TOUCHES OF FLORAL

Today I want to share a few photos of my favorite accents-- flowers. Whether made of silk to look like real ones or hand rolled, they add that natural and feminine chic to any gown or head piece.

Amelia Casablanca

di Alessandro

Amelia Casablanca

di Vinnì
source

STALKING THE PARIS RUNWAYS

Valentino

Okay, I admit these photos may be a couple years old but if you really study them out you'll find these Paris fashioneers set some of the the trends we're lovin' so much today.

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino
It's the small details reinvented like natural waistlines, ruched wraps like the one below and use of muted pastels.

Dominique Sirop

Elie Saab

Franck Sorbier


On Aura Tout Vu
Baby Doll chic is everywhere now, one trend I'll never max out on.

On Aura Tout Vu

The Mermaid. Like the legendary creature herself, the above silhouette is half and half: part sheath then all of a sudden POW! part ballgown.

Christian Lacroix,

Christian Lacroix,

Carven


Not all fashion experiments work; think of the runways as one big lab combining colors and textures with all kinds of amazing special effects. These are a few that went on to evolve into some of the best chic you see around today . . .

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Tashiko! A silk dupion modified A-line. If you like embossed chiffon, you’ll love the treatment I gave it here. The sleeves look more like lace folding into a gathered sweetheart empire waist that ties in back creating a sweep train. The underskirt is layers of crin trimmed in yards of lace.

Photos by Smoot Photo/Hair by Gayle Parker
Inspiration for this dress came from two sources: the obi sashes on the backs of wedding kimonos and this 1805 portrait of Mlle. Riviere by Ingres, a copy of which hangs in my kitchen and I guess has been inspiring me a long time now. The regency look of the early 19th century is visible here but so is the Asian influence with the back sash that ties like an obi. Also, the chiffon is embossed with lilies and they always remind me of the Far East.

WHAT'S NEW IN RETRO?

Feathers. Cocktail hats with veils. Long strands of pearls. Opera gloves.

This simple cut velvet gown with just the right accessories instantly becomes retro.

The veil of this hat easily becomes a shoulder drape.

Once this whole look is pulled together it can be reminiscent of pre-1920s as well as 1930s Hollywood.

Photos: Henley Photography
Gowns and accessories: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture