Bridal Market: St. Patrick 2013 Couture Bridal Collection

The emphasis is on classic design, inspired by regal luxury and the romanticism of traditional European folktales. St. Patrick has combined these magical ingredients to create a fresh yet glamorous range of bridal gowns.

The 2013 collection features highly structured lines, close-fitting waistlines and very wide skirts, with curved lines and fine fabrics such as satin, taffeta, organza and Mikado silk adding a touch of style. Skirts flow out from the waist or volume is achieved through original draping, frills and cascades of gathers.

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The sweetheart neckline is a favourite choice in this collection, although there are endless options including strapless gowns, round necklines with little sleeves, “V” necklines with straps and bateau necks. Sheer, embroidered tulle skims over the décolletage like an elegant, original second skin.

Other popular trends this season are hand embroidery and sumptuous appliqué. Gemstone embroidery, Guipur and Chantilly lace, rebrodé lace and chiffon flowers beautifully embellish these gowns.

The most traditional elements of bridal attire, the train and veil, are very strong this season. Magnificent chapel, royal, cathedral and sweeping trains are back to grace the nuptial proceedings. A generous veil is one of the bride’s most imposing accessories this year. In fact a lot of care and attention is given to the bride’s back. Stunning low-cut and lace-up backs, delicate buttoning and details such as bows make the bride a wonder to see from behind.

Bridal Market: La Sposa 2013 Bridal Collection

The new season’s designs from La Sposa’s are a beautiful tribute to the female figure, with imaginative necklines and fabulous belts. The 2013 collection is brimming with spring-like details to give brides a romantic look and an elegant bearing. This harmonious collection features soft fabrics such as chiffon, gauze, lace and tulle and choices with body and aplomb like taffeta, satin and Mikado silk.

There are innovations to the mermaid silhouette in the form of sheer ruffles and magnificent layers of tulle and Chantilly lace. The plain designs of straight-cut gowns are embellished with embroidery and gather that highlight the feminine figure.

The bride’s arms, shoulders and décolletage are very much on show this year. There are magnificent low-cut strapless, ‘V’, asymmetric and sweetheart natures are strong trends. Less revealing styles are achieved using sheer tulle to create subtle round, bateau and jewel necks, which beautifully frame the bride’s radiant face.

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All these models this season emphasize the waist with an essential accessory: the belt. With flower and gemstone appliqués, these belts are made with the same fabric as the gown or added later, fashioned in satin or Mikado silk. Some even have a touch of color, such as vintage gold. Gemstone embroidery is also used to encircle the waist, creating a flattering corset belt effect.

All the firm’s bridal gowns are enhanced by chic design details, such as appliqué and white and silver gemstone embroidery, soutage, guipure, rebrodé lace, feathers and, most of all, flowers. The train is the most traditional feature chosen for all models, although there are also plenty of daring innovations such as lace up backs and pockets, as well as skirts with sensual side slits.

Note: This is a division of Pronovias  and they can be found at their stores nationwide.

Ines Di Santo is the queen of bridal bling 2012 bridal collection

Every bride wants to feel like a star on her wedding day from the moment she takes those first steps down the aisle.  If you’re lucky enough to wear a gown by Ines Di Santo, you will be wearing one that is inspired by the most fashionable celebrities to hit the red carpet.

No one does bling like Ms. Di Santo – no one.  Each gown is as unique as the personalities they were inspired by.  From modern glamour to classic elegance, applying today’s trends along with her signature touches, there are embellishment to luxurious fabrics and delicate treatments like pleating and rouching to the dramatic silhouettes.

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With an unmatched level of style befitting the red carpet, runway or aisle, this collection is absolutely award-worthy.

Punk Rock Bride 2012 Collection

When you think of bridal, “Punk Rock Bride”, may not be among your first choices, but maybe it should be.  Designer Stephanie Ward has taken her original 5 designs in 2008 and grown her company Punk Rock Bride into a contender among the other emerging brands.

Edgy, modern and fashion forward, this is the breakthrough company of 2012.  Their unique approach with incorporating non-traditional fabrics and multiple layers, along with adding textures and details to every design.  Cotton, cotton eyelet, silk chiffon and Charmeuse are all their but these dresses take on a light comfortable feel without sacrificing luxury.  They have a classic silhouette that flatters every figure.  Honestly for the Punk Rock Bride, the devil is in the details.

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Manufactured in the US the patterns are created for each individual bride based on their own unique measurements. That makes for a couture-styled dress without the couture-price.  This fashion-forward company is making their move by offering edgy designs at an affordable price.

Punk Rock Bride – 320 3^rd Street, N Rear, Washington DC

Monique Lhuillier 2012 Bridal Collection

Ethereal, Dreamy, Frothy, Romantic are the words that are used for the 2012 Monique Lhuillier collection.  They are words that absolutely fit this 25 piece collection.  Her bridesmaids dresses are equally as lovely.

Monique Lhuillier use of featherweight quality is woven through the collection. There were flowing chiffons, yards and yards of tulle, lightweight lace all layered to create a delicate and uber luxurious feeling.  What she doesn’t do is ‘over-do’. Her detailed layering and her signature ball gown skirts were only enhanced with the beading that was subtly sprinkled to add just enough shimmer as a bride walks down the aisle.

This season there were new necklines: Tank, Halter, racer back, spaghetti strap, v-neck and portrait (which she introduced in her fall 2011 collection and was well received). 

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I think it’s pretty safe to say that Monique Lhuillier is a designer that is consistent and most will agree…does nothing wrong when it comes to bridal.

Anne Barge 2012 Bridal Collection

Three things stand out for the Anne Barge 2012 collection: Stunning dresses, awe stopping gowns and models that actually smiled.

Lots of form hugging silhouettes, voluminous silk ball gowns, lace everywhere and the show stopping mermaid gown, created in silk Charmeuse with gold Alencon lace overlay.  Yes all in an Anne Barge day at the office.

Her use of off-white, cream, tan and the combination of them is for a confident and slightly older bride.  Ms. Barge once told me that her dresses are for a bride “who is very confident in her life and her life choices.”   While that may be true, some of her gowns surely were art deco inspired. 

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I will say that I loved the use of color – even the faint blush that and creamy champagne is a very welcome surprise where gowns are ‘ivory’.  These gowns truly for a bride who doesn’t need a ‘stylist’ to help her choose what to wear on her wedding day.  An Ann Barge bride, well she already knows.

Randi Rahm launches bridal couture collection

Intricate detail and exquisite quality are the trademarks of couture designer Randi Rahm, whose hand-beaded and bejeweled creations have graced the pages of major magazines and red carpets worldwide.  Randi Rahm, is introducing her 2012 collection of bridal to the world.

Ms. Rahm has long been fascinated with “Transforming the visual fashion image into a wearable expression of oneself.”  This included her goals, dreams, passions and especially her ideal for her wedding day.  “The woman I design for does not want to look like everyone else.”  This collection distinguishes her work through use of dramatic color combinations and her usage with real diamonds, and rare, precious stones that are applied by hand.  This adds to the true one of a kind couture design for your special day.

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Randi will tap into your sense of style and self-confidence to create a dress that no one else will have and be as unique as you are on your wedding day.