Latest Bridal Gown

When it comes to planning your wedding, then the most important steps in this is to find a wedding dress designer. Looking for the best wedding dress designer is a little tricky. In the selection of designer wedding dress, there are many things that should be considered, because it is not only the capabilities of the design. Each designer has his own sense of style and the difficulty is that the design fits your style. The latest design of wedding dress is presented by Steven Robert Birnbaum & Bullock. Both of them are the famous designer for designing the wedding for the bride-dress wear. Robert Bullock & Steven Birnbaum offer hands on know-how and they work directly with the brides to find the hat, cloak and veil their dreams. Robert Bullock & Steven Birnbaum’s couture-quality clothes usually retail from $ 2500 to $ 7000.But now you can use these designer clothes in the wedding gown sale Suite by Steven Robert Birnbaum & Bullock and the selling price of these dresses range from $ 700 to $ 3000.

Cinderella Gown Collection

The style and fashion in this modern world forever changed. The old fashion again with the new changes in them. Austin Scarlet of the famous fashion designer’s designer dress collection. The collection was designed by him is known as Kenneth Pool Collection. The Kenneth Pool garment collection of Austin is truly an ideal Cinderella dress. This Cinderella dress will definitely make you feel like a princess. Sometimes feel too many women like Princess Cinderella. Wear Cinderella dress from Austin Scarlet can fulfill the wishes of many women. This famous designer was the winner of the project runway in the first season. Currently, he is one of the leading top designers for designing evening wear and wedding dresses.
The Cinderella strapless dress has a scalloped neckline and a ball gown silhouette. It also has a chapel and a train dropping waist. The substance, in this garb is Duchesse silk. This dress is available in three colors like ivory, white and champagne. Austin Scarlet has a unique touch to this outfit.

Wedding Gown

I'm delighted to be guest blogging over at Creative Contrast, and so lately my attention has turned to all things accessory. Still swept away by the fashion at the Golden Globes, I'm intrigued by the little details that personalized some of my favorite looks. Nicole Kidman and Rose Byrne wore dresses so lovely they could have dazzled all on their own. But they took things one step further and added accessories, specifically vintage brooches, that defined their look further. I love the idea, clearly, and there's no shortage of vintage jewelry to inspire stylish brides to do the same. Here are a few of my picks.

Above, from left: Pearl Bow Brooch, $26, Monsoon. Pearl Style Bow Brooch, $20, Amazon. V & A Inspired Pave Brooch, $98, QVC. Maryann's Crystal Ribbon & Faux Pearl Brooch, $32, Fantasy Jewelry Box. Candie's Rhinestone Ribbon Pin, $23, Fantasy Jewelry Box. Lulu Guinness Black Perspex Bow Brooch, $102, ASOS. Below: Cornell's Jewelers - Brooch, $250 - cornelljewelers.com. Multi-stone Brooch, $42, Etsy. Vintage Layered Vintage Swirl Brooch, $40, Etsy.

White gowns

Sorry, but it's true. All of my favorite gowns from this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards were white. From Katrina Bowden to Kate Hudson and of course, Marion Cotillard, each of these actresses will no doubt inspire new brides to think about black belts, long sleeves or a few feathers to their dream wedding gown.

Katrina Bowden wore a a black belted Tadashi Shoji short gown which she accessorized with black shoes, one of my favorite wedding trends for 2010. Kate Hudson wore yet another white stunner. After causing a stir in Marchesa at the Golden Globes, she picked a plunging back Emilio Pucci. For Marion Cotillard, it was an embellished Elie Saab Haute Couture dress with Chopard jewels, a Judith Leiber clutch and Elie Saab heels that stole the show.

Was your favorite SAG gown white? A few other celebrities caught my eye, but for for the most part I was underwhelmed. Ahem, Drew Barrymore.

Ball Gown Wedding Dress

Taffeta beaded v-neck with straps and asymmetrical pick up ball gown wedding dresses.

Taffeta strapless ball gown bridal wedding dresses.

Sweetheart neckline with one-shoulder ball gown wedding dresses.

Organza sexy v-neck with ball gown skirt wedding dresses.

Organza spaghetti straps with asymmetrical pick up ball gown skirt fashion bridal 2010 new wedding dresses.

Custom Gown

Chances are if you're looking for a wedding gown you're browsing online. Maybe you've narrowed down your search--decided you like the evening gown look but not absolutely, positively, 100 per cent sure an A-line is out of the question. Next you get up from the computer and go out shopping. You hit every salon within a twenty-mile radius, go through racks of gowns in fabrics you never knew existed. You try on a few in every shade and texture of white imaginable. And while you feel you've had a crash course in bridal, still, nothing out there's really grabbed you. Then . . . a week or two later this picture of a gown finally comes together in your head--the neckline you found in Weddings; the sleeve on the dress you tried on in the salon combined with the sweep train you spotted last week in the Film Noir. Once all this gets put together you'll have a custom designed gown, something one-of-a-kind like no other in the world.


