Wedding Gowns & Bridal Fashion

It should be the first stop for the bride-to-be seeking to create a signature style befitting the occasion. A fashion veteran with 26 years of experience—10 in bridal—Mark Ingram opened the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier after four years as national sales director of Amsale Bridal. The New York City-based boutique is a tranquil haven amidst the inevitable drama of wedding planning. “We make brides feel relaxed and cared for, and we adorn them in gowns that put them as close to perfection as possible,” Ingram says.

Regardless of a bride’s preferred style—sexy, romantic, understated—Ingram’s full-service salon (www.bridalatelier.com) outfits brides with elegance and sophistication. The boutique’s inventory features 15 to 20 designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Angel Sanchez, Anne Barge, and Carolina Herrera. Clients are seen only by appointment, the first of which is an in-depth discussion. “Most women don’t know what they’re looking for [in a bridal gown], because most have never shopped for a dress of this magnitude. We expose them to various styles and educate them about construction, fit, and fabric.”

To snag fabulous gowns at below-market prices, Ingram advises shopping at sample sales and trunk shows—the showing for a limited time of a designer’s entire collection. At Ingram’s trunk shows, designers train the staff on the dresses’ ideal fit and the design philosophy. He holds sample sales three to four times a year, during which dresses are priced at up to 50% off. He also donates gowns to women’s charities for resale.

A bride must consider several important elements when creating her wedding day look, including her budget, the event’s setting and tone, and the time of year. The standard gown price is $3,800—$4,500; higher-end gowns begin at $5,000. If the event is grand, the gown must be equally so. If it isn’t, Ingram cautions, the bride runs the risk of being overshadowed at her own event. Conversely, a gown appropriate for Tavern on the Green would not be suitable for an island wedding at the shore. Says Ingram: “The bride herself must shine, not the dress.”

Source: Black Enterprise

Bridal design has long been the stepchild of the fashion world, but a recent wave of chic gown design has taken the corniness out of duchess satin. Siman Tu Jewelry Gallery (860 Lexington Ave., nr. 65th St.; 212-327-4626) moves wedding jewelry in the same direction. Unlike the designs of other bridal costume jewelers, whose froufrou creations can look cheap, Tu’s handmade designs are sophisticated and dazzling—and, admittedly, more expensive. He uses Austrian crystal and freshwater pearls, among other materials, in bib necklaces (from $300) and tiaras (from $400). Besides the bridal bling, there are two rooms filled with bold, Art Deco– and organic-looking pieces.

There was a variety of reasons men could not make it Sunday to the Wedding Fair at the American Bank Center.

“He’s at work,” said bride-to-be Megan Escobedo, of her fiance.

“Her fiance is in the Air Force, stationed in Kansas,” said Velma Camacho, whose daughter Vanessa is getting married next month.

“I really didn’t give him a choice,” said Melissa Fonseca, who recently had a child and is planning her own wedding. “I said, ‘I’m leaving, and you’re staying home to take care of the baby.’ ”

What was highly visible at the event — mothers. While the bi-annual fair, which attracted more than 2,000 people, also brought some potential grooms, mothers and other older female relatives were a formidable presence. They joined daughters and future daughters-in-law as they tried cake, cast critical gazes at decorations and dresses and networked with planners.

Camacho, who sat down with a cake sample as she waited for a bridal fashion show to begin, said she saw the day as an opportunity to relive and revamp her own wedding-planning experience more than 30 years ago. She said she took a backseat then when it came to setting up her big day.

“Back then, mom and dad did more of the planning than the bride did,” she said. “Now, I’m helping out, but I’m letting my daughter decide what she wants.”

Tim Lyons, co-owner of B&T Rentals, said 80 percent of calls his business receives are from mothers of brides.

“There are some couples, but normally, it’ll be the mother and the daughter,” he said. “The guy thing is the bachelor party and maybe the honeymoon.”

While Christina Trudeau, manager of Electric Tan, joked that “men just get in the way,” laser technician April Hinojosa said having mom around adds a feeling of comfort and stability to the planning of a major life change.

Escobedo said she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“She needs to be involved in everything,” she said. “Her opinion means more to me than anything.”

More shows from Wedding Fair Events

Source: Caller.com

Osnat Gad has been a renowned leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of wedding rings for more than 25 years. She wrote a wonderful book called Wedding Rings where history and romance comes together. Osnat tells us how she got interested in jewelry design and shares her personal design philosophy about the perfect symbol of eternal love. The precious circle signifies love has no beginning and no end. The ring symbolizes unity and your commitment to marriage.

Find out where the first known exchange of rings as objects of love took place. We discuss the evolution of the wedding ring and how this tradition got started. Are wedding rings viewed differently today? Listen and find out.

Every culture interprets the placement of the ring in its own way. One longstanding tradition is that the wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand. Hear more about this custom here and around the world.

Osnat discusses different metal and stone options. We find out more about gold and platinum. We ask Osnat when diamonds came into style as bridal jewelry. Learn more about yellow diamonds, a personal favorite of Osnat’s.

This is an important time for communication. Osnat recommends how couples should shop for engagement and wedding rings. The guy isn’t sure what you really want yet wants to please. Is it okay to tell your boyfriend what you like and don’t like?

Osnat shares great ideas how to adorn your personal style. Do you want to engrave your ring with a name, a special date, a pet name or private message? Have you considered stackable rings? Ever hear about a torture ring? What better way to celebrate your continuing commitment you have to one another than with an anniversary ring?

You will want to make sure your rings fit for a lifetime. Be realistic. Osnat tells us that your finger size may change and the possibility of re-sizing. How should you clean your rings? What if a diamond is loose? Osnat has great practical advice.

Osnat’s best expert advice: Hear each other. Learn to share. Wedding rings are the most personal gifts between two people in love.

Jason Smith, 23, walked around Century II Exhibition Hall bewildered. He was sure that among the white dresses with silver trim, the chocolate fountains and the delicate floral arrangements he would find his fiancee of one year, 22-year-old Ashley Will.

“I’ve been trying to keep up and trying not to lose her,” he said. “I’ll focus on one thing and then she’s gone.”

Smith wasn’t the only groom-to-be in a trance. Several others accompanied their soon-to-be spouses at the Bridal & Prom Expo on Sunday .

Through the eyes of the brides, the fair had it all in one convenient location — dress, flowers, tuxes, entertainment, green party bus. For some grooms, however, it was all they could do to keep track of their fiancees amid the chaos.

Once they’d had a chance to take it all in, some admitted they actually enjoyed it.

“I’ve been impressed,” Smith grinned. “I’ve been here three hours.”

Will looked at her watch and corrected him: “Almost two.”

Jay Crosby, 21, said he was overwhelmed by all the wedding planning.

“I let her do it all,” he said, nodding toward 20-year-old fiancee Christina Matias. “All we agreed on is the colors. The rest, she could do it.”

Matias, who said she had a lot of things already planned, said the colors would be gold and orange.

“I don’t know about that,” Crosby said. “It’s too close together. We’ll talk about it.”

Not every groom felt dumbfounded. Jorge Orellana, 30, was able to get cheaper deals on the cake and tuxes for his October wedding to 36-year-old Yvette Valdez.

“The main reason we came was to have the nicest wedding possible for the least amount possible,” he said. “I’ve been getting lots of ideas. I thought it was going to be boring.”

Valdez said that it took her three days to drive around to different shops for her wedding. But the last-minute preparations, she said, are going to be done in no time.

“It’s all in one spot,” Valdez said, smiling, as she hugged her fiance.

Source: Kansas.com

Nina Duong, bridal and fashion industry leader was interviewed in her Yorkville bridal salon by TheRingBearer.ca, an online wedding magazine. Nina Duong will be the first Canadian wedding gown designer featured on TheRingBearer.ca.

TheRingBearer.ca, launching August 2007, will offer assistance and solutions to the many frustrations that a bride and groom go through.

“We are all about giving Canadian bridal consumers options that are locally driven and ethnically diverse, part of that is showcasing Canada’s wedding industry and highlighting some of our up and coming stars like Nina Duong,” said Richard Ross, co-creator of the site.

“Seeing the brides leaving truly satisfied with their dress is what keeps me going,” said the designer during the interview. “If the bride is not happy, I’m not happy”.

Nina Duong Haute Couture is a bridal and fashion industry leader with the newest and hottest styles of wedding and special occasions apparel. It was founded in 2001 in Toronto, Ontario by Nina Duong.

Nina Duong Haute Couture has quickly established an outstanding reputation in Canada and the US. The Nina Duong Haute Couture gowns are sawn using the most exquisite fabrics from around the world, while specializing in pure silks. The garments are enhanced through the use of fine quality lace, Swarovski crystals, pearls and other notions.

Nina Duong Haute Couture is able to perfectly fulfill any demands i.e. unique, extravagant, traditional, modern or ethnic.

Source: BharatTextile.com

In “101 Uses for a Bridesmaid Dress,” (William Morris and Company, Inc, $20) author Cindy Walker pokes good-natured fun at the idea of re-using bridesmaid dresses. She suggests things like making them into lampshades, or dressing snowmen with them. She confesses to choosing dresses for her attendants that deserved such a fate.

