Bridal Market NYC: Claire Pettibone 2013 Collection

“The sea gives her shells to the shingle, The earth gives her streams to the sea; They are many but my gift is single, My verse, the first fruits of me.” Written by Algernon Charles Swinburne, in 1865 this is a part of the poem that inspired Claire Pettibone for her 2013 collection. There is beauty in the simplicity of a soft breeze flowing through the woods in spring and this collection captures it.

Claire Pettibone runway shows have long been known for their garden, fairy and nymph feel.  This season didn’t disappoint.  Models, adorning messy hair knot up-dos and floral crowns, walked barefoot down a rose petal covered catwalk in gowns that gave feel to a garden wedding. Her use of floral lace appliqué, silk flowers, ribbons and lace are begging to be touched.  What makes her a standout is the delicate use of color, her intricate floral embroidery and yes, I’ve crowned her the Queen of bringing sexy back. 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

No one in the industry has given more attention to the overall appearance to a bride walking down the aisle, for that first look as well as guests looking at her as she stands there.  This seasons use of playful ribbons and hand-spun lace will evoke your inner fairy princess bride.  No matter if your wedding is in a garden, cathedral, or castle wearing a Pettibone dress says, “I believe in love, dreams coming true and my prince-charming.”

Claire Pettibone 2012 collection takes you to French countryside

If you ever had visions of a warm summer’s day in France being the setting for your wedding, Claire Pettibone has the most beautifully vintage inspired gowns for you.  True to her aesthetic, her beautifully silhouetted gowns floated down the runway and the magic of the city of lights twinkled behind.

Reminiscent of a garden party, this collection was meant to celebrate women and the feminine form. It’s the design, picking the ‘just right’ lace and creating ‘just the perfect surprise element’ that makes her so loved and respected.

This show featured antique patterned underlay’s, stunning lace overlays, surprise touches of ‘blue’ and intricate lace embroidery.  What brides should remember is that your guests will see you coming down the aisle as well as standing at the alter.  Your gown, in other words, should create a complete and unforgettable statement both coming and going.  No worries with a Pettibone gown, she has you covered with some of the best ‘back-detail’ in the industry. 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It’s about passion and wanting to honor a woman.  Claire is an artist who hears and whose soul can be seen in each dress.  She doesn’t just create one dress and change the fabric; she created each in the collection to stand on its own.  To be as unique as you are.

Claire Pettibone 2012 collection captures the spirit of the night

Claire Pettibone is one of those designers with which you instantly feel a warm and fuzzy feeling.  She looks in your eyes when she speaks with you; she often puts her hand on your arm and shoulder and you instantly feel her undying love for the wedding business and brides worldwide.

This last season the Pettibone collection was all about the whimsical fairy.  This collection, Claire continues to capture the Spirit of the Night but in a truly regal way. Constance, Emmeline, Frances, Louisa and Norah are just a few of the names of the gowns that have jeweled eyelet lace, fluttering sleeves, silk flowers or flower trimmings.  Each gown must be for the queen of the fairies as a regal look and feel for them.

I do believe that even though many brides will choose Claire Pettibone as the “beach wedding” dress to go to, don’t be fooled.  There are big wedding, bringing-sexy-back appeal to them as well.  What she wants the bride to remember is that people will see you twice: Once as you walk down the aisle and the second time as you stand there and your back should be just as view-worthy.  These are!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There are a strapless, capped sleeve, capped ruffled bolero, handkerchief sleeves or lace straps.  Color options this season: ivory, pearl, blush, platinum, and candlelight all beautiful.  Sizes range from size 2-20 so they will fit a variety of brides.

Five days and counting….I need a royal dress.

Dear Lisa,

There is so much going on that I have had a tough time of keeping it all in order.  I wish everyone truly understood that this is not only an important time for me, but also extremely stressful.  Everyone has his or her opinion on what should happen, how it should happen and it’s timed down to the last second.  I think my planner even has my bathroom moments timed.

I need to take a moment and really search for my dress.  I actually have a good idea about the style I want and actually want to design it myself.  Is that simply crazy??  I also know that I want two more party dresses to change.  One for the family reception and then one for the real party with our friends that evening.  I also think that since we are now planning a breakfast the next morning with family and friends, I need yet one more outfit.

Yes there are just five days until our wedding, but I know that it will come together….I think.

Warmly,

Kate

Dear Kate,

Let’s take it one at a time.  Remember first, you must breathe.  I’ve seen more than one bride (and a few grooms) topple over because they get so stressed that they forget to take a moment to relax.  Secondly, this is your wedding – you and Will.  Nothing will happen before you both arrive so if you’re a few moments late…so be it!  Just don’t ‘be 30 minutes or more because that would be rude.

