Monday, January 4, 2010

COUTURE REPORT: RISING NECKLINES

Recently hitched, Ivanka Trump wore a refined Grace Kellyesque custom creation by Vera Wang. This has spun off a new interest in the traditional gown designed with a higher neckline and addition of sleeves. Truth is designers typically have a couple gowns in the collection every season with the traditional bride in mind. When an icon like Ivanka makes an entrance we sit up and really take notice of those classics, especially if the gown is as well executed as the one she wore.


Pictured in the Pronovias photo, organza with a high Sabrina collar and three-quarter length sleeves scream out Audrey and 50s. Directly above is a high neck and long tight sleeves embellished with crystals.


Raimon Bundó
Lace forms the high bateau neckline and puffed sleeves.
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Raimon Bundó

Not so different than the classic A-line we're used to with one exception: the higher neckline.

Raimon Bundó

Costume inspired--this prim one looks like it belongs on any one of Jane Austen's characters


The bared shoulders look of an evening gown with high neckline details

Raimon Bundó

Above: The Victorian collar returns. We haven't really seen this look since the 1970s when Jessica McClintock introduced her version of the Granny Gown in the Gunny Sax Collection.

Just looking at this picture you can tell this gown with a high ruffled neck by Manuel Mota totally floats and moves beautifully.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

THE CUTTING EDGE BRIDESMAID

Emily Enchantment

Credits: AlicesLookingGlass on Etsy, angeew on Etsy, Raya Carlisle Photography, Ariel Yve, TheWeddingCollection on Etsy, Martha Stewart Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, snippet & ink

The pink lovely on the upper right is from Carol Hannah's The Wedding Collection . Using a versatile fabric like jersey with cutting edge applications, this Project Runway participant has found a cure for the ever rampant 'It's a Bridesmaid Dress' epidemic . Her philosophy on bridesmaid dresses rings so true. Let's see if you agree, "Let's be honest here- the word bridesmaid doesn't usually invoke the most beautiful image. These dresses are usually overpriced, low quality (what about weddings says "polyester please"?), and something that your friends would probably never choose to wear in the first place. "

I couldn't have said it more precisely. Jersey may just be that perfect fabric we've all been looking for for the bridesmaid. Not to mention how comfortable it is to wear and how well it travels. If you think about it, a high quality jersey can go to a formal hoop-la as well as casual get together. Put on your flat sandals and head to a chi chi beach restaurant for dinner some night. Or out to an afternoon art reception. Where would you wear the above dress after the big day? Curious about your answers . . .