Today, however, there is a real possibility of getting more than one day’s wear from bridal party finery.

“Bridesmaid dresses don’t have to be cookie-cutter matches any more,” says Ingrid Kelly, special events coordinator for David’s Bridal in Conshohocken, Pa. “There are mix-and-match separates that allow bridesmaids to choose the style they prefer and are therefore more likely to reuse. Tops range from strapless to short sleeve and the skirts come in varying lengths with lots of color options. There are combinations that will flatter any body type and appeal to any taste.”

If the decision is for everyone to wear the same dress, Kelly suggests that individual preferences be addressed in the choice of color. A palette of different shades of the same color or a rainbow of complementary colors allows each woman to appear in her best light.

Another way to help insure that the dress worn on the wedding day will get additional use is to incorporate the fall fashion colors and trends into bridal party wear.

Kelly notes, “Hollywood glamour and retro elegance are popular themes this season. This look includes lots of draping and a sweeping silhouette. Rhinestone clasps and floral appliqués add interest and sparkle. As for hem lines, the shorter the better. ”

Kelly finds wine/pink, purple/lilac, neutrals like ivory, latte and champagne with touches of black, brown and pink among the season’s hottest colors.

Jessica McClintock makes some similar observations from her San Francisco base. She finds that big changes have occurred in bridesmaid dresses in the last few years and they are reflected in her designs.

“A major difference, and a definite trend for this fall, is the popularity of short skirts. I find that uneven hem lines - longer in the back and shorter in the front - are also in vogue,” McClintock says. “These shorter skirts provide an opportunity to add excitement to the overall look with fancy high-heeled shoes.”McClintock suggests there are likely to be many occasions in which a short dress can be worn after its initial use. The versatility is expanded when the color choice is black, a color she finds favored by many of today’s bridal parties.

“Burgundy and plum are also in the forefront this autumn,” states McClintock. “And pink remains a favorite whatever the season.”

“Although most brides have definite ideas about the look they want for their big day,” McClintock notes, “they seem more willing than ever to take their bridesmaids’ choices and budgets into consideration.”

Toronto, Ontario– Fashion-forward designer, Nina Duong, is now also considered technology-forward with the Topaz wedding gown collection featured on You Tube website (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiYUZwREmDo).
“I want my clients to have the best technology can offer,” said Nina Duong, designer, before the launch. “You Tube will enable the brides getting married to view the gowns from a different angle,” she added. You Tube features all eight beautifully crafted wedding gowns in 1 minute and 29 second slide show.

YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view, and share video clips. In 2007, a Dutch vocalist and songwriter named Esmée Denters (esmeedenters) was signed to a recording contract by Billy Mann based on her YouTube appearances. A number of figures have grown to prominence and become Internet phenomena on the basis of their appearance in YouTube videos, sometimes referred to as “YouTube celebrities.

Other technological advancements of Nina Duong include her recently launched ND Fashion Blog, which can be viewed at www.ninaduong.com

About Nina Duong Haute Couture
Nina Duong Haute Couture (www.ninaduong.com ) is a bridal and fashion industry leader with the newest and hottest styles of wedding and special occasions apparel. It was founded in 2001 in Toronto, Ontario by Nina Duong. By being able to perfectly fulfill any demands (i.e. unique, extravagant, traditional, modern or ethnic), Nina Duong Haute Couture has quickly established an outstanding reputation in Canada and the US. The Nina Duong Haute Couture gowns are sawn using the most exquisite fabrics from around the world, while specializing in pure silks. The garments are enhanced through the use of fine quality lace, Swarovski crystals, pearls and other notions.

Source: PressMediaWire.com

You don’t have to look at many fall bridal magazines to notice all the wrist action. In fact, after you see couple dozen of these blushing brides with big bracelets, the bride who goes without almost starts to look like a featherless bird.

Where does all this come from? Well, giant-sized jewelry (even paste will do) has fashion directors enthralled. Rings that loom over three fingers? It’s laughable. And yet … charming.

And while most brides aren’t going to don a 2-inch diameter costume ring to be in step with the times, the cuff’s another matter. For one thing, it seems like the missing piece we’ve always needed to set off those sleek, toned-down silhouettes of today’s more minimalistic strapless gowns.

There’s an 80s throwback feel to it, too. These aren’t dainty little straps around the wrist: these are punk princess baubles. Sure, they might be comprised of precious metals or more, but their aesthetic is hardly nostalgic or demure. In fact, for all the sparkle, it’s practically industrial. Bonus: a chunky cuff slenderizes the arm.

Playbook for This Look
Be Discreet. Chunky means lots of volume, not big beads. This is not the place for dangly charms, hunks of rose crystal or beautifully chaotic nests of silver wire that detract from your dress. On the other hand, seed pearls, crystals, and silver and gold are perfect, as long as they’re arranged simply. Let the materials take a step back, while the overall shape steps forward.

Go Wide. Skip the girlish little chain around the wrist and go for cuffs or many-stranded bangles. Or: pile two substantial bracelets on top of each other. They don’t have to match!

Hello, Handsome. You want classic, repetitive metallics or monochromes: a bracelet tailor-made for today’s revised menswear craze. Avoid floral inlays or distracting flashes of color … but just plain flash is more than fine.

Source: WedSmack

As Couples Getting Married This Year Prepare For Hot, Humid And Unpredictable Weather.

With the temperatures and humidity rising, and many instances of unpredictable weather, brides shopping for a wedding gown this year take global warming into account. “Brides tend to purchase two gowns, made from natural fabrics, and more opt to have a destination wedding,” says industry expert and designer, Nina Duong, of Nina Duong Haute Couture.

Without a doubt, global warming is a hot topic that affects us all, even couples getting married factor global warming into their wedding planning. It’s a less talked about trend, but it’s an important one to consider when planning one of the most important day of life. “One of the most common concerns we hear from brides is that they need to plan for the hot and humid weather, and the impact it may have on their special day,” says Nina.

As an expert in the bridal and wedding industry, Nina has experienced first-hand how global warming is affecting bridal trends. She reports that more than ever, brides are planning destination weddings as a popular way to avoid city heat and humidity. Couples prefer to get married on the beach, out of town, or out of country all together. Destination weddings are easier to plan now than they have ever been, and there are many great locations across the globe that can suite every bride’s specific wedding dreams.

Another popular trend emerging in the age of global warming is that many brides are opting to purchase two gowns – one for the wedding ceremony and photographs and then another, less extravagant and more comfortable dress to wear for the celebration portion of the wedding. A second dress allows a bride all the glitz and glamour she desires for the wedding, but it also allows her an opportunity to be cool, comfortable and secure during the celebration with friends and family.

A third trend – and perhaps the most important– is that as temperatures rise, women need natural, comfortable fabrics that will allow the brides to avoid perspiration and to remain elegant throughout the course of the day. As a wedding gown expert, Nina Duong suggests looking for dresses that are made of the best quality silks and satins. “These fabrics are light enough to allow the bride added comfort and flow for her special day,” says the designer.

Today’s brides are aware of global warming and are doing their best to plan and accommodate the impact the weather will have on their special day. Consulting a bridal expert is a great way to get professional advice on how to keep up with the new trends.

About Nina Duong Haute Couture
Nina Duong Haute Couture (www.ninaduong.com ) is a bridal and fashion industry leader with the newest and hottest styles of wedding and special occasions apparel. It was founded in 2001 in Toronto, Ontario by Nina Duong. By being able to perfectly fulfill any demands (i.e. unique, extravagant, traditional, modern or ethnic), Nina Duong Haute Couture has quickly established an outstanding reputation in Canada and the US. The Nina Duong Haute Couture gowns are sawn using the most exquisite fabrics from around the world, while specializing in pure silks. The garments are enhanced through the use of fine quality lace, Swarovski crystals, pearls and other notions.

Source: PR Urgent

New Ross girl, Amy Furlong has recently launched an exciting new bridal fashion magazine.

South East Wedding Magazine is unique to the region and offers the bride and groom to be the definitive guide to planning their special day.

Amy, who hails from Southknock New Ross, is the daughter of Una and Joe Furlong. Having completed an Honors degree in Art & Photography in W.I.T. Amy then continued her studies in D.I.T completing an MA in Digital Technology.

Walking into the Leigh Hetherington Bridal shop in an Edwardian apartment in Newcastle’s Old Eldon Square is a breathtaking experience for any bride-to-be.

Satin, silk and lace dresses fill the rails in beautiful coffee, ivory, dusky pink and white shades.
Twinkling tiaras and necklaces glisten in a display cabinet and magazine pages illustrating the dresses are framed on the walls.

Sadly I’m not here to choose a fabulous dress for my big day (I’ve already done that and once is it for me!) but to speak to Leigh, who is quickly making waves with her fabulous bespoke dresses, and to Katy Melling, a photographer who is making waves with her beautifully-shot natural wedding pictures.

Both have entered a traditional business and both are determined to bring a freshness back into women’s big days. Leigh describes her enjoyment of creating the fabulous designs, which are stocked by exclusive bridal boutiques from Ireland to London.

“It’s fabulous,” she says: “I’m being creative, making wonderful dresses and working with the most amazing materials. “Beautiful lace, satins, silks, chiffons – I couldn’t wish for a better job.”

Leigh is emphatic the region’s dress designers are among some of the best in the country. “What is also so wonderful is that we have the designers now to make fabulous dresses up here.”
Her work speaks for itself. Leigh began working from home and now runs her two-storey shop in Old Eldon Square, where she employs four people.

Leigh’s inspiration for the dresses comes from a host of sources – film, theatre, art, current and past fashion trends.

Source: icNewcastle

Princess Diana’s wedding dress will grace Sydney in a major coup for the Powerhouse Museum.

On loan from the Spencer family’s 500-year-old ancestral home Althorp Estate, Diana: A Celebration features more than 150 items that chronicle Diana’s life from childhood through to her rocky royal years.

Her 1981 wedding gown, diamond tiara, veil and 7.5m train help form the exhibition’s centrepiece Royal Wedding Gallery.

Fashion fans can see the Versace, Chanel, Dior and Lacroix dresses, suits and couture gowns Diana wore along with portraits of her ancestors, Spencer family jewels and other precious Althorp artifacts.

Family films from her childhood, photos, personal possessions and private letters offer a rare insight.

During the northern summer the exhibition resides at Althorp House, Northamptonshire, but in recent years has toured US, Canada and Japan in its “off season”. This is its furthest trip and its first time in Australia.

Powerhouse curator Glynis Jones said the exhibit also included material covering Diana’s support for AIDs, charities, homeless people and landmine victims.

“Australians have long had a special affection for Diana, with fond memories of her boundless spirit and her extraordinary kindness and evotion to others,” she said.

Ms Jones promised “a rare and intimate glimpse into her world and the many roles for which she became known, from the young bride who captured our hearts, to the icon of fashion and style, and as a humanitarian campaigner”.

The exhibition opens on September 29.

Source: Sunday Telegraph

It’s shopping as a full-contact sport. And the women who take part in the “Running of the Brides” at Filene’s Basement in Chicago wouldn’t have it any other way.
The latest bargain stampede takes place Friday at the Filene’s Basement at One North State Street at 8 a.m. Many brides-to-be and their helpers literally pounce on dresses priced from $249-$699 that might otherwise cost as much as $9,000.

“We promise our vendors that we won’t reveal the labels, but I can say that these are well-known names featured regularly on the pages of popular brides’ magazines,” said Anna Podore, the Basement’s wedding gown buyer. Which is why, when the doors open, there is a mad dash to the racks — held up by store employees so they don’t topple — and those racks are usually stripped bare in under a minute. Then it’s time for the women to strip — down to leotards, sports bras or even underwear — to try on the gowns right on the sales floor.

If it doesn’t quite fit, a seamstress can do the trick, and the bride can still come out way ahead. But what happens if a petite bride found she pounced on a size 14 dress in pink chiffon instead of a size 4 in white satin? That’s when the real fun begins, as the women start bartering to find the right designer or size. It’s a ritual that turns Filene’s Basement into an old- fashioned bazaar.

Filene’s Basement will open early for the sale at 8:00am and close at 8:00pm. Checks, credit cards and cash are accepted. For more information go to http://www.filenesbasement.com.

Source: PRNewswire

The occasion of marriage is a special one for any person. In India, it is considered a highly sacred bond. An Indian woman regards the day of her marriage as the most important day in her life. To make this special day perfect, preparations go on for months on end in Indian households. Jewelry plays a very important role in Indian weddings. An Indian bride is usually decked up from head to toe in beautiful jewelry that complements her attire and her personality.

Typically, an Indian bride uses the following ornaments:

Maangtika or tiara: The tiara, called the Maangtika in Hindi, is used to adorn the centre forehead parting of the bride. Maangtikas are now available in different styles and colors. Usually, for bridal wear, a Maangtika with a decorative centre piece is preferred, with a long string. In the modern times, tiaras in the form of crowns are also being used.

Hair accessories: The trend of using hair accessories is getting highly popular in today’s times. It is fast becoming a fashion statement. The hair accessories should co-ordinate with the attire of the bride. If the bride’s dress is studded with diamonds, hair accessories encrusted with diamonds can be used. Pearl headgear and silver hairpins are also in vogue in the fashion world. In certain communities in India, elaborate headgear made of flowers is used as part of bridal wear.

Earrings: Earrings are available in every imaginable style and color. They range from small, delicate ones to dangling, heavy ones. Earrings are available in different metals and using different gemstones or pearls. Nowadays, the trend is to wear earrings covering the whole ear. Brides typically wear earrings that are attached to a chain, which is hooked in the hair.

Nose ring: The nose ring traditionally worn by Indian brides is in the form of a ring, which is attached to a chain that is hooked in the hair. It is called ‘Nath’ in Hindi. In certain castes, the nose ring is worn without the chain. With the changing fashions, the nose ring is also undergoing a change. It is now available in different styles and is fast becoming a fashion statement.

Necklace: The necklace is the most versatile piece of bridal jewelry in today’s times. It is available in a variety of styles and colors. The type of necklace is chosen depending upon the neckline of the bride’s dress as well as the color and pattern. According to fashion experts, a long necklace would look good with a deep neck, while a choker would suit a smaller neckline.

Armbands: An armband is called ‘Bajubandh’ in Hindi. It is also a widely used piece of bridal jewelry, which is worn on the upper part of the arms.

Bangles: The bangles are one of the most important part of a bride’s attire. A variety of bangles made of different metals and studded with different gemstones and pearls is available in the market today. Nowadays, bracelets are becoming popular as bridal wear.

Finger rings: Finger rings are also one of the most important pieces of bridal jewelry. There are a number of styles available in the market in case of rings. Like other jewels, rings are also available in different metals, colors and gemstones. Generally, finger rings are worn on the ring fingers. However, finger rings can be worn on several fingers, as per the preference of the bride.

Ring bracelet: A ring bracelet is a bracelet that is attached to finger rings by way of chains. It is a custom in certain castes in India to wear ring bracelets.

Waistband: A waistband, popularly known as ‘Kamarbandh’ in India, is highly popular as part of wedding attire. It can be used both with sarees and lehngas.

Anklets: Anklets are also an important part of the bridal attire in most Indian communities. They are available in a number of styles today. Anklets are fast becoming a fashion statement.

Toe rings: Toe rings are available in various designs – in silver, with minakari, kundan and beads. Like anklets, they are also becoming a fashion accessory in the modern times. They are an important part of wedding customs in certain Indian castes.

While choosing jewelry, it should be ensured that all the pieces complement each other and match perfectly with the bride’s attire. The budget is also an important factor under consideration while selecting the type of jewelry.

Bridal jewelry can be made from different metals, the most preferred ones being gold, silver and platinum. Sometimes precious gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds are used.

Nowadays, brides get their wedding jewelry specifically designed by jewelry designers so as to suit their taste and attire. Different pieces of jewelry are designed for different ceremonies in the marriage such as the engagement, Mehndi, Sangeet and the reception.

People from different communities prefer different kinds of jewelry. For instance, Sindhi families prefer diamond jewelry while South Indians prefer jewelry made from solid gold.

Today, new trends in jewelry are coming up almost every day. Designer jewelry in different shapes, colors and textures is now easily available in the markets. Brides now prefer wearing traditional designs in lighter weight. The choice is shifting to jewelry that can be worn on different occasions, instead of wearing it for the wedding only.

The choice of bridal jewelry is one of the most important considerations in an Indian wedding. It is necessary that the jewelry be suitable to the bride’s personality and well-coordinated so that the bride looks her best on her special day.

Source: Fibre2fashion.com

Bridal dress designer Monique Lhuillier leapt into the wedding business on a whim. Having had a difficult time finding her own gown, Lhuillier, a 23-year-old newlywed at the time, decided to begin sketching her own line of dresses. Her husband figured it was little more than a hobby, one that she would tire of soon enough. “He thought I had the wedding blues and eventually I’d get over it,” she says, chuckling warmly.

That was a decade ago, and Lhuillier (Lo-lee-ay) is still not over it. In fact, she’s now regarded as one of the premier designers in the bridal industry, and her “hobby” has become a thriving enterprise that grossed more than $20 million last year. Her wedding gowns, ranging in price from $2,000 to $25,000, have been worn by the likes of Christine Baumgartner (wife of Kevin Costner) and the rock star Pink. After sporting jeans and a tacky midriff-baring top for her first walk down the aisle — an embarrassing quickie in Vegas — Britney Spears chose a lace Lhuillier creation for her second marriage, to Kevin Federline.

“I took 30 of my gowns to a secret location, because I didn’t want Britney to miss out on the experience of shopping for the dress,” the designer recalls one recent afternoon in her Los Angeles office. “She was so excited. She tried on two dresses, and she knew.”

In 2002, Lhuillier launched a line of evening wear (red-carpet numbers) as well as ready-to-wear clothes that are perfect for power lunches and charity events. Both have been big with boldface names like Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson. “I look at what void I have in my closet and try and fill that,” says Lhuillier, whose designs are available in high-end stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. “Usually, if it strikes a chord with me, it strikes a chord with the customer.”

That was certainly the case several years ago, when Lhuillier decided that she wanted to bring a splash of color to her wedding gowns. Sashes in hues like celadon and copper, rose and periwinkle quickly followed. “It became hugely popular, and that became her signature,” says “Modern Bride’s” Antonia van der Meer. “It’s a beautiful touch and allows for personalization. You can have a traditional dress, but the sash adds a little kick.”

Lhuillier is as much a businesswoman as she is an artist. Her father, a French mogul, introduced her to the idea of entrepreneurship. Born and raised in the Philippines, she says much of her fashion sense comes from her Filipino mom, a former model, who dressed her four children in matching outfits. After attending boarding school in Switzerland, Lhuillier studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in L.A. She met her future husband, Tom Bugbee, while she was a senior; he was an accountant. Once his wife’s hobby began to take off, he left his job to become her partner professionally, too.

The business grew quickly. The first year, she was showing at West Coast bridal stores; a few years later, she was in Saks. “Her gowns were taking a modern classic, like lace, and making it young and fresh,” van der Meer says. “It really caught on. She is always one step ahead.”

The Lhuillier brand keeps evolving. The designer will team with Royal Doulton in October to launch a fine china and stemware collection. In September, she’ll open a new bridal boutique, a sprawling space on bustling Melrose Place.

And yet, it’s a business collaboration from a few years ago that still makes her giddy. Mattel invited Lhuillier to design her very own Monique Lhuillier Bridal Dress Barbie, and she was given full creative license. For the designer who spent many an afternoon in Barbie-land, “it was really a dream come true,” she says. One of her dolls now sits prettily in a glass case in her office. “Looking at her,” says Lhuillier, smiling, “I feel like I’ve really come a long way.”

Lhuillier’s tips for wedding gown shopping

1. Go in with an open mind. You may think you know what you’re looking for and what works for you, but you have to try on several different dresses.

2. Don’t shop with too many people. You’ll just get confused, because everyone has an opinion. Listen to the little voice inside of you.

3. Fit is key. Be as comfortable as you can in your wedding gown. The better it fits, the happier you will be on the big day.

Source: USA Weekend Magazine

The wedding “season” is here in earnest! And designers everywhere are busy creating dresses to bring brides’ dreams to reality.

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. But the first real concern for the bride is to have the perfect dress and look stunning on the day.

Even women who always seem certain about their everyday wardrobe often waver when choosing a wedding gown. To find a look that is right for you without losing your fashion identity, decide what your regular look is, then find a style that is most like yours.

If you are a glamour girl, go for a sexy, body hugging dress. If you are a true classic, choose a timeless regal gown. And if you are a risk-taker, opt for a bold, fashion-forward style.

A true glamour girl likes to wear sparkly gems and diva-like form-fitting outfits in metallic and other luxurious fabrics.

The glamour bride will channel her inner diva with curve-conscious silhouettes, sultry satin and loads of sparkle. Form-fitting gowns in clingy fabrics or with mermaid / trumpet skirts will highlight an hourglass figure.

Show some skin! Bare shoulders and cleavage are key here, while ornate accents such as rhinestones and artful beading will lend movie star aura! As far as accessories go, amp up the wow factor with a splash of rhinestones and theatrical “opera” gloves.

If your regular look is simple and timeless, you are a true classic. You are the kind of girl who wears pearl studs to work and diamond studs after hours. You cannot be caught dead wearing ripped-up/stonewash jeans. Your look is always simple and timeless. For the true classic bride, time honoured sophistication is effortlessly defined by lovely lace and lady like tulle.

Ball gowns epitomise this look but A-line and trumpet shapes are elegant alternatives. Bodices should be snug but not overly revealing. Consider strapless designs or those that form a V or cross in front. Embellishment will include ribbon embroidery or lace. Keep accessories simple with tiny drop earrings, a single strand of pearls and satin pumps.

Are you the proverbial fashion forward risk-taker? The one who wears outfits that seem out-of-this world? Then catwalk-inspired gowns will suit you and still have a distinctly bridal feel. A risk-taker will favour progressive designs inspired by the unexpected - outerwear or menswear.

Still, these silhouettes can remain feminine. Modern boleros with flirty cuffs/collar will add extra flair. Delicate details such as rhinestone buttons, chiffon trim and floral accents will make a dress special enough for a wedding day. Dare to be different and accessorise with a single elaborate flower in your hair, strands of fancy costume jewellery and funky wedges in bridal white.

So now you have the perfect look, but remember that tiny details can also ruin your look and therefore your day! Use these unexpected tips to save your big day. These are must-have secret weapons for tackling almost any bridal emergency and all for under Shs15,000!

lSafety pins are handy, but diaper/nappy pins are far stronger and perfect for wedding dress mishaps
lWhite chalk - no matter how big or small, a last minute strain can whip any bride into a frenzy. The fastest fix is white chalk. Draw it on a pure white dress and it will cover up virtually any stain in an instant.

lSand paper! - The soles of new shoes can be dangerously slippery. Rub sand paper on the bottom of your shoes to avert a potential slip!
lWhite first aid tape/plaster on a roll - A loose hem does not have to trip you. If you are caught in a pinch, fasten hems with medical tape. It is sturdy and easy to hide beneath the dress.

Source: Daily Monitor

Award-winning fashion designer Vo Viet Chung is very busy these days with a collection for the upcoming Charming Vietnam in Singapore and unprecedented 9-flap ao dai to register for Guinness.

But these are only two of many other things he has in hand at the moment.

Vo Viet Chung, who received an UNESCO badge of merit last year for his efforts to preserve the rare traditional Lanh My A fabric, is also designing ao dai for overseas singer Khanh Ha to wear in her first live shows after many years in Vietnam as well as negotiating with a Hollywood film producer to let him be the designer for an upcoming movie about Chinese opera theatre starring Ziyi Zhang.

He has to compete with a Chinese and Japanese designer for this project, however. But Vo Viet Chung said he was confident. “What I’ve done makes me believe in myself. They approached me, a young designer in a small and rudimentary fashion industry, and this shows I have made some impressions,” said the young designer.

If he wins, Vo Viet Chung will be the first Vietnamese to be the main designer for a heavily-invested Hollywood project that has nothing to do with traditional Vietnamese fashion.

And even if he loses, designer Chung has already been first many times: the first designer to organise a live fashion show, the first designer to receive a UNESCO award.

Chung attributes his success to good luck and all the passion, time, money and efforts he has put into fashion. Chung said he was so devoted to it that overwork had given him many “serious stomachaches”.

Vo Viet Chung’s office looks very much like that of a fashion designer. Cloth is all over the place. And on the wall are hung dozens of certificates and commendation documents alongside two large-size photos of singer Y Lan and artist Bach Tuyet in his designs.

In her photo, Bach Tuyet writes, “For a talented young friend”. And under his desk stands a big parcel of Vo Viet Chung chemises, whose price tags read over half a million dong each. At present, the designer owns several fashion shops including one for wedding clothes and one for ao dais.

Chung said Vietnamese people were richer and wore better clothes now. “This is a good sign for fashion designers and businesspeople,” added he. Rich and modest-income customers alike are searching for Vo Viet Chung products these days.

Asked what his key to success was, the young designer said, “I used to think that designers should persuade customers to follow designers’ own tastes. But after learning for sometime in Italy and Denmark, I changed my way of thinking.

“My first question now is: Who do I design for? I design for customers so I have to understand them and their tastes. I have to understand and meet the market’s demands. Doing fashion business has more to do with business than with fashion and art.”

And what is his dream now? “My present goal is to promote Vo Viet Chung wedding clothes in order to compete with foreign brand names. And I’m very confident,” said he.

As for ao dai, he has already established his reputation. “Our people may carry Louis Vuitton bags and wear Louis Vuitton clothes. But when it comes to ao dai, they will prefer Vo Viet Chung.”

In addition, according to Vo Viet Chung, Asia is the new inspiration of Western fashion now. And thus, Asian designers like him need not be afraid when competing with foreign names.

Source: LD

National chains now offer budget bridal collections.

Here’s a surprise for you brides-to-be out there: Retailers such as Target, J. Crew and Lane Bryant are offering wedding lines.

We know what you’re thinking: “A bridal gown from Target? But what about my storybook wedding?!”

Catherine Lippincott, spokeswoman for Lane Bryant in New York City, says gowns offered at traditional stores can look just as stylish and chic as gowns from traditional bridal boutiques.
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And they’re often less expensive.

Worried about getting the right fit? Don’t, because chances are whether you order your dress from Target.com or a boutique, it will need alterations.

Weddings are a booming business in the United States. Last year about 2.5 million couples got married, with the average couple spending about $29,000. Of that, about 10 percent is usually spent on the bride’s gown, veil and accessories, a cost that trailed big-ticket items such as the reception, wedding consultant, rings and photography, according to the Association of Bridal Consultants.

The change also shows the shift in our culture. Today’s bride is hardly a traditional gal. She’s getting married later in life, sometimes twice. Often she’s paying for it with her fiance instead of her parents footing the bill. And more frequently, couples are planning destination weddings that call for more casual wedding apparel.

“Ever since we introduced the bridal collection, Lane Bryant receives rave reviews from customers about how much money they saved by finding a great dress,” Lippincott said. Lane Bryant offers bridal and mother-of-the-bride dresses, ranging in price from $149.50 to $350.50.

The line at Lane Bryant caters to plus-size brides. Like many chain store lines, it’s only available online.

“A size-16 bride deserves all of the same excitement on her wedding day as any of her size-6 friends, and Lane Bryant is dedicated to making that happen at a price she can afford,” Lippincott said.

Lippincott suggests brides order their dresses 8 to 12 weeks in advance, although in-stock dresses can be rushed in a few days. And, yes, dresses can be returned, but not directly to the store. They must be shipped back.

J. Crew started its bridal line back in February 2004, and it includes dresses for the entire wedding party. Heather Lynch McAuliffe, director of public relations for J. Crew, said the company began carrying wedding attire because they were receiving letters from women who were already using J. Crew’s dresses for their special day.

“We created a small capsule collection of sophisticated styles which are designed for anyone walking down the aisle,” McAuliffe said. “We work with some of the most exclusive and famous mills in the world and use the most beautiful and luxurious fabrications, which all of the most high profile designers use.”

The dresses all have J. Crew’s signature clean, crisp lines without heavy embellishments, such as big bows on the derriere or heavy lace trim and beading. The most expensive is a simple raffia embroidered linen gown for $2,450. The cheapest, at $228, is an embossed cotton strapless gown that’s actually designed with a beach wedding in mind.

The bridal line offered at Target.com is by New York-based fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi. It launched on May 5, and items range in price from $9.99 to $159.99, with attire for the entire wedding party available.

The company describes the dresses as “affordable luxury, incorporating sophisticated elegance with just the right touch of glamour into classic silhouettes.”

“My bridal gowns are all reinventions of the classics, providing an affordable alternative for women everywhere,” Mizrahi said in a Target news release.

Imagine how much money could be saved spending just $100 on a wedding dress. That cash could go toward the DJ service, food, honeymoon and more.

It’s almost too good to be true.

And maybe it is. Chances are, brides who desire custom-made elegance won’t be satisfied with “off-the-rack” attire.

Bill Lett has owned and operated Lett’s Bridal Shop in Lansing for 56 years. Lett doesn’t feel the department store lines will be much competition, since his business focuses on catering to the bride in every way for her special day.

“As long as you give customers a good buy, take care of them and treat them well, you’re going to have a good business,” Lett said. “Customers want people who are friendly and honest helping them.”

Sarah Seidl, who got married in East Lansing earlier this month, purchased her dress at the Wedding Bell in Okemos. She said shopping at a boutique was part of the whole wedding experience.

“For a big deal like your wedding, it’s worth it to get the dress that you really want, and not settle for something else,” Seidl said.

Seidl also said she received great service by opting for a bridal boutique.

“Every time I had a question at the Wedding Bell, they answered it, and I never had a problem,” she said.

Katie Love, owner of the Wedding Bell, agrees that excellent service is the key to success.

“As a locally owned bridal shop, the Wedding Bell is committed to providing service that you just can’t get from ordering out of a catalog or in the aisle at Target,” Love said. “We see most of our brides a dozen times before the wedding, answering questions, helping them with accessories, alterations and steaming.

“Your wedding and the planning of it is one of the most important and exciting times in your life,” she added. “Brides shouldn’t cheat themselves out of the experience of shopping for a gown, being pampered and making memories that will last for a lifetime.”

Source: Lansing State Journal

A woman’s wedding day is the best time for her to look her best. This is probably the reason why so many women invest in gowns, make up and jewelry for their wedding day. The bridal jewelry, in particular, is of great importance because it does not only allow a woman to look beautiful and glamorous on her wedding day. It also reflects the preciousness of the occasion. The importance of the bridal jewelry therefore entails proper selection and some know how in buying. When choosing bridal jewelry, take into consideration the following pointers:

Elegant jewelries are fit for a wedding. The wedding is one of the events where a woman should have to be very choosy in the selection of her jewelries. This is for reason that the jewelry reflects how special an occasion is. As such, wearing trendy but cheap looking jewelries on your wedding day is simply a big no. Having elegant jewelries does not mean having to splurge fortunes, though. It simply means being able to choose jewelries that can make you look respectable and elegant on your wedding day.

Classic jewelries are in. Classic stones and precious metals like gold, diamonds and pearls remain to be the most sought after bridal jewelries. Wearing classic jewelries to go along with your wedding gown simply highlights the traditional importance of wedding ceremonies. When you buy classic jewelries for your wedding day, you can keep using these jewelries regardless of time and fashion changes. You may even be able to hand these jewelries over to your daughter someday when she too will enter the bond of marriage.

Your jewelry must complement you and your wedding theme. Your jewelry should match you wedding dress and accessories. Jewelries are best in accentuating your appearance on your wedding day. As such, it is important that when choosing jewelries, you choose colors and styles that do not clash with your gown or wedding theme. If you choose an emerald studded earring, for example, to match you wedding gown that is predominantly accessorized in red flowers and red embroideries, the pair would not match. If you have chosen a blue motif for your wedding, it is also best to choose a jewelry that would not clash with the color blue. Pearls and diamonds, as such, are best choices because their colors easily match and blend with almost all wedding themes and motifs.

If you are on the look out for bridal jewelries that you will use on your great day, remember these tips. You just deserve to have the best and most appropriate jewelry for you to look your best on your big day.

If you belong to the plus size category and love to wear fashionable clothes but shy away from doing so, you are missing out on being part of an industry that is growing faster than Osama bin Laden’s terror network.

Consider this: In 2006 alone, sale of plus size clothing was estimated to be $76 billion. Market hawks say by 2012, this industry will be rocking at a whopping $100-billion mark.

So gear up all ye voluptuous women, shed your inhibitions and grab your shopping bags to enter a world of fashion clothing where you will find everything — from evening gowns, bridal wear, jeans and T- shirts to bras, bikinis, panties and thongs — in your size!

Fashion gurus have long since woken up to the fact that unless they design clothes for the ‘bigger’ half of world population, they will not be able to tap the fashion industry to its fullest potential.

It is no wonder then that almost a decade later, plus size clothing has as many styles, prints and colors as mainstream fashion apparel. All this and more, for this industry doesn’t stitch loose-fitting, baggy clothes to hide over-sized vital statistics.

What you have instead are well-fitting garments that accentuate curves, making plus size people feel and look alluring. Plus size clothing aims to make a woman feel confident and good about herself.

Hence, there’s no point shying away from splashing in a swimming pool with your friends. Don’t feel bad just coz you’re big. Grab a trendy swimwear tailor-made to emphasize your contours and make you feel sexy in the sand.

And if it is your special day to walk down the aisle, you can choose from a wide range of wedding gowns designed for plus size women. Bridal wear for your kind is now available at all leading fashion stores, replete with laces, styles and satin.

Plus size clothing industry does not just cater to women. Even big size men and children can avail themselves of the fashion luxury. From pants, shirts, T-shirts and jackets, every fashion facet is at their disposal.

It is not for nothing that they say: Size does matter!

Source: Fibre2fashion

I know Miss Selfridge probably isn’t the first place you’d look for your bridal attire, but if you’re a fan of vintage fashion, and would like something really “different” for either yourself or your bridesmaids, you could do worse than check out the Vintage Collection they’re currently selling.

It’s stuffed full of beautiful, vintage dresses, some of which would be perfect for a less conventional wedding. I think this 1950s satin prom dress, for instance, could be fabulous as a wedding dress, and there are other gowns which could work for bridesmaids or wedding guests. There’s just one problem, though: this dress, for example, is £750. Ouch. Would you pay that much for a vintage dress?

Source: BridalWave

If you think of the fashion designer Andre Kim as just a flamboyant figure of fun, think again. Kim is a shrewd businessman whose company makes W100 billion (US$1=W928) in sales from products using his name as a brand, and a hard worker who stages over 20 fashion shows per year, at home and abroad. There are 17 trademarks registered at the Korea Industrial Property Office under the name Andre Kim. Among them, a dozen or so are available under design license contracts and those include apartments, air conditioners, credit cards, bedclothes, lingerie and children’s clothes.

Kim is staging yet another fashion show to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations, a major part of a three-day Korean Wave festival, which started Wednesday. The show’s finale featured K-pop star Ivy.

Kim, then, is a crossover figure between pop culture, fashion and a star marketing. His slow, self-taught English and very marked Seoul accent are so unique that comedians love to mimic them. Once accused of contaminating the Korean language with his frequent use of English words such as “elegance”, “fantastic” and “beautiful”, he takes pride in speaking the Queen’s English.

You hold a lot of design licenses from apartments to refrigerator to air conditioner to children’s clothes. You must make good money.
“I’m very thankful. It seems many Koreans are disappointed that I only make haute couture. I want to make prêt-a-porter in the future, but that’s still just a plan. So I found a way to get closer to everyone through popular items like lingerie.”

Do you design all your products yourself?
“I bring my unique style and ideas to every item. Designers design items based on my ideas, and I make the final decision.”

For many decades, there have been rumors and gossip about him. Long Korea’s only male fashion designer and famous for wearing makeup, he has adopted and raised a son but never married. His proclivity to use beautiful male models has also raised some eyebrows.

You are famous for the love of your son.
“Yes, ever since I had my son, I’ve been truly happy. Now I know how all mothers and parents feel.”

In 1982, Kim adopted a five-month-old baby boy. Kim told him he was adopted when the child was five. Kim junior studied French literature at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and married one of the designers in Andre Kim’s atelier when he was 22. The couple had twins two years ago.

Why did you become a fashion designer?
I liked clothes even when I was a boy. When I saw a bride wearing a jok-du-ri (or bridal tiara), hwal-ot (traditional wedding outfit), and traditional wedding makeup, it was so beautiful. As I remember it, Korea was very beautiful and clean in the past. During the Japanese colonization and right after the Korean War, my village in the countryside was very poor. Yet a new bride wore new clothes for a year. Though it was economically difficult, people were always clean, neat and beautiful. The kitchen was gleaming, and my mother always wiped the floor clean. When I see today’s well-off people with their dirty houses, I get really annoyed. Even when we were poor, our food, clothes, and houses were clean and aesthetic. We are people with a high taste for culture.

You lived all your life surrounded by beautiful men and women but you aren’t married.
I enjoyed my work and I had affection for everyone around me. After some time passed, I lived for my son. If I had married, I would have been a very good husband. A loyal, faithful and true husband.”

During the two-hour interview, he uses the words “honesty” and “diligence” more than 20 times.

Why couldn’t you have fallen in love?
“I love my work too much. Even now I work on weekends since time is precious. On holiday, I continued my work overseas.

Do you like men more than women?
“No. I have more girl friends. No matter how much our world has changed and opened, I still like women with virtue, knowledge and intellect who take care of people around them and with a balanced character.

Who do you live with now?
“Before my son got married and moved out three years ago, I lived with him. Now I live with a housekeeper in the same apartment building as my son.

Do you do your own makeup?
“Of course. I apply basic cream, foundation and powder. I do the eye makeup as well. I dye my hair every day since I wash my face every day.

Transforming himself from a designer of fantasy into an entrepreneur, Kim may be a kind of barometer to gauge the diversity and openness of Korean society.

Source: Chosun.com

Moments that highlight many a wedding day is to suffer from nerves. This is not unusual due to the fact that this is the one day in your life when all eyes are upon you. It is the bride that will always will be the centre of attention at the wedding and why not with all the effort put into looking fabulous. Nerves affect many brides mainly due to worry of everything going according to plan. Well if you have planned your wedding day with careful thought then you need not worry.

Before the mention of accessories lets talk on the item we would like to accessorize and that is the wedding gown. Choosing your wedding dress without doubt has to be wonderful experience with so many stunning designs and styles to choose from. We now need to highlight areas that need to be considered when selecting what is going to be the perfect wedding dress. What you have to keep in mind when choosing your gown, wrong choice - wrong image - wrong you.

Different gown styles are not particularly designed with you in mind so all that glitters is not gold meaning, no matter how glamorous some of the gowns are does not mean it is going to be the ideal wedding dress for you. Your shape figure height are important issues that need to be looked into before committing to buy. Take along a member of family or friend to help you pick the dress that will give you the perfect look.

If the wedding dress you see adorned on the mannequin/dummy standing in the bridal shop window catches your eye do not act on impulse. Just because it looks great on the dummy does not necessarily mean it will on you. We can not have you looking like a clown in your gown. Can dreams come true, yes. You will go to the ball Cinderella. Fairy godmothers do exist armed with needle and cotton to conjure up the dress you may have always dreamed of wearing? All you have to do is to provide the details of the fabric colour and style you would like and with her magic needle you get to walk down the aisle where your prince charming awaits in the gown of your dreams.

A good thing by having your wedding dress tailor made is because any alterations to meet the requirements of your comfort level can be done at your own leisure. The seamstress can advise you on certain materials and fabric for your wedding gown. White/ivory/ beige are favoured colours for a wedding dress. Accessories protrude an air of elegance when worn up against these shades. Neutral/pastel colours are so easy to coordinate with the bridesmaids attire. Looking through magazines to gather ideas will keep you updated with all the wedding fashion gossip. No bridal gown on a dummy will ever look as good as the real thing nor do the get to walk down the aisle.

So there you have it, choosing the ideal dress you have perfection. Now go knock them dead because today the worlds your (oyster) another lovely shade for the gown. After hours of research I found this fabulous site and hey what do you know everything you could possibly need is all here to make your wedding day special..Well worth a visit dont just take my word for it.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kacy_Carr

Some brides are going for the short and sassy wedding dress.

THE hunt is on for the little white dress! Almost every girl dreams of that fairy tale moment when she sashays down the aisle looking every bit like the princess she imagines herself to be. But wait, did you say “little”?

Wedding gowns are anything but “little”, especially when you check out the traditional garments which come complete with trailing sequined trains.

However, as people do away with metres and metres of fabric, and opt to simplify their lives, there could be a place today for the modern short wedding dress. It could be a midi creation, one that ends just after the knee; or a modest knee-length dress or even a daring mini to show off long, lovely legs.

“Quite often, if the wedding ceremony is held outdoors where it’s a garden party or on the beach, then I would recommend a shorter wedding dress for practical reasons,” says designer Eric Choong.

At the Malaysian International Fashion Awards (MIFA) two years ago, he presented a whole range of short white wedding dresses. The outfits were short and sassy, and a few even bordered on naughty. But they were definitely different and titillated the imagination on how you can provide a different spin to an otherwise predictable white gown affair.

“Young brides from Australia and Britain have no qualms about wearing it short. In fact, if you’re holding a small private party, it comes off as very chic and classy.

“Most people think short white dresses are better off as bridesmaid dresses. They associate long gowns with glamour and modern Malaysian brides still have a hard time accepting changing trends,” he adds. Choong has been in the fashion industry for 22 years and designs a few hundred wedding gowns every year, out of which a handful are above the ankles.

Well known for his gowns, Orson Liyu opines that it’s all about perception.

“Asians dream about happy ever afters and a once-in-a-lifetime event, so they like to go all out and hype up the glam factor. Think red carpet and Oscars! My overseas clients, on the other hand, are more adventurous and don’t mind donning a short and sexy wedding dress.

“The short and sexy white dress can be elegant but you must be careful because an ill-conceived design might come off as cheap and vulgar. And here, shoes play a more important role, unlike long gowns where they can hardly be seen. If it’s too strappy, then it may seem more suitable for a cocktail event. You need classy court shoes or something stylish.

“It all depends on the theme of the wedding. For instance, a short dress would suit a simple wedding luncheon. But you need to choose your designer wisely as this is not the same as choosing a pair of jeans!”

Talk about extremes – Liyu once designed a white tuxedo for a bride. But generally, he estimates about one in 25 of the outfits that he designs are above the knee.

A quick check of the bridal houses around the Klang Valley revealed that if you’re renting a short white wedding dress, sometimes it’s only slightly cheaper than a long gown. Rental prices range from RM250 for very simple designs to RM700, depending on beadwork and details.

At Red Bliss in Petaling Jaya, the only short dress available in the shop was used for window display, “just to show variety”, says the spokesperson. Obviously there’s no short trend that’s about to take over any time soon, and it’s a rare bride that dares to show off her legs on her big day lest she offends the mother-in-law to be!

Another bridal house, Victoria Wedding Collection, only off-white and pastel short dresses were available, and these were reserved for the bridesmaids or the registration ceremony.

Another designer, who has been around the block, will be launching her wedding label next month. All this while, Beatrice Looi has been designing gowns under her Beatrice Looi Couture label.

“If you look at international designers, it’s the thing to do – have a separate wedding collection,” says Looi, who has shops in Starhill Gallery and Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur. She didn’t reveal much but let on that the new label will still carry her signature look. The gowns will be flowy and very Victorian, and the emphasis is on comfort.

“Personally, I still prefer long gowns – short dresses, to me, are more suitable for the registration or perhaps pre-wedding party. It also depends on the venue as well, for example, if it’s by the beach. By short, I mean just below the knee. That’s more presentable,” she adds. She designs plenty of short white dresses but these are often for bridesmaids or for guests of a white-themed wedding. Prices range from RM600 to more than RM1,000 for more elaborate creations.

A friend said that she might consider wearing a short white dress if she was getting married a second time, a la Jackie Onassis. Or perhaps, if one were to do a Britney Spears quickie in Las Vegas. The long and short of it? The length of the wedding dress doesn’t matter … the length of the marriage is more important.

Source: TheStar

Austin wedding dress designer makes her mark with custom pieces.

After polite small talk, there’s one thing you really have to know when you’re in the company of bridal designer Analea De La Fuente.

How many brides are really bridezillas?

It’s a question referencing the cable show “Bridezillas,” in which perfectionistic and unpleasant brides freak out and vent on everyone, including their future husbands. (It’s popcorn TV, but so worth the mindless calories.)

