THE CELTIC FACTOR

Antoinette Catenacci

Aka goddess dressing, Celtic traditions play out in fashion. The ancient spirituality that has a close connection with nature and the life cycle can be seen in a certain style clothing. A cross between Medieval and the gowns you find in Maxfield Parish paintings, two designers come to mind when I think of Celtic inspired: Antoinette Catenacci and aspects of Martin McCrea's work. Canadian designer Catenacci has an entire section devoted to Celtic tradition on her lovely site.
Martin McCrea

Antoinette Catenacci

Antoinette Catenacci

Antoinette Catenacci

Antoinette Catenacci

Antoinette Catenacci

Below are a few special Celtic touches you can incorporate into your gown to give it that real goddess feel . . .

*Angel sleeves that are tight to the elbow then flare. Any flowing sleeve, mostly long.

*Long dangling Celtic cross or chain worn as a belt.

*Goddess-like or asymmetrical draping.

*Robe silhouettes

*Research symbolism and have gold and/or green embroidery done somewhere on the gown. The Catenacci gown (#4) down is a good example.

Antoinette Catenacci

STREET CHIC BRIDE

The stranded, hitchhiking or runway bride has been an intriguing subject the last couple years for a few fine art/fashion photographers all over the world. In my search for photos for this ongoing feature, I've found brides with thumbs out, stranded in urban settings against graffiti walls and even amid the desolation of abandoned warehouses.

Andras Schram

My latest browsing for urban edge touches that say Street Chic Bride led me to these photos by Andras Schramm . I'm blown away by his uncanny ability to story tell through images. Juxtapose certainly creates an interesting composition here for this bride wandering around the desert somewhere near Las Vegas. The street in this case would be a highway--a lonely and deserted looking one at that. Regardless, her chic factor is amped up to awesome. The polka dot gown paired with the blast of head pouf adds an overall drama to these images.

Andras Schram

Andras Schram

COME AND EXPLORE

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These costume inspired gowns and headpieces by London designer, Basia Zarzycka are more rooted in a beautiful reality than what's typical of her haute collections. Most of her creations reflect a world somewhere between dreams and fairytale costume. She opened her current shop on Sloane Square in 1999 catering to everyone from royalty and pop stars to the curious passersby intriqued by the otherworld atmosphere found inside. I promise, visiting her site will be every bit as moving and really inspire you. There are two actually. Her online shop and Virtual World which is the real trip through storybook land . . . .

STALKING THE LOOK BOOKS: TONI FEDERICI

When it comes to the bridal veil--from the shortest wisp of netting to full formals sporting yards of train--Toni Federici is top notch. She combines feminity, tradition and cutting edge all at once. You can view more of these lovelies on her site or find a salon near you. The really good news is, she sells all over the world . . . .

THE BEST DRESSED GUEST

Going for a walk ... by almadiana featuring Nina shoes

Straw Hats Manufacturer exporting direct from China
holhan.en.alibaba.com

$12 - buyfairycostumes.com

Create the best fairy costume around with this Fairy Purse. The fun and fantastic handbag has a green felt-like exterior with colorful netting and decorative flowers while satin lines the inside of the purse. In addition, the purse also has a drawstring closure and short handle. You'll have one very special fairy costume on your hands with the addition of this Fairy Purse.

Silver/grey chiffon beaded dress, price on request, Emily Fox at Bertex Bride

$348 - weddingmagazine.co.uk
$13 (8 GBP) - missselfridge.com. Cream pearl effect two row bead necklace. length 89cm 100% OTHER.



$20 (12 GBP) - topshop.com. Gold look stone set ring with white stones and crystal rhinestones. 100% Metal. $32 - 1928.com. These vintage, English style earrings feature genuine rose gold quartz in a tear drop shape and faux cream pearls. The french wire earrings are slightly elongated and finished in a polished rose gold tone

NINA RICCI Satin Peep Toe Pump - Hunter Green-440 Shoes - 25Park.com
$790 - 25park.com

ON THE BEACH

Beach Wedding by KatL368 on Polyvore.com

click photo to enlarge

This is dedicated to all of you out there dreaming of the ultimate beach wedding. Enjoy . . .

ODE TO THE BIAS CUT

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Long before the development of knits, the bias cut was used for body-hugging silhouettes like the dress on Jean Harlow above. It all started back in the 1920s when a Parisian couturier, Madeleine Vionette developed a technique using the true cross grain of fabric. Defined, a bias cut simply means the pattern pieces are placed on the cross grain rather than straight grain lines of weft or warp of the fabric. By 1930, Hollywood designers took advantage of this cut and made it into a real trend. So what are the advantages of a bias cut gown? Fit. Gowns cut on the true bias hug and cling to the hips and midriff and fall beautifully. Many times they seem like a second skin.

Temperly
Temperly

Jasper Conran

Not all gowns are allover bias cuts. The Candy Anthony confections below have a very full bias cut skirt and fitted bodice on grain. 1950s silhouettes employed the circular skirt that when put on the true bias, moves beautifully when you walk. It also takes many yards of fabric to create.

Candy Anthony