LIVING THE DREAM

----- Visions of last night's dreams come to light with the morning sun;

Soon the order of these days and nights will be simple; a pure sensuality arrives enhanced by the rose-sweet fragrances of noon.

Mind and body become one as you envision the days ahead: A wedding picnic, a night under Orion with your beloved;

Once nature’s carnival beckons in the form of flowers, trees and newborn animals, You go willingly . . .

Gowns by Manon Pascual-Paris
Photos: Jean-Pierre Collet

THE TAILORED BRIDE

Shown here are gowns steeped in all the glamour of the gala season by Basilica. Each of these ensembles is perfect for an autumn-winter wedding. Oh and such magnificent wedding fabrics, just the thing for this chillier weather upon us.

CORSET DRESSING

With the continuing popularity of the strapless bodice, some designers are restructuring the look to keep it from going stale. The corset is one digression off the basic strapless. Corsets are fascinating; they suggest the intimacy of lingerie and all those private moments primping in a boudoir. Working itself into mainstream fashion alongside 1980s punk chic, icons like Madonna and Cindy Lauper are noted for introducing the corset. As of late, they’ve showed up in bridal wear either as separates or the bodice of a full gown.

Click photos to enlarge

Two basic things really mark the look of a corset: lace and boning. Other characteristics include front or back ribbon lace-up, hooks and eyes and wiring under the bra cups. Italian designer Amelia Casablanca has taken the corset to the level of a work of art. Each gown is a study in working different variations and incorporating imaginative detail. Paired with skirts sporting yards of sumptuous fabric, each corset sits a top a cinched waistline proffering an ultra-feminine look.

All gowns by Amelia Casablanca

ECO-CHIC UPDATE:WEARING A RECONSTRUCTED DRESS

When I spotted this one-of-a-kind piece on Etsy Weddings I just had to share it with you. Since recycling is a big issue with me, I’m all psyched about how Lynn reconstructed this 1950s gown by taking up the hem. Check out the mini-veil—don't you just luv it?

Here’s what Lynn of Lynn’s Rags has to say about her method for recycling clothing: “My vision is simple, to take vintage clothing and turn it into something modern and wearable. In a society ruled by trends I fight for individuality. I value the power of expressing oneself through what you wear. Selling my clothing everyday allows me to give women a sense of joy when they wear something completely original and nostalgic.”

LACE: NEW SPINS ON AN OLD TRADITION

Max Chaoul
What could be more bridal than white lace? Lace as we know it evokes images of woven florals and scalloped edges on flounced skirts and collars. Though these time-honored looks will always be with us, lately we’re seeing new spins on the use of lace in bridal wear. Not only are the traditionals like Alencon and Chantilly now used in cutting edge ways, new inventions in knit and revivals in cotton and crocheted laces are showing up. Some of it is being used discreetly on no more than a sleeve or yoke while the high drama of donning all over lace from collar to hemline is chic as well.


Rosa Clara




Stephanie Allin



Neil Cunningham



Luisa Beccaria

Colored laces in designer collections range from the palest cream to dark ecru and pastels. I’ve even spotted some water-colored peau d’ange laces in a custom collection.
Here are some gowns—all lacy in some way-- that combine aspects from the finest eras styled with the contemporary bride in mind.

Colette Dinnigan
Above and below are gowns in knit and cotton laces, definitely a new spin to traditional. For the eco-conscious bride, most could easily be reworn post-wedding.

Manuel Mota

Phillipa Lepley

Above and below: What could be more practical than these romantic looking separates?

Elspeth Gibson

Roberto Cavalli

Don't you just love them? I found these little bit modern, little bit romantic Roberto Cavalli lace boots in Spanish Vogue

Givenchy

Justin Alexander
Embroidered lace combined with embellishments

Stewart Parvin

Only a touch of lace to the bodice and shoulders gives this dress a more romantic feeling.

COUTURE REPORT: MEXICO FASHION WEEK

Mariana Luna

Passionate fashion aficionados know one of fashion week’s best kept secrets: South America is very plugged in when it comes to turning out high fashion collections. And though Mexico does great with haute couture, for me, they’ve always had a kind of trend setting talent for resort chic which works with the thing we’ve had the past few years for destination weddings.
Maria Luisa De Chavez


Maria Luisa De Chavez

Maria Luisa De Chavez

Mexican designers are also great with color in their collections (I didn’t indulge here, sorry) Here are some highlights from Fashion Week Mexico 2009. I have to say, I’m more than impressed.



Carlo Demichelis

Lydia Lavin's model below reminds me of a Frida Kahlo painting, especially the way her wrap is draped and hair is ornamented.

Lydia Lavin

Edgardo Luegas

Armando Mafud