One of the keys to Wang’s re-imaging of bridal is to take the traditional silhouette, but soften or update it for a more modern, fashion-conscious customer. The “ball gown” turns into a cloud of softly folded tulle with a bodice like whipped frosting, accented with a simple lavender grosgrain sash. A “mermaid” gown softly flares into oversized layers of watercolor-like, earthy chestnut organza, while sequined straps suspend a slip dress from bare shoulders for a look that is as seductive as vintage lingerie.

Here, the way Wang manipulates fabric takes a starring roll rather than the usual beaded embellishment. Instead of using beading or embroidery to detail her gowns, she will twist and pleat tulle into a dramatic train, or line a hem with hand-cut rosettes. Necklaces or bracelets of sequins and beads sewn to ribbon provided just enough sparkle.

The show had editors buzzing for its creativity and advanced take on the bridal gown, but one editor was overheard asking a buyer whether the colorful gowns would be on their lists. “As long as they come in white!” remarked the buyer. Still, the collection inspired a bohemian, return-to-mother-nature narrative that will likely appeal to brides looking to avoid the conspicuousness of bling in favor of something soft and romantic.

Sung launched the 16th edition of the semi-annual event with a showcase of new bridal gowns aptly titled “The White Collection.”

The legendary designer said he was inspired by the late film star and style icon Grace Kelly when designing his collection, an influence that translated both to the dresses and hairstyles.

The glamorous gowns ran the gamut from fluid to more form-fitting. Voluminous, full-bodied silk taffeta creations and elaborate lace and satin gowns shared the runway with softer, more slender, draped georgette dresses. Lush materials, including angel tulle, silk essence chiffon and organza, were also incorporated into the mix.

Shimmering beads and Swarovski crystals added eye-popping detailing, lending dazzle to bodices, buttons, necklines, waistlines and dress straps. Some of the gowns had the intricate accents incorporated on a larger scale, like an elaborate floral beaded pattern cascading along a dramatic lace overlay.

While the floor-length gowns largely featured cascading trains or flared hemlines, the upper halves of the gowns offered a wealth of variety to suit the diverse tastes of virtually any bride, ranging from classic sweetheart necklines to plunging off-the-shoulder V-neck styles, halter and racer-back to elaborate crisscross straps.

Models also exuded elegance with their updos, wearing hair swept back into chic chignons accessorized by a band of white satin ribbon, flowers or a jewelled hairband.

“I wanted them to look really feminine, glamorous, elegant, and a little bit sexy with the off-the-shoulder,” Sung said backstage following the show.

During their final runway walk, the models tossed their bouquets into the hands of lucky onlookers as the audience gave the designer and his creations a standing ovation.

Sung got his share of the love when he stepped out into the spotlight to take his bow, graciously accepting one of the bridal bouquets from a man in the front row.

Despite more than 30 years in the business, with fragrance, eyewear, jewelry and houseware product lines among those to his credit, this marked the first time the iconic designer presented a collection during Toronto’s Fashion Week.

Backstage, Sung said it was honour to be asked by organizers to launch Fashion Week festivities, adding that he was “very flattered” to open the show, and said he was also touched by the warm reception at the end, despite being a bit reluctant to face the audience.

“I just have to thank everyone, I mean, being so kind and supportive all through the years,” he said. “Actually, I wasn’t going to come out because I’m so shy. They have to push me out!” he added, laughing.

Sung, who has designed bridal wear for 15 years, said part of what sets the line apart from the countless others that comprise his brand is what manifests in the end result - helping brides feel beautiful.

“This is one product line that you just think of making women look absolutely drop-dead gorgeous on their special day because that’s how they want to be, because it’s fun.”

Sung’s philosophy on capturing the uniqueness and special aura surrounding the wedding day even filtered down to a key decision in how to present the collection.

Rather than having the models scramble to change into different dresses backstage, he opted to have each model walk down the runway in one gown - 32 in all.

After three years in her home, Li came up with an idea for a business that would fit perfectly with the commercial space integrated into her home’s ground floor. And it would allow her to use another skill she’d practiced almost her entire life: clothing design and fine sewing.

The result is Jeany’s Bridal Couture, and Li is now spreading the word that brides have a source for one-of-a-kind, locally designed and crafted wedding dresses.

Li is working on expanding the sample gowns displayed in her downstairs shop. With four complete, she wants to add four more by January.

However, she emphasizes these dresses are just to give her clients ideas to draw on. When designing a gown, Li inquires about the future bride’s interests and asks, “What do you want to be on your special day? What would you like to feel?”

From this information, she starts the process of designing for that individual. Everything is handcrafted. Li even has a machine for making her own lace, so she’s not limited to what’s available in the retail trade.

All of this takes infinite patience. Li says she first learned to sew from her grandmother as a child in her home in Tianjin, China. Li was the only granddaughter in the family, and her grandmother wanted to pass her skills to a new generation. At age 5, Li was too young to use a machine, so her first lessons were all in hand sewing, including embroidery.

Li says her parents were surprised a child so young could sit still and do one step at a time. Her grandmother, though, had told her, “You have to love it, if you want to learn it well,” a message she took to heart.

Along with patience comes flexibility. Li says she will work with a bride to ensure she gets a couture gown that still fits her budget. She said the cost of a simple elegant wedding gown might be as low as $900, compared to the cost of an original by designer Vera Wang, which might cost as much as $15,000.

Li does not outsource, choosing instead to do every step herself. She even plans to offer brides souvenir photo packages, capturing the steps during creation of their gowns and documenting they are a one-of-a-kind original.

Jeany’s Bridal Couture is at 1460 Orenco Station Parkway. For more information or to make an appointment, call 503-848-8303. A Web site at orencobridal.com is under development.

The new breed of “groomzillas”, men fanatical about favours and even more high-maintenance about their wedding look, are outshining brides-to be in planning their D-day.

According to Hitched.co.uk, more and more grooms are joining wedding forums, with numbers soaring from one in 50 to one in 10 since 2002.

“Grooms like the attention as well as brides and they are increasingly particular about every element and about impressing their friends,” the Daily Express quoted wedding planner Mark Niemierko, who offers grooms personal shopping days where they browse at tailors and have manicures, as saying.

Couples these days pay for much of their wedding themselves, and they also want to make their investment count.

“Many of our grooms find it hard to take a back seat,” said James Lord of wedding planners Love and Lord.

“We have many a fashion crisis, with grooms changing twice during the day and telling guests what to wear,” he added.

Two elegant strolling fashion shows will be presented by Jayna Bella Bridal Boutique of Roxboro. Brides and their guests will be able to get an up close look at the gowns and formal wear as the models stroll through the room in this intimate and personal setting.

“Brides have so many plans and decisions to make before their wedding day. It could be overwhelming. This bridal show will give them the wonderful opportunity to discuss their dream wedding and interview wedding experts in person,” says Triangle Perfect Wedding Guide Publisher, Gail Galloway. “Brides and grooms will have a chance to sample delicious food and cakes, view photographer’s work, meet DJ’s and entertainers, smell gorgeous fresh flowers, plan their honeymoon, pick a reception site, secure guest accommodations and more all in one day.”

During the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show thousands of dollars in door prizes will be given to some winning attendees. One lucky bride-to-be will win a romantic mountain honeymoon getaway, compliments of Rye Creek Lodge. The first 100 brides to arrive will receive a coupon book worth over $1,000 in wedding products and services.

Tickets for the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show are $7.00 at the door or guests can pre-register online at www.the-triangle.perfectweddingguide.com to save $2.00 per person.

For more information about the event, media passes, interviews, or vendor information, please call Gail Galloway at (336) 676-9631 or email her at gail@pwg.com.

About Perfect Wedding Guide

Perfect Wedding Guide is a wedding planning resource for brides published and online in over 40 metropolitan areas around the country. For further information, please visit http://www.perfectweddingguide.com.

“Gone are the days when a bride’s mother or mother-in-law predetermined her wedding finery. Bridal wear is now definitive, glam and chic,” adds designer Ritu Kumar.

