Tag: Vera Wang
courtesy of greentreephotography.net
For many years – and I know this to be true because before I worked here, I worked at a wedding dress shop – but for many years, it seemed as though brides looking for could never find anything to purchase that wasn’t strapless… Alas, a far cry from our mothers and grandmothers’ “I do” days where NOTHING was strapless.
And for a woman who was maybe more traditional or simply not comfortable in something so open, her options were almost immediately diminished to next to nothing. Not fun or fair for any bride-to-be.
But every cloud has a silver lining and following the Royal Wedding Explosion of Prince William and Kate Middleton two years ago, the Duchess of Cambridge’s Alexander McQueen dream dress – designed by Sarah Burton – had haute couture designers in awe. Middleton’s now famous dress, composed of silk gazer and hand-tatted lace intricately comprised with shapes representing the countries of the UK, is considered the Rolls-Royce of wedding wear.
courtesy of vogue.com
The knock out gown also featured a 9 foot train and several bling-tastic accessories. And with inspiration like that, designers got the message loud and clear that ALL necklines and sleeve lengths are high fashion… and make for dream come true pieces on and off the runway.
While strapless dresses are still ever present and popular, there has definitely been a shift in designers gowns towards the more demure and traditional. There’s just something to be said for the subtle sexiness; like how most non-strapless gowns somehow incorporate a surprise ooh la la factor… which hands down, has to be my favorite part!
Often times, women feel like the more covered up they are, the dowdier and less sexy they are… but this couldn’t be further from the truth with today’s designers’ modern spin on the traditional wedding dress, the potential is nothing short of extraordinary. With their illusion necklines, backless bodices and figure hugging shapes, I would put some of these gowns against the sexiest styles in existence.
Check out below and see what I mean :)
from Claire Pettibone’s An Earthly Paradise collection…
courtesy of clairepettibone.com
from Tara Keely’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Badgley Mischka’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of badgleymischka.com
from Alfred Angelo’s Disney Fairy Tale collection…
courtesy of alfredangelo.com
from Alvina Valenta’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Maggie Sottero’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of maggiesottero.com
from Lazaro’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Morilee’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of morilee.com
from Jim Hjelm’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Sophia Tolli’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of sophiatolli.com
from Amsale’s Fall 2013 collection…
courtesy of amsale.com
and finally, from Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2014 collection! (that’s right ladies, this look is DEF here to stay!)…
courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com
May 16, 2013
photos courtesy of confettidaydreams.com
Ahhh, lace. A fixture in the wedding world since the dawning of “I do,” this intricate overlay is not only a detail with staying power, but it’s practically the signature for bridal royalty and vintage couture everywhere.
But in 2013, it’s proving to be one of the biggest go-to’s for bridal fashion and wedding design just about everywhere! According to Erika Pitera of borrowedandbleu.com – an online resource for one of a kind brides looking for one of a kind weddings – there is nothing more lovely than lace for the 2013 bride. In a recent interview with The Top 100 Wedding Blogs, she stated:
In my opinion, we are going to see a lot of lace in 2013. Lace has been a mainstay in bridal fashion for centuries, but it seems to be making a huge a comeback righ now with modern brides. From full on lace dresses to just a touch here and there to accent a dress, lace has already started to appear all over the runway. (Pitera, weddingblogs100.com)
And we all know nothing gets noticed faster than when it has a presence within the designer district of haute couture. Pitera continues:
Many designers will be showcasing classic wedding gown with lace details like lacy cap sleeves, illusion necklines, contrasting color lace and more in the Spring 2013 collections. (Pitera, weddingblogs100.com)
Her favorite thing about lace – and I think I’d have to agree – is that it doesn’t just have to be for the dress. It can be applied to the everything from your invites and wedding cake to your centerpieces and bouquets. In fact, it’s the versatility of lace that is what has given it such a powerful place in weddings for years. Check out below for some of the of the most fashion forward – not to mention some of my FAVES! – lace wedding gown from famed wedding dress designers 2013 Spring & Fall Collections:
from the Alvina Valenta 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Jim Hjelm 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Lazaro 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Maggie Sottero Bridal Gown Collection.
courtesy of maggiesottero.com
from the Monique Lhuillier 2013 Fall Collection.
courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com
from the Sophia Tolli Bridal Gown Collection.