Communication with Will is extremely key at this time.  This is your partner and the person that you are saying (and he to you) that you want to spend the rest of your life with.  That means that you can discuss everything and truly share the stresses of this time with each other.  If he is a good guy, he’ll do his best to help you and you know what, I’m sure he’s a bit stressed as well.  If you can, why not take a few hours for a date?  Go to lunch, hang out in the park, go for a couples massage or take in a funny movie.  Just the two of you – away from all the prying eyes.  Connect and remember this: The Wedding is one day….the Marriage begins after the party stops.

I was wondering if you had your dress yet.  After just coming back from bridal market in NYC a few weeks ago, there are so many designers that have beautiful gowns.  There is Sassi Holsford, Temperly, Jasper Conran and Jenny Packham who are among my favorite British designers and who could absolutely design for the church or your receptions and parties.

There are also several other designers who have a princess like theme this year and I think they would be lovely for any of your wedding dresses.  Some of my favorites include Monique Lhuillier, St. Pucchi, Reem Acra, Claire Pettibone and of course Carolina Herrera.  A relatively new bridal designer, but he’s dressed lots of A-list celebrities, is Kevan Hall.  Priscilla of Boston has five separate lines under their umbrella that are beautiful, but Vintage line is my favorite for its chic, sophisticated yet youthful feel.  If you truly wanted to help design your own gown, you should set up an appointment with Amsale, Alfred Angelo, and Reem Acra who I know are always happy to collaborate with a bride that wants to help design their own gown.

Remember to breathe and all will be well.

Lisa

Claire Pettibone 2012 Bridal Collection

Claire Pettibone is one of those designers with which you instantly feel a warm and fuzzy feeling.  She looks in your eyes when she speaks with you; she often puts her hand on your arm and shoulder and you instantly feel her undying love for the wedding business and brides worldwide.

Last season the Pettibone collection was all about the whimsical fairy.  This collection, Claire continues to capture the Spirit of the Night but in a truly regal way. Constance, Emmeline, Frances, Louisa and Norah are just a few of the names of the gowns that have jeweled eyelet lace, fluttering sleeves, silk flowers or flower trimmings.  Each gown must be for the queen of the fairies as  a regal look and feel about them.

I do believe that even though many brides will choose Claire Pettibone as the “beach wedding” dress to go to, don’t be fooled.  There are big wedding, bringing-sexy-back appeal to them as well.  What she wants the bride to remember is that people will see you twice: Once as you walk down the aisle and the second time as you stand there and your back should be just as view-worthy.  These are!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There are a strapless, capped sleeve, capped ruffled bolero, handkerchief sleeves or lace straps.  Color options this season: ivory, pearl, blush, platinum, and candlelight -all beautiful.

Sizes range from size 2-20 so they will fit many brides.

I’ve included both some shots by me (Lisa M. Barr) as well as professional shots by George Chinsee.  If you want to see more photos and more detail shots, please check out our “Yours In Bridal” Fan Page on Facebook.

The true fairytail collection of Claire Pettibone

For Claire Pettibone, there hasn’t been a time when she didn’t believe in fairies.  This idea comes from her childhood when she imagined leaves were dresses and flower petals were winged sprites. It was a time when everything was magical and her imagination could roam this magical world freely.  The 2011 collection reflects this belief that every bride should be equally luminous and magical on her wedding day.

Greeted by hostess fairies and instead of pixie-dust, there were chocolate and cocktails.  Looks like today’s modern fairytale has really grown up. As each model made her way down the aisle, one couldn’t help but notice the luminescent sleeves, the light almost dewdrop roses and sequins’, beads and pearls to add to the sparkle.

For this season, the Claire Pettibone bride is nestled between reality and fantasy, moonlit gold and spurn silver, day and night.  However in the place where bridal dreams are made, the moon rises and fairies come out to dance and play.

If you are a fan, you’ll be happy to know that “The enchanted Atelier for Claire Pettibone” collection of jeweled headpieces will be available spring 2011.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Color Trends: White, Silver, Opalescent Paillette, Grey, Champaign, Ivory, Soft Pink, Rose, Celadon, Smoke, Olive, Platinum and Gold

Fabric Trends: Lace, Sequin, Silk Chiffon, Tulle,

Style Trends: Crystals, Jeweled Straps, Moonstone beads, Appliqué Leaves, Embellishments, Draped Tulle, Lace Bodice, Bubble skirt, and Bolero