In an age of lavish, theme weddings in exotic locales, high-profile guest lists and buoyant budgets - auspicious experimentation is what sells. Weddings are no longer sedate. Most ceremonies preceding the main function comprise glitzy theme nights full of high octave revelry. It’s at these playgrounds of passion that the modern bride showcases her no-holds-barred avatar. “The bridal garb is highly stylised, slick, favouring skin show. The look is more streamlined with a predominant Western influence. Even the colour palette has evolved from reds and maroons to hot pink, wine, coral, dusty rose and tonal gold and silver. No longer does the bride want to be caged within an elaborate tapestry. She has wings and wants to fly,” says designer Rohit Bal, who’s designed the trousseau for actress Liz Hurley. “Liz wanted to look and feel like a sex goddess. I created a white lehenga embellished with diamonds worn seductively low and teamed with a three-inch high blouse revealing her midriff,” adds Bal of his videshi client. Surprisingly, the desi bridal entourage isn’t lagging behind when it comes to dropping their hemlines. And aiding her quest for a sinfully, sensuous wardrobe is a new creed of designers combining red carpet glamour with ethnic ethereal. “Brides hailing from smaller metros like Ludhiana and Patna want to innovate more with plunging necklines, deeper backs and necks,” holds designer Pam Mehta. “Lehengas structured like draped gowns accentuated with Western motifs and controlled bling are replacing the heavily ornamented lehengas. Brides today walk in for a head-totoe consultation armed with international fashion magazines. They want to be dripping Oscar night razzmatazz,” says designer Rakesh Agarwal, who recently created an embroidered bikini worn under a shimmering kaftan for a sangeet ceremony on a yacht in Bangkok and a three-layered, chiffon skirt teamed with a bejewelled T-shirt, costing Rs 60,000. “Backless gown lehengas, fishtail skirts with a winding trail, off shoulder corsets and halter blouses with diamonte chains are haute. Modern bridal wear incorporates elements of raunchy lingerie with an infusion of French lace and tie-ups. With outfits becoming bolder, we’ve infused elements of corsetry with built-in bras inside their outfits,” adds Agarwal. Designer Gaurav Gupta believes the modern look of brides is being inspired by medieval Grecian goddesses. “Offshoulder and one shoulder dress saris accessorised with stoles and Victorian broaches impart a neo-classical look,” adds Gupta.

Cashing in on the bridal boom are international couture brands. “Brides are going an extra mile to be different. A lot of them spend Rs 85,000 for an haute couture gown,” says Kalyani Chawla.

Brazen and bootylicious, the new-age diva’s also seen sculpting her body basics. “Brides are getting henna patterns and the names of their husbands written on their navel. It’s a very sexy combination with low waisted lehengas,” says Bollywood mehendi artist Veena Nagda, as tattoo artist Lokesh quips in, “70 per cent of my clients these days are to-be-brides who come to get their husband’s name tattooed on their shoulders and lower back.”

Bringing sexy back, the bride basks in an unbridled sensory saga. But is her diminishing choli a reflection of a waning value system? Bal has the final say, “Before the Mughal era, our auspicious costumes were downright sexy. The apsaras wore bustiers, resembling modern-day boob tubes, while the cholis were meant to be barely there. The modern bride is simply reinventing her.”

For those not in the loop, Taiwan has become a bridal services hub for couples from all corners of the world — anything from wedding photography to custom-made bridalwear is readily available.

The best place to start is Zhongshan (Jhongshan) North Road or Taipei Bridal Street which is situated right in the heart of the Taiwanese capital.

Countless mannequins garbed in extravagant wedding gowns dot both sides of the street. This is indeed a future bride’s paradise and possibly a groom’s worst nightmare!I headed for a posh bridal boutique called Julia owned by the husband-and-wife team of Mai Tsan Wei and Julia Muh. Muh is the dressmaker while hubby takes the photos.

The boutique boasts A-List celebrities and socialites among its customers. “Most of our customers can afford to be lavish in their spending,” said Muh. The boutique ranks among the top five bridal boutiques in the country, and also attracts customers from overseas. “People travel all the way from Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia to engage our services because we offer personalised bridal gowns and professional photo shoots,” she added.

As Muh took me and my fellow journalists on a tour of her boutique, I observed how every customer was being given undivided attention by the staff. Muh’s wedding gowns were impressive: intricate, classic and stunning, reflecting Muh’s partiality for European and American haute couture.

She uses mostly expensive fabric from branded fashion houses such as Dior and Gucci. “I design elegant gowns that are likely to be in fashion for a longer time than just one season,” she explained. After a crash course on bridal couture by Muh, I left for Ching Jing mountain to witness 99 couples in their wedding wear getting their photos taken. The event was organised by the Bridal Boutique Association of Taipei and the Taiwan Tourism Board.

During my stay at the mountain top resort, a little bird told me that there was a Malay couple from Malaysia participating in the event.

I was thrilled and determined to interview them about their choice of setting for their wedding pictures. Imagine my disappointment when I was informed by the tour manager that they weren’t keen on media attention.

Still, I did manage to speak to a few couples, despite the language barrier.

Wu Jin Fa and Xu Yi Xiang stood out. The couple had been married three decades and had never organised a wedding reception until now!

“I did not wear a wedding gown then, only a plain and simple dress because we had a civil marriage ceremony,” said Xu.

The Taiwan trip was a surprise wedding anniversary gift for her.

“I didn’t know anything until I reached the hotel in Taipei. I felt strange when reading about the wedding dress fitting session in the itinerary. Added Wu: “She (Xu) deserves it. She had been there for me through thick and thin. It feels like we’re getting married all over again.”

Chen Miao Long and Ji Li Ling from Singapore, on the other hand, are bridal photo addicts. “We have done this quite a number of times,” said Ji.

“Our first was two years after our wedding. We flew into London, bringing along a photographer whose trip we sponsored. And then we did a European tour. We took pictures in London, Venice and Paris,” said Ji.

Shanghai was the venue for their wedding photos during another trip. It’s an expensive hobby, the couple admits.

“But as long as Ji is happy, I am also happy to do it. She’s a natural in front of the camera. Instead of taking cues from the photographers, she takes over the shoot,” said Chen, laughing.

At 6am, with the temperature below 10º Celsius, I witnessed 99 couples posing in front of photographers.

I was amazed at how willing the brides were to brave the cold and hike up the mountain in revealing designer wedding gowns and high heels for the session. Ah, the things people do when they’re in love!

Her celebrity clients include Keira Knightley, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Nelly Furtado, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

This week Packham presented her new eveningwear collection as part of the Russian Fashion Week “Autumn/Winter-2009″, the biggest fashion event of its kind in Russia. After the show, she gave an interview to RIA Novosti correspondent Narine Prazyan.

How do you feel when you see celebrities wearing dresses designed by you?
- To me it is what we call ‘the icing on the cake’. To me it’s very important to design a dress, and I think it’s good when somebody buys it, and buys lots of them. And I think if a celebrity chooses it then that seems better really.

Have you always wanted to be a designer?
- Yes, always. I mean I started when I was about eleven making my own clothes. I didn’t ever make a conscious decision, but I’ve always wanted to do eveningwear as well.

What inspires you when creating evening and wedding dresses?
- Well, it’s just so enjoyable really. I have a fantastic team of people now, and to make a collection is an opportunity to really show what they can do, with cutting, manufacturing… What inspires me is making more and more glamorous, beautiful evening dresses. And every time I try to do something better than I’ve ever done before.

Jenny Packham dresses have become must-haves among Russian celebrities. How do you explain that?
- I know it sounds slightly corny but I think with a wedding dress, and I have to say the same of an evening dress, I think that someone has to fall in love with a dress, they have to really want it. And when I design a dress I have to give it those qualities to make someone think: “Oh, I have to have this dress, I feel so fantastic in it!” Hopefully they felt like that. That they have to have one.

Do you have your own favorite dress? Could you describe it? Who is the designer?
- I know it’s very general but I have a beautiful Prada dress. I think for me Prada is something to really aspire to. The manufacturing, the beauty in the cutting… But generally I wear a lot of black, quite simple clothing.

Is there a celebrity you would particularly like to design an evening dress for?
- I would love to design a dress for Nicole Kidman or Kate Blanchett. I think for me they are kind of personified… sort of feminism, it is very appealing really, they are very contemporary.

In one of the interviews you said that your eveningwear is designed for contemporary women living in the city. What do you think of historical clothing? Would you like to create a collection for a historical movie, for example?
- Especially with bridal wear, I did a whole load of research on it. And I did a lot of work on the history of bridal wear. When I was at college I did a lot of history of fashion and I think the more you know about the history of things, for example, why women wear white dresses, the more you understand, the more depth there is to your designing. So I think it would be a challenge to do a film. And I think recreating an old garment is a great thing. If you know the Marie Antoinette film, she recreates the old garments in a really modern way. I think that would be interesting. To recreate old garment is interesting, if you can do something to it to liberate it. I think it would be great. 

It’s not the first time you’re taking part in Russian Fashion Week. Would you say a few words about it, about the Russian fashion market in general?
- I think there is such enthusiasm here to really create a fashion industry. You have two fashion weeks, it’s incredible. You know Milan, for example, has only one fashion week. I think there is so much here to get into. And you know we always have such a great time here, it’s always such a joy to do.

Source: RIA Novosti

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/how-to-have-a-wonderful-wedding-on-an-affordable-budget-508319.html