courtesy of sophiatolli.com
from the Vera Wang 2013 Fall Collection.
courtesy of verawang.com
May 9, 2013
courtesy of Blush via jlmcouture.com
Now I know at least one pretty lady (wad up, Carolyn – our fearless MK leader) who won’t be happy about this trend, but I gotta admit, I kind of dig it :)
Sure, it’s not traditional in the least, and it would take just the right bride to pull it off… but some of the colorful results are nothing short of spectacular! According to Brides Fashion Director, Rachel Leonard, “You don’t have to wear a white wedding dress anymore, but it still has to look like a wedding dress. The trick is to find a color that’s flattering on your skin tone, and not everyone looks good in white.” (brides.com)
I mean, heeeellllooooo?!?! It seems so simple. Sure, tradition would have every bride pinned in white, but what tradition doesn’t understand is that some ladies simply don’t feel sexy in it. And shouldn’t every bride get to feel beautiful on her big day? I think YES!
So, bring on the colorfully carefree bridal gowns and see how some of today’s biggest designers put a more vibrant pallette to work!
Vera Wang. While her entire Fall 2013 bridal line is chalk full of deep blush tones and black, her Spring 2013 line is filled with color in HD!
courtesy of verawang.com
Oscar de la Renta. It’s all about ice blues and red hots in Oscar’s 2013 Spring Bridal Collection, and looking at these pups strut, I can see why!
courtesy of oscardelarenta.com
Demetrios. Lavender blue dilly dilly dilly, lavender green… and all the other pastel colors in between can be seen in Demetrios’ bridal line!
courtesy of demetriosbride.com
Douglas Hannant. And don’t forget about patterns… they’re no longer just for bridesmaids as Douglas Hannant’s Spring 2013 Collection shows!
courtesy of douglashannant.com
May 3, 2012
Kirsten Dunst as Betty Warren in 2003's Mona Lisa Smile. (courtesy of blue-ray.com)
So, I must confess I thought about this budding re-trend while flipping through the channels last night after coming across the wedding scene from 2003′s Mona Lisa Smile. Starring Julia Roberts and Kirsten Dunst, the movie itself is mediocre at best, but the wedding scene is undeniably amazeballs.
Kirsten Dunst, who plays Betty Warren — a viciously rotten, wanna-punch-her-in-the-face type character – has an uncanny way of looking incredibly breathtaking while remaining painfully irritating. Even though her character’s a real hoe’s beast, Dunst still looks fiercely fabulous in her bridal best… but how could this be?? How could such a hard personality create such a soft silhouette??
Well, with an illusion neckline, of course!!
Like any good fashion trend, I’m referencing this one as a “re-trend” because it’s already had a killer past… currently has a fantastic present and will undoubtedly continue with an incredible future. Hence why this trendtastic retro rewind has become one of my faves! And there’s no area I love to see a fave trend embraced more than (drum roll, please)… the wedding gown!!! Duh!
Because the illusion neckline creates a sort of subtle drama, it’s perfect for bridal royalty… and I mean that for seriously too! Several Princesses – including but not limited to – Grace Kelly, Princess Consort of Monaco; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge and Mia Thermopolis (played by Anne Hathaway in Disney’s The Princess Diaries), Princess of Genovia, haha, used this trend impeccably while they dishing out the ‘I do’s'! Even celebrity royalty like Ivanka Trump, Princess of the man with serious hair issues, couldn’t resist a sheer neckline to celebrate her nuptial debut :)
from top, Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, Ivanka Trump and Anne Hathaway (courtesy of whiteweddingdresses.onsugar.com, 100worldnews.blogspot.com, the-weddingdresses.com and hotflick.net)
All these princesses knew the importance of creating a killer illusion, and it’s no wonder why so many designers are jumping on board this bridal trend. Check out below and see some of my faves from their 2012 Spring and Fall Collections!
courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) Alita Graham, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Alvina Valenta (inset), Elizabeth Fillmore, Priscilla of Boston, Monique Lhuillier (one shoulder), Alvina Valenta (inset), Lela Rose, Reem Acra and Marchesa via brides.com
December 29, 2011
According to theknot.com, there are several wedding dress trends brides should be on the lookout for in 2011, and Marilyn’s Keepsakes is proud to put our stamp of approval on some of our faves!
Trend #1: Dainty Dots
From the sweet and sophisticated to the modern and modish, dotting your bridal gown with this girly trend is the perfect way to accent your look without taking away from your overall appeal.
Designer: Christos (photos courtesy of christosbridal.com)
Trend #2: Billowy Skirts
Frothy layers of sex appeal come to life when you modernize the ball gown with oversized layers of soft chiffon and tulle fabrics.
Designer: David Fielden (photos courtesy of kleinfeldbridal.com)
Trend #3: Spirals
Razzle Dazzle ‘em with oodles of ra-ra-ruffles when you walk down the aisle in these diva details complete with stylish pleats and flair-worthy levels.
Designer: Marchesa (photo courtesy of theknot.com)
Trend #4: Keyhole Necklines
Creating a vintage inspired, peek-a-boo treat that brides will love, keyhole necklines are a unique blend of modern trend and retro-chic.
Designer: Monique Lhuillier (photos courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com)
Trend #5: Tiny Tiers
Complementary to all body types, this type of soft rouching does a fabulous job for creating form flattering lines and soft silhouettes.
Designer: Alvina Valenta (photos courtesy of jlmcouture.com)
Trend #6: Full Blooms
Love will be in full bloom when you blossom down the runway, err, I mean aisle in a gown raptured by Springtime magic. Whether highlighting one centerpiece blossom or creating a frock of full of florals, you’ll surely make friends and family “ooh and ahh” with this trendy treat.
Designer: Allure Couture & Bridals (photos courtesy of allurebridals.com)
Trend #7: Sheer Coverage
Sexiness personified. Revel in the revealing appeal of sheer coverage when you dance your wedding night away in one of couture’s most current and up-to-date looks.
Designer: Pnina Tornai (photos courtesy of kleinfeldbridal.com)
Trend #8: Separates
Who needs a full on wardrobe change when you can simply swap out elements. When you dress to impress with exchangeable pieces, you’ll easily create a look that can go from fun and flirty to dramatic and girly.
Designer: Melissa Sweet (photo courtesy of theknot.com)
Trend #9: Modified Mermaid Silhouettes
Want the uber sexiness or mermaid styles without cutting your movement ni half? Then, look no further that with these softer, fit ‘n’ flare styles that start to expand out just above the knee.
Designer: Vera Wang (photos courtesy of verawang.com)
Trend #10: Embellished Belts
Define your waist with class when you decorate it with a beautiful belt, embellished crystals, pearls, beads and bobbles.
Designer: Romona Keveza (photos courtesy of legendsbyromonakeveza.com)
January 31, 2011
It’s no secret that I love me some hot celebrity scoop, and with award season well under way, I will no doubt be incorporating the Fashion Do’s and Dont’s topping the list to hopefully inspire some of your best bridal wardrobes.
After my best friend and fashion designer (holler for a dollar, Breezie!) posted Olivia Wilde’s gown on her hipmatic, New York blog this past Sunday, I knew I had to follow suit. Because red carpet fashion is inspired by the runway, and everything trickles down to inspire the gown… your wedding gown, that is!
While some big time bridal designers – such as Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang and Romona Keveza – dressed several of the most fabulous celebs, the designs from all were no doubt talked about! So, for better or for worse, here are 25 of the 2011 Golden Globes most talked about looks:
**all photos courtesy of omg.yahoo.com**
Hosts went wild about Olivia Wilde in Marchesa. Talk about a fairy tale princess :)
Winning the Best Dressed nod from E!'s Fashion Police, Angelina Jolie represented well in Atelier Versace.
It was a fashion toss up for recently divorced Scarlett Johansson in who sported an Elie Saab gown and Bride of Frankenstein 'do.
Tiny and mighty, here is Eva Longoria in a form fitting Zac Posen, and I have to admit, this has "Eat your heart out, Tony Parker" written all over it.
Anne Hathaway dressed in full on Dynasty-inspired fashion with Armani Prive also received several Best Dressed nods!
Love it or hate it, here is Jennifer Lopez in a Zuhair Murad gown in white.
Who said redheads can't wear pink? Here's Julianne Moore sporting a hot pink gown, asymmetrical gown by Lanvin.
While I normally love everything about Halle and her berries, I can't say I'm nuts about this black Nina Ricci gown.
Both boo's and applause followed Lea Michele in her ultra fabric, pink Oscar de le Renta.
While Sandra Bullock's dress was mostly considered a miss, it was her hair that really had fans saying, "huh?"
Legendary risk taker Helena Bonham Carter really went all out in Vivienne Westwood and mismatched shoes ensemble... leaving me wonder, where were her friends to help!?
The always timeless and recently wed, Carrie Underwood, looked stunning in her champagne colored Badgley Mischka gown.
Also representing the nude color pallet - as well as a disco daisy pattern - Michelle Williams walked the red carpet in Valentino. And while I love Michelle and Valentino, I can't say I'm feeling this look.
Well, there goes the notion that super models can wear anything. Heidi Klum was looking a hot mess in this psychedelic Marc Jacobs getup.
Also recently newlywed, Megan Fox, played it safe in this blush colored Armani Prive gown, but I wouldn't mind to take home those shoes!
J. Love, is that you under there? Normally one of Hollywood's best bodies, Jennifer Love Hewitt seemed a bit drowned by her Romona Keveza gown.
Also rocking a Romona Keveza gown, Julia Stiles walked the red carpet in fierce, one-shouldered fashion.
Easy "A's" Emma Stone was almost unrecognizable in her skin toned Calvin Klein dress and recently bleached tresses, but I got to admit, I still kind of liked it :)
Not only did she look "oh so" in love with cancer surviving hubby, Michael Douglas, but Catherine Zeta-Jones was a knockout in this whimsical, jewel toned Monique Lhuillier number. Love it and love her!
Considered one of hot young Hollywood's royalty, I have to wonder what Leighton Meester was thinking wearing this dowdy, Burberry Prorsum design? She's much too cute to be so covered!
It was all about setting the red carpet on fire when Mad Men bombshell, Christina Hendricks entered wearing this Romona Keveza one shoulder gown. And while I love her and the dress, there's something a little too much (and too red) about it altogether.
Sporting the same jewel tone as Angelina and Catherine Zeta, Mila Kunis walked the red carpet in a form fitting Vera Wang.
January Jones let everyone know why she makes the "men mad" in this contemporary cut out gown by Versace.
Amy Adams went asymmetrical in her navy blue, frock top gown by Marchesa.
The curvaceous Sofia Vergara had jaws dropping in the corseted, two tone gown by Vera Wang, and while the reviews were mixed, there's no denying this bombshell's beauty!
January 19, 2011
photo courtesy of dailymotion.com
Alright. The title’s a bit of a stretch, but work with me here, people! Because the news itself is sooo worth the super reaching headline!
On Friday’s episode of (skies part, angels sing) Oprah, Vera Wang and Ms. O herself delighted audience members on the verge of nuptial bliss when they gave away 50 of Vera’s very opulent gowns! And while I’m sure each one of the Future Mrs. So and So’s would’ve been more than happy to end their victory dance there, Big O’s gravy train just kept rolling in!
That’s right. She went ahead and one-upped herself after the gowns were given away by then offering these lovely ladies in waiting a $250 gift card to Kohl’s, where Wang’s Simply Vera collection is available, a $4000 (eye chee wah wah!) gift certificate to Marriott Hotels and Resorts and finally, two United Airlines travel vouchers.
Now, I know what you’re all thinking, “Man! I gotta get me some tickets to an Oprah show!” – because, darlings, I think the same darn thing after every “Favorite Things” episode! However, for those of you not lucky enough to be in her studio audience, fear not, for there is good news for all!
Vera Wang – who’s known as bridal couture’s finest feature – is now in the final stages of polishing her new line that will make its fabulous debut at David’s Bridal, February of 2011!! Hooty hoot! The price tag? Anywhere between $600 – $1500. And ranging in sizes from 0 – 14 – ’cause Lord KNOWS us chubby bunnies love us some couture too :) :) :)
“These dresses will be available to so many more brides than I’ve been able to ever reach before,” Wang told Winfrey. “So it’s a whole new world for us and bridal, with all the same aesthetics and design philosophy.” (The Oprah Winfrey Show, 9/17/210)
So, in the meantime – between now and February 2011 – feel free to watch the entire Oprah clip here and keep dreaming in Vera!
[dailymotion id=xevaec]
September 22, 2010