Much to my excited dismay, De La Fuente doesn’t take the bait. In a soft-spoken voice she says, “We almost eliminate the possibility for a bride to be unhappy. Nothing is super concrete until we start sewing.”

In her process, brides go through a series of fittings and basically they see the dress evolve into their dream gown. On average, she says, her brides are planning weddings six months in advance, and then there are the ones who plan three months out or a year away.

Most of her gowns sell for $7,000 to $8,000. One of the most expensive De La Fuente designs went for $12,000 and involved hand sewing, embroidery or beading, and almost couture-quality construction.

“I love what I do and I hope that comes across,” De La Fuente, 26, says, as we sit in Victorian-style chairs in the studio at 4410 Burnet Road that she opened three months ago. De La Fuente’s family lives in San Antonio, and growing up in different parts of Texas, she discovered her passion. De La Fuente was drawn to fashion, dressing up dolls as a child. At one point, she dabbled in architecture, but it’s fabrics she loves. It was a dress of hers – a taffeta one that made a rustling sound – that had her falling for fashion design and construction. “It was luxurious,” she says. “I grew out of it, unfortunately.”

But the truth is: Fashion can be a hit-or-miss business until a client base is established and cash flow comes rolling in. De La Fuente was told to find a stable job and skip her fashion dreams.

“I got over that, and I dove right into fashion,” she tells me.

At the University of Texas, De La Fuente studied fashion design. Little did she know the annual UT fashion show would lead to her first client, a Houston woman who was on the hunt for a wedding dress. “From there, it was word-of-mouth,” says De La Fuente, who has lived in Austin for eight years.

De La Fuente had a job opportunity in New York after college but decided to stay in Austin. For now, she is building a list of clients including brides from Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. She prefers making custom gowns instead of mass producing her goods. In the beginning she did all of the sewing herself.

These days she works with a team in New York, which she often visits if she’s not working on new sketches or off visiting her boyfriend in Durango, Colo. “I kind of changed all of my plans to move here,” she says. “I get the best of both worlds.”

Creating custom pieces has allowed her to be exclusive and to establish a brand known for individuality. Best of all, it allows De La Fuente to be creative as she guides brides from fittings to the final moments before wedded bliss. Another goal of hers is to make dresses that are timeless, unlike, say, the puffy-sleeve dresses that are reminders of weddings from the 1980s.

“Not everybody will understand or love it,” she says. “But some will, and it’s those people you’re trying to reach.”

One more try: But really no bridezillas?

Nope. De La Fuente says if a bride is trying to lose weight, for example, she’ll work with her client to make sure they get the right fit. Her ultimate goal is not to have the fabric altered after the final fitting and she doesn’t want to put any stress on the gown. “I shudder at the thought of altering something.”

De La Fuente says she also works with Rae Cosmetics to give some brides a chance to see how they’ll truly appear on their wedding day.

Instead of bridezillas, she gets invitations from her brides to weddings, such as an upcoming one in Italy. In many cases, she attends them.

“We become friends,” she says. “They leave here being pretty happy. They feel close to me. If I can make it, I almost always do.”

Source: Statesman.com

IT WAS love at first sight for this York bride - but the object of her desire was a pair of shoes.

Every bride-to-be would have sympathised with Amanda Foxcroft’s predicament when she discovered the shoes she had fallen in love with were sold out at every shop in the UK - and were not even available on the internet.

But Amanda wanted her wedding to husband, Michael Foxcroft, to be the perfect day and she knew a pair of the coveted Jimmy Choo Macys would make her dream come true.

Amanda, 34, of Askham Lane, Acomb, is a regional sales manager for Van Dal Shoes so she’s an expert when it comes to footwear - and she had her heart set on the Macys.

She spent weeks searching for them to no avail, before contacting Jimmy Choo direct.

She said: “The shoes were more important to me than the dress. I desperately wanted to have a pair but they were sold out everywhere. I rang London and everywhere and nowhere had any, so I contacted Jimmy Choo.
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“They managed to track down a pair in Beverly Hills in the USA so I got my dream shoes for my wedding. They arrived in the post a couple of days later.

“Every girl should wear Jimmy Choo shoes on her big day.”

The shoes in question are a silk satin open toe platform sandal with a 105mm heel. They have wide cross over straps on the toe, a thin diamante buckle fastening ankle strap - and cost a pricey £365.00. But Amanda said they were worth every penny. She said: “It was the perfect wedding. We were so fortunate to get a sunny day - probably one of the best days of the year.”

The couple tied the knot at Our Lady’s Church in Acomb on June 9, followed by a reception at the Marriott Hotel, in York Fortunately Amanda’s new husband understood her need to have the perfect footwear - because they met when they were both working for a shoe shop.

Amanda said: “Mike came to York to work at Pavers shoes as a merchandiser and I all ready worked there as a buyer. That’s basically how we met.

“He’s just as bad when it comes to shoes and he wore a designer pair too.”

The couple even managed to carry on the shoe theme at the reception - with all their guests sitting at tables named after different fashion designers.

The head table was fittingly named after Jimmy Choo himself.

But even Amanda’s fabulous fashion sense gave way to comfort in the end.

She added: “It was a hot day and by the end of the day they were making my feet hurt. I wore them till 11pm and then gave up and put my slippers on!”

Source: ThePress

GONE are the days when the second time bride known as the “encore bride” has to settle for scaled down ceremonies with fewer guests.

With over 45% percent of all weddings today involving one or both partners who have been married before, it’s difficult to tell from the attire whether the modern bride is marrying for the first or umpteenth time. In fact, the modern bride who is lucky enough to find love again is trampling on the old traditions. Now their wedding is based on their taste and their budget. With the motto being: “This is the last time, and it’s got to be the best.”

The “encore bride” is in a different place than when she had her first wedding. They are confident, they have more money to spend, and they know what they want. Their focus is on “simple elegance”.

Whether it is your first, second or third wedding the focal point is still the wedding dress. These brides are seeking dresses that are tailored rather than poufy - a sexy, sophisticated look with the emphasis on quality fabrics.

Today’s trends in bridal gowns are all about you. Your second wedding gown should reflect your personal style, your fashion sense and what kind of wedding you want to have.

When shopping for that perfect dress it helps to know your body type so you can choose the gown that highlights your best features and downplays the areas you wish you could forget.

Here are some of the latest fashion trends to help get you started:

Trains are fine, but keep them simple, again matching the formality and style of the wedding.

Show some skin: At this year’s runway shows, many designers decided to go bare. Creations featured mostly strapless gowns that place the emphasis on the bodice: gently weaved, beaded, or simple with demure jeweled straps.

Body-Conscious: Designers are very body conscious these days, with shape taking precedence. This is good news for any bride: most of these dresses have a slimming effect. The ever-popular A-line (also known as princess) is a long cut that draws the eye downwards, and often has a built-in train. This does not mean that designers have abandoned the classic traditional gowns…the skirts still float but the cut is meant to flatter the body.

Embroidery and Lace: These two mainstays of bridal fashion never go out of style and let’s not forget beading. Today’s bride wants the opulence in beadwork with many designers choosing crystals over glass beads.

Color: This component of a gown has never been so popular. Brides are actually thinking outside the box these days choosing jewel tone gowns in gold, silver, and a variety of pearl tones. However, second time brides still are confident enough to wear white, after all “white symbolizes commitment and faithfulness” so why not!

Where to Look: Magazines are the traditional way a bride begins her gown search, but why not look for a gown online? Most designers now have WebPages, and a collection of name gowns can be found on a number of websites. And if you’re wondering, “Will the gown of my dreams fit me right?” there’s help to be found on a multitude of websites which determine your body type and then suggest the dress type that is best for your figure.

Finally Hit the Runways! The latest fashions needn’t remain a trade secret. Bridal shows, which feature live runway presentations of the current trends and designers, are an excellent way to view a variety of gowns.

A wedding is a celebration of love so indulge and take your time finding that perfect gown. The number one comment I receive from second time brides is…”this is definitely it, I’m not getting married again”.

Gail Young is a co-founder of The Bridal Chalet, an online bridal boutique selling designer style couture and traditional wedding gowns and bridal accessories. A second time bride herself, Gail combines her extensive knowledge of the industry with her passion for designing couture bridal fashion. The Bridal Chalet has a collection of exclusive designer wedding gowns geared to the second time bride – the Sara Houston Collection.

Visit her website at: http://www.bridalchalet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Young

At one time, the name Vera Wang was synonymous with fashionable brides and bridesmaids rescued from having to don garish gowns. These days Wang’s moniker represents a license empire offering everything from mattresses to a resort suite in Hawaii.

In 1990, after 16 years as senior design editor of Vogue magazine and a shorter stint as design director at Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang ventured out on her own to an almost instant chorus of praise for her modern interpretation of luxury bridal gowns sold out of Wang’s salon in New York’s Carlyle Hotel.

Shortly before her 40th birthday, after marrying and trying to have kids while still at Ralph Lauren, Wang decided (with the prodding of her businessman father, who owned a chemical company) to put her creativity and taste to work in her own venture. The designer’s tenure at Vogue brought her into the world of the fashion elite: Top designers became her friends and mentors, reportedly strengthening her knowledge of the business side of couture.