I know the exact dress I want but can't find it online or in the stores. Luckily a friend recommended a designer she used. How is custom design different from buying in a salon?

REALITY 101: Making a gown from scratch requires more fittings than gowns ordered through a salon so you'll need to be open to the experience of watching your gown develop from the ground up. In addition, a custom designer or skilled seamstress puts many hours and a high level of craftsmanship into the creation of a custom gown. Working with fragile white fabric and delicate lace is an art form. Figure any custom gown crafted by a designer usually takes four to six months to complete from a listing of your measurements. Since the design process involved with a custom gown is more of a direct collaboration between you, you'll have more input with decisions regarding fabric, silhouette and style. Custom gowns are typically 80-90% handmade. This means machines do some work like the side seams, cross seams, etc. There are however stitches on these one-of-a-kind gowns only expert handwork can touch in order to produce that exquisite finish.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
Step 1
Every first consultation begins by asking questions about the actual wedding itself. You'll look at and evaluate all the factors involved in optimizing gown design; the scale of the ceremony, the nature of its backdrop, your use of tradition, even the surfaces on which you'll be walking. With respect for cleaning and preservation, sometimes even post-wedding plans are made for the gown.

If you've brought any photos, magazine clippings, sketches or swatches of fabric, these are discussed, usually with the designer running a few of her own ideas back to you. I keep a scrapbook for each of my clients starting with the ideas she's brought in. Cost of materials, fabrics and a few other details are explored. If the designer has a small sample collection, this is usually when you can begin trying on gowns to see what the fabrics are going to look and feel like with you in them. This is also the time you'll be looking over how well the samples are made. And don't worry whether or not you know haute couture techniques here--just pull up a hem or take a look inside one of the garments. You'll know fine workmanship if its cleanly made and as beautiful on the inside as out.


STEP 2
Eventually a gown is in the making. After a final sketch is approved, a written estimate follows, complete with with fabric swatches and your measurements are taken. For every gown order a paper pattern is made. Think of the paper pattern as a blueprint, a record of all your dimensions on it. From this, most designers (some dressmakers too) work out a muslin. The muslin is an actual cotton mock-up and 'living pattern' of your gown's design, fitted exactly to your body. Now, think of your muslin as the foundation--the groundwork upon which your dress will be built. This is where most of the fine tuning will be done to that perfect fit before one cut or stitch goes into the true gown fabric(s).
STEP 3
After your muslin fittings (there may be two of them), the muslin is unstitched and laid out on the actual fabric and the gown is made up. Since most of the fitting has been worked out on the muslin, second and third fittings usually follow up with finishing touches to the gown like hemline, closures, remaining design details, etc. Be prepared for more than three fittings though. A gown made from the ground up is a work in progress and each step along the way is painstakingly taken, checked and rechecked. Keep in mind you want your gown delivered at least a month before your wedding. Yes, you'll need to synchronize your calendars on this one. You want to be able to relax and deal with all those other last minute details involved with your wedding, not still fussing around over hemlines.

So what's the difference between a dressmaker and a designer?
DRESSMAKERS-Once upon a time before mass production, every woman either had a dressmaker or became her own. Nowadays most dressmakers specialize. You'll want one with expertise in bridal and/or evening wear. Dressmakers either work on an hourly basis or estimate out their labor. They usually work from store bought patterns and expect you to supply the fabrics and materials such as buttons, zippers, etc. This is a good option if you already have a unique cut of silk or know how to shop around yourself for the fabrics.
CUSTOM BRIDAL DESIGNERS-More and more have sprung up in studios and ateliers over the past decade. They're experts in helping you translate what you see in your imagination as reality. Like a dressmaker, they work one on one with you. Unlike a dressmaker, they usually have tonier establishments and higher prices. The reason? Their services are zeroed in on brides. Most offer small sample collections as well as bolts of fabric right in house to inspire you along with your decision. Custom designers usually work all the materials and labor into the price of the garment. Prepare to pay more here. Prices can range from $1000.00 for something simple and unadorned, up to $10,000.00 for the works: full trains, layers of petticoats, underskirts, bustles, intricate beading, etc. Median price range for a custom wedding gown as of this writing would be around $3-5000.00.
WHERE TO FIND DRESSMAKERS AND DESIGNERS
ONLINE- Most bridal designers have their own sites. Type in bridal designers and you'll come up with thousands (great if you want to browse even more gowns) Type in bridal designers--Los Angeles and you've narrowed it down some. Mostly what you'll come up with is a hodgepodge of big names, the not-so-famous one-of-a-kind designers with their own sites; a few bridal retailers carrying designers, etc