Jenny Packham 2012 bridal and accessory collection takes on America

Walking into the showroom of Jenny Packham’s NYC showroom will transport you.  Yes it is luxurious, and her craftsmanship is renowned, but there is a beauty and bit of London’s Mayfair charm, right in the meat-packing district.  Recognize as one of the UK’s most successful an independent fashion brands, Jenny Packham is set to take on America.

Spring 2012 bridal collection was inspired by the iridescence and beauty of nocturnal butterflies.  Silk tulles, billowing layers of cascading silk chiffon and draped gleaming satins were only surpassed by the romantically sculptured corsetry that had shimmers of Swarovski jewels which sparkled like stars in a moonlit night.  Luxurious champagne silvers, delicate gold’s and soft ivories would look beautiful on any bride.

No bridal outfit is complete with out accessories and headwear.  This seasons Paris influenced accessories in the 1930’s with glamour of 1950-60’s Hollywood.  Romance and opulent vintage headpieces with delicate beading and crystals to frame the beauty of its wearer.

Finally, the opulent color and palette of rich royal blues, delicate ivories and tea rose pinks of silk chiffon robes and lace slips and baby dolls will add to your wedding day wardrobe.

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Royal Date Night: Duchess Catherine + Prince William at ARK Gala

With an expected sea of camera flashes, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge made her first official bow as a working princess Thursday night, joining her husband, Prince William, at a glamorous London fundraiser.

Kate, 29, stepped out of her blue Jaguar in a floor-length blush organza Jenny Packham gown (Jenny does both ready-to-wear and bridal) at the 10th annual Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) gala dinner.

As William placed a guiding hand on his wife’s back, she giggled a little as she stopped on the purple-carpeted steps for photographs.  I have to say I LOVE the fact that he is a gentleman and they are not scared to ‘touch’ each other in public.  They actually seem to be a couple – a real couple in love.

They make a striking couple and I’m sure as they move along in their life together, there will be more show-stopping photo opportunities.

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

Fashion Week Designers I wish would create bridal

So much has been going on the last few days.  I’m literally running from show to show, getting information from the designers, sometimes, going back stage…it’s fun, but completely exhausting!!  I hope that you’ve been following my tweets (@bridalease) and are enjoying them.

I realized that I won’t have time to complete an article and post tonight, but I did want to give you a bit of eye-candy.  These are just a few of the designers that I’ve seen who have created amazing gowns.  In some cases these are designers I really wish would create a bridal line.  Now, I’ve also included Jenny Packham, Monique Lhuillier, in this first part (it will be updated with all designers by Feb 25 so check back!!), but I wanted you to see how ready-to-wear, can easily transfer to bridal.

Enjoy and do tell me who is your favorite.

Jenny Packham 2011 Bridal Collection

What a lucky person am I to have had the pleasure and privilege to see Jenny Packham twice in a 4-week time span?  From her New York City Fashion Week début to her 2011 bridal collection, I am a total fan.

This 2011 collection is inspired by the Ballet Russes, a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and 1930’s Paris.  It is all about unbridled decadence, sculptured femininity and fluid movement.  There are luxurious layers of Cascading tulle, soft and dreamy silhouettes and romantically sexy pleated tulle corsetry.

You may have seen but not known her designs.  From ‘Sex and the City’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ to ‘James Bonds Casino Royal’ and ‘Die Another Day‘, she designs clothes that make you drool! As if she didn’t have enough to do, she has also created an accessories (bejeweled headdresses, bracelets and earrings) and lingerie line.  Both capture Jenny’s glamorous philosophy.

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Honestly if Jenny had re-run her ready-to-wear collection from a few weeks ago, I would have been just as happy.  Her 2011 Spring RTW collection was breathtaking and could have easily been a bridal collection as well.  In my opinion, it was flawless and perfect for a night on the town or your wedding day.  I can honestly say that Jenny Packham is my can of Pringles.  I don’t want just one.

NYFW: Jenny Packham collection proves she is a shining star

“An age of debutante balls and magical moonlight parties for exquisite youth.  Translucent beauties like precious pearls in shell pink chiffon and marbled satin.  Shining like super nova they traverse the floor under crystal stars in the arms of their aristocratic beau. England’s select, ablaze in the moment, intoxicated with desire and naïve expectations of eternal youth. This is the time of their lives. Unforgettable.” Jenny Packham

What a welcome early morning surprise.  Jenny Packham launched her first NYC collection in a big way – the new home of fashion week, Lincoln Center.  What makes this really special is that she swapped London for us here.  For those of us lucky enough to view her first NYC runway, what a joy it was.

Jenny Packham isn’t new in the fashion industry but even with five stores across Europe, a celebrity clientele (including Keira Knightley, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopes, Cameron Diaz and others), this is her first time in the tents.  Well, if we all could make such a splash our ‘first time out’.  She brought modern elements to classic shapes with a big WOW factor.

The overall consensus – Jenny Rocked New York Fashion Week!!  It was so refreshingly wonderful to see a line that had something for everyone.  There wasn’t a single dress that was so avant-garde that you thought “just the designers vision” or so bland, that you wondered what the designer was actually thinking.  The color palette as well as cut simply flattered women.   Sexy and Sensual – Check; Beading – check; Total Diva worthy – Check. Jenny Packham – Double Check!

Jenny, welcome to America.

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Color Trends: Pink, Blush, Tan, Silver, Steel, Blue, Cloud and Ivory

Style Trends: Beaded Jumpsuit, Beaded Underdress, Silk Shorts, High Waisted Pants, Shoulder Bow, Cowl Back Neckline (Stunning!!) Beaded Bodice And Tassels, Asymmetrical Short Dress, Star Burst Beading And Twisted Sleeves.

Fabric Trends: Beaded Tulle, Silk Crepe, Silk, French Chiffon, Silk Twill, Italian Jersey, Italian Silk Crepe, Hand Painted Silk Organza, Silk Lac, and Degournay Hand Painted Silk And Silk Crepe Satin