acra to design her wedding gown several years ago, she complied and as they say, the rest is history. What began as a luxury bridal company has turned into a burgeoning evening wear business and Ms. Acra has begun to expand the collection to include daywear as well. She has not only garnered an enviable list of loyal fans and clients around the world (including stars and celebrities like Marcia Cross and Angelina Jolie), but her designs are sold in the best and most exclusive stores around the world. In fact, Reem has described her style as: “multi-cultural European mixed with a New York modern approach..very couture”.

It is truly an international business, which is why her recent move from a showroom in the east 30’s to her spectacular space in the landmark Crown building (at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th street - truly the crossroads of the world), with its roster of international tenants, could not be more symbolic or more fitting.

But more than that, the new building and the new location has proved highly inspirational and the results of which were apparent in her 27 piece resort collection unveiled Thursday morning. The formal presentation took place in her fabulously appointed second floor showroom (which had been the Kennedy Gallery and was completely gutted and quickly redesigned by herself and her brother).

According to Ms. Acra’s program notes, “the color palette was inspired by my cab ride to the new showroom from my home in Chelsea. I was taken with the wonderful pop-of-color the flowers on the boulevard of Park Avenue created. I especially loved the effect the marigolds, geraniums and grass greens had against the sleek, sophisticated taupes, bronzed golds and blacks of the building’s facades. All prints reflect my new view of Central Park and its evolving landscape.”

The well edited and flawlessly conceived lineup of cocktail dresses, blouses and skirts, and evening gowns (with nary a pant in sight) hit all the right notes and offered variety in terms of silhouette, shape, length, color. Point/Counterpoint. There was volume and there was narrow; there was tailored and there was draping; there was bold color and there was black and white; there were solids and there were prints.

Fabrics used were very couture like silk taffeta, silk gazar, silk satin, silk chiffon, double face wool crepe, tulle, and jersey and while some dresses were unadorned, others boasted her trademark (lavish yet restrained) embroidery, including her signature embroidered ‘necklaces’. With those pieces, the jewelry is already built in to the clothes so you don’t need to add anything else. Just think, you don’t have to fumble around your jewelry box to get the perfect accessory. Talk about modern, e asy, and quick. One- step dressing!

Source: DFR

The modern bride has seemingly endless options this season. The trends are many, but all have one thing in common: the expression of creativity from the bride herself.

The latest bridal gown craze is a trend toward a cultural or ethnic dress. These gowns can be as simple as a sheath or very detailed with lace and pearl touches. The key elements for a culturally inspired dress are colors such as gold, red and magenta.

Another hot trend is the Victorian-inspired puffy sleeve and high-collar gown. Designers Carmela Sutera and Christos have mastered the stunning old- world influence.

Strapless dresses are always a hit. This season’s take on the ever-glamorous style is to add a bit of a flare and layers of fabric to the bottom.

Flowery frills and touches are also popular. Reem Acra showed a big, colorful flower attached like a brooch to the front of a beautifully simple silk gown. Monique Lhuillier has loads of cutout flowers attached to a sweet, strapless, A-line gown.

Short, sassy, whimsical and wacky are the trends for short looks. Henry Roth showed a strapless organza polka-dot dress that screamed ‘50 sass.

The contemporary bride has a lot of fun choices ahead. Buy some magazines, visit several shops and try on numerous dresses before you make your decision. Your wedding is the place to express yourself. It’s your red-carpet moment. Make it shine!

Source: Tuscon Citizen

For those of you who are planning to get married in a Mid Summer Night’s Dream style, Maki Nishiyama, and CamCan model, has unveiled her bridal dresses for her Bon Visage Collection. She modelled her own red wedding gown during the launch of the event, March this year and looked stunningly beautiful according to people who were present there.

The picture above is her in one of her wedding dress designs. Her motives are very fairy tale like, who doesn’t want a fairy tale wedding really. Check out Bon Visage website for more of her wedding dresses and design.

Source: <3Yen

It could have been packed away in tissue paper, its one day of glory over.

But the Duchess of Cornwall loved her wedding dress too much to leave it at the back of her wardrobe.

So she decided to wear it again - at the opening of the National Assembly of Wales.

Before and after: Camilla on her big day… and two years on at the opening of the Welsh Assembly

The Prince of Wales, an avid recycler, was sure to approve of his wife’s fashion sense.

The Robinson Valentine oyster coat and chiffon dress was last seen at the couple’s civil wedding at Windsor’s Guildhall two years ago.

Yesterday’s outing had a few minor adjustments, with Camilla swopping her wedding hat for another with an upturned brim.

Then she added a triple string of pearls and a different pair of shoes. She made sure, however, to pin on the diamond brooch in the shape of the Prince of Wales feathers she wore on her wedding day.

Camilla appears to be following a fashion set by her sister-in-law, Princess Anne, arguably the most frugal member of the Royal Family.

She has been proudly wearing the same outfits for up to 30 years.

Source: Daily Mail

China’s top fashion brand NE-TIGER recently held a marvel wedding attire show during the 2007 Millionaire Fair held in China’s fashion capital Shanghai.

A model wears NE-TIGER’s Chinese-red wedding attire at a fashion show during the 2007 Millionaire Fair in Shanghai in this recent photo. [Photo: CRI Online]

With a theme to demonstrate its Chinese-style wedding attire, NE-TIGER laid on hand-made modern fashion with Chinese red. All works are made of Nanjing Yunjin silk brocade, a renowned silk fabric.

The Millionaire Fair was held from June 1 to 3 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. It rounded up international brands such as Rolls-Royce, Dior and Cartier.

The fair was originally a Dutch luxury lifestyle event founded by the Gijrath Media Group. It’s now celebrated as the world’s leading lifestyle fair in Amsterdam, Kortrijk, Cannes, Moscow and Shanghai.

Source: CCTV International

The Bridal Africa 2007 Young Designer Awards ceremony took place on 25 May 2007 at Gallagher Estate. The Awards were part of the Bridal Africa 2007 exhibition, a weekend-long extravaganza to display all things bridal.

The competition for the awards was strong but, of course, there could only be one winner. NichePro, in association with Fashion Group SA, is delighted to congratulate the 2007 winner, Louis Rohrs, for his cutting-edge multicultural bridal design in the Bridal Africa 2007 Young Designer Awards competition.

The competition was open to young people studying fashion design at colleges, universities and technikons as well as to independent fashion designers. Each young designer was required to create a garment and headdress to illustrate and enhance the theme of a multicultural fantasy bride. These designs showcased the individual participants’ talents, creativity and imagination using various inspired materials.

“The Bridal Africa positioning of ‘Multicultural Bridal Fantasy’ aims to incorporate and grow the broad expanse of many individual and fusion of cultures that Africa has to offer any young bridal couple wishing to show some unique style on their big day”, says Dee Reuvers, managing director of NichePro (Pty) Ltd.

The panel of judges consisted of key individuals from the world of fashion. It included the couturier Julian, Fred Eboka from Eboka Design Studio, Max Bloch from Bridal Wholesalers and board members from Fashion Group SA.

All the finalists displayed spectacular creations in a fashion show extravaganza, which culminated in the announcement of the winner of the Bridal Africa 2007 Young Designer of the year – Louis Rohrs from LISOF. Rhonddi le Roux, also from LISOF, took second place while Caroline Potgieter from the North West School of Design secured third place.

Rohrs is currently in the second year of a three-year fashion design course at LISOF. The course is highly practical and his studies place emphasis on conceptualisation and innovation. Additional focus is given to the application of fashion. “Studying fashion trends, sketching designs of clothing, selecting colours and fabrics, and overseeing the final production were a dream come true. It is a continuous learning curve and an amazing experience that will inspire me for years to come,” says Rohrs. The design process for the Bridal Africa Young Designer Awards – from initial design inception to final production – took Rohrs only a few weeks to complete, and landed him the honour of becoming this year’s top young designer.

As the winner of this year’s competition, NichePro will continue to provide a platform for Rohrs to work from. They will include Rohrs’ designs in the fashion show for the 2008 Young Designer Awards and, in addition, will allow him to participate in the exhibition to showcase his design capability.

Wendy Sing a well known South African fashion designer had this to say: “It is always exciting to see how the Young Designers interpret the ‘multicultural fantasy bride’ wedding theme. The judges have a wonderful & daunting task in choosing a winner because all of them are amazing. Bridal Africa offers them the most wonderful springboard into the intriguing world of fashion. The fashion show produced by Eleanor Ford must leave the young designers in tears of pride. Bravo to all of them.”

The Bridal Africa Young Designer Awards aim to assist, promote and develop talented young designers. They are a creative forum that enables NichePro, in association with Fashion Group SA, to continue with their ongoing endeavour to uncover new, promising fashion talent in Africa.

“Bridal Africa is the only national platform that successfully hosts the Bridal Africa Young Designer Awards (in association with the non profit organisation – Fashion Group SA) - developing the skills of small business and thus contributing towards the growth of the fashion industry. The social responsibility contribution that Bridal Africa makes to young designers in launching their careers is hugely satisfying”, says Reuvers.

NichePro, in association with Fashion Group SA, invites and encourages all young fashion designers to participate in the forthcoming Bridal Africa 2008 Young Designer Awards competition. For more information, visit www.bridalafrica.co.za.