The fashion stars intersected. Not only were Vera Wang gowns a success, she almost single-handedly transformed the bridal fashion industry from rather frumpy no-name designer commodities to ready-to-wear luxury that was still more affordable than an original Valentino couture gown. Some fashionistas have even declared, “There was no fashion in bridal until Vera Wang.” Her US$ 300 million business is perhaps proof in the pudding—or the multi-tiered cake. The irony is that she describes herself as “not a dress girl.”

After success in evening wear, fueled by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Charlize Theron donning her creations, Wang—like most high-end designers—turned her needle and thread toward ready-to-wear women’s clothes, finally achieving success after a couple of attempts.

Licensing the Vera Wang name is big business, even beyond the bridal accounts that reportedly resulted in $200 million in retail sales last year. At the turn of the century, Wang moved from fabric to fragrance. In 2000, Unilever Cosmetics International, which also produces Calvin Klein and Elizabeth Arden cosmetics and fragrances (the multinational conglomerate also holds licenses with Valentino and Karl Lagerfeld), announced a licensing agreement with Wang to develop perfumes under her name. The initial products were designed for blushing brides on their big day, but since then, several more fragrances have been developed, including Vera Wang Princess and Vera Wang for Men.

First comes love, they say, then comes marriage. At Vera Wang, next comes lifestyle. The same woman who first approached Wang’s then business partner to produce a fragrance for Unilever is now the head of licensing at Wang’s company. Under Laura Lee Miller, the name synonymous with weddings is now parlayed to eyewear, lingerie, Wedgwood china, crystal, silver, jewelry, stationery, flowers from FTD.com, mattresses by Serta, and an exclusive one-bedroom suite at the Halekulani Resort in Waikiki including a movie library inspired by “Vera’s favorites.” (Only $5,500 a night.)

Not every Vera Wang product is ungodly expensive. The company and Kohl’s department stores have formed a partnership to provide Very Vera by Vera Wang, a line that will include everything from fashion to home goods. And for those who simply dream of Wang dresses, there is also the Vera Wang on Weddings book.

Always looking for new horizons, Vera Wang and business partner Eight Wonder bid on a proposed Singapore casino project to create a wedding-themed resort under her brand at the end of last year.

In between designing, shooting ads for HP and gracing the cover of Newsweek and Fortune magazines, she remains chairman, CEO, and owner of her company—proof that branding and fashion can be a marriage made in heaven.

Source: Brandchannel

Any colour is fine — just don’t compete with the bride.

Even if you’re not the one getting hitched this wedding season, chances are you know somebody who is.

Choosing an appropriate outfit isn’t always as easy as it seems: the evening dress you might wear to a lavish reception probably isn’t going to cut it at a barefoot beach ceremony and vegan buffet.

It’s true that many of the rules set by those slightly antiquated etiquette guides can be more easily bent these days (translation: it’s no longer necessary to wear hats and gloves to a daytime wedding), but a few still hold true.

It’s generally still frowned upon to wear white since it competes with the bride, but dress-shop owner Sharon Packman says just about every colour is wedding-appropriate — even black. “Most of those taboos are gone now,” she says.

In addition to dressing appropriately for the ceremony, comfort is key as weddings can often be long events. Most importantly, follow your common sense: consider the venue, consider the type of ceremony, and consider the time of day. Or, just follow this guide to putting together a look for six common weddings.

- Beach wedding: This is the most casual of weddings. Think bright colours, pretty pastels, wrap dresses, light materials like linen, and cute tropical-inspired sundresses. Keep jewelry simple — no bling required. As for shoes, avoid heels as they will sink into the sand. Go for flat-soled sandals or even a pair of bright flipflops.

- Eco wedding: Thanks to stylish clothing lines like Passenger Pigeon (passengerpigeon.ca) and Ecoganik (ecoganik.com), environmental fashion has finally shed its crunchy-granola image. Check out stores that carry chic dresses made from fabrics like tencel, bamboo, or organic cotton suitable for a green wedding. The best part? These types of fabrics will breathe easily and leave you cool — perfect for a summer wedding.

- Traditional or formal wedding: Church ceremony followed by a sit-down dinner? Then you’re in luck — now that prom season is winding down, you can find fantastic bargains. Two points to remember: avoid anything overtly sexy (or wear a jacket or shawl during the ceremony part of the wedding), and black and white can be worn anywhere, any time.

- Outdoor wedding: These can skew towards formality, depending on the venue, so check the invite carefully. An outdoor wedding at a posh country club can be very different than a low-key ceremony held in a friend’s backyard. As a general rule, wear light colours for a summery look. Anything from a skirt and co-ordinating top, to a pantsuit, is generally appropriate.

Urban Chic
These luxurious affairs are the best place to go all out. If you can afford it, go for a designer dress, a fierce evening bag, and even fiercer stilettos.

- Hipster wedding: Usually held someplace quirky, like an art gallery, industrial loft, or out of the way restaurant, hipster weddings are pretty much anything goes, from visible tattoos to funky accessories. (Though you might want to leave the opera gloves at home — unless they are ironic vintage.) Feel free to experiment with colour and shape.

Source: Canada.com

“Yeah, yeah, we’ve done heavy lehengas as well, but not 10 kg ones that a bride can’t walk in,” designer Falguni Peacock laughs. The duo, known for their animal prints and feathers, now have a good reason to talk about lehengas.

They have gone back to the tried-and-tested formula that keeps most sewing machines running in the fashion business - bridal wear.

What is surprising though is the presence of their trademark feathers and bold prints in the line. Feathers, in a bridal trousseau? We’ve heard of brides getting experimental with the colour of their lehengas and the cut of their blouses, but aren’t feathers going a tad too OTT?

“Not really, the basic perception of the bride is changing, probably because of the onslaught of international brands. In fact, even people from Delhi who are more traditional than those in Mumbai are coming here to look for something different,” Falguni says.

Adds Shane, “It’s not a typically traditional line. It has a bit of a western twist for the sexy modern bride who wants people to look at her, and doesn’t mind showing a little skin.”

The duo have also gone with the general flow as corsets now replace spaghetti tops which replaced the last big thing - the ‘khidki blouses’ that aunties had been wearing since Madhuri Dixit introduced them in ‘Hum Apke Hai Kaun’.

“The line essentially plays with colours like beiges, blues, greens and traditional reds married to other unexpected colours. The forte however is still the 3-D embroidery on embroidery, feathers and lots of big bold flowers. But mind you, it’s not bling.”

That however isn’t the main point of the collection. The designer duo are still one of the very few in India who make the effort of shooting campaigns for their lines. The new line has been shot with Sameera Reddy, and they promise to have an ace up their sleeves for the couture line.

Oh, and just in case your eyes glazed over out of sheer boredom when you read ‘bridal trousseau’, fret not. The designers are going to launch a new menswear line in mid August that will sell luxury prêt, and are also in talks about opening a store in Dubai.

Source: DNA

A wedding this summer will probably be a washout so, if you are hoping for a bit of sparkle, you might think that Buckingham Palace could present a better option: all the surviving frocks sported by the principal members of her wedding party, brought together along with a small selection of presents, a few bits of memorabilia and the odd snippet of grainy film.

It will, however, take more than the dusty gilding of the Ball Supper Room in which this exhibition is displayed to conjure memory’s golden glow. The young Princess Elizabeth did not want the sort of lavish spectacular that has launched a thousand bridezillas’ dreams. Alongside the savagely competitive nuptials familiar from Hello! magazine, the entire affair will no doubt seem decidedly understated. Princess Elizabeth, after all, was getting married in a time of postwar austerity. It was an era as depressing as our rain-sodden summer.

The gown of a woman better known for her devotion to duty than her dress sense can hardly compete with the great tulle confections whipped up by sickly Hollywood weddings. Nor did it have that twist of irony that can lend fashion its flair. Wedding dresses seldom do: they are about symbolism and sentiment rather than culture’s cutting edge. Norman Hartnell, who had been dressing smart young ladies exactly like their mummies for a decade or two, apparently found his inspiration in Botticelli’s Primavera, whose tendrilled flowers find a faint reflection in the embroidered patterns of more than 10,000 seed pearls that scroll the diaphanous veil. But the two surviving bridesmaid’s dresses, no doubt drawn from mothballed trunks, have turned the colour of old teeth with age.

Then there are the presents. Princess Elizabeth did not come from a family that had to buy its own furniture, let alone the sort of domestic accoutrements that feature on the John Lewis list. Of course, there is the usual selection of candlesticks, tea caddies, goblets and plates, but what do you buy for the woman who has everything?

Henry Channon, it seems, opted for something she could not possibly want: a cigarette case for a woman who never smoked. Mahatma Gandhi contributed a cotton shawl that he had made himself. Then there are the diamonds: rather more tasteful but also more dull than the grinning glitter-ball of Damien Hirst’s diamond-studded skull. The little behind-the-scenes glimpses might make the memories shine – the 500 tins of pineapple chunks sent as a present by the Governor of Queensland; the pages who race indecorously along Palace corridors; the corgi that slips surreptitiously from the royal coach – but it is the flaws in this show that leave their mark on the memory, not the fairytale.

Source: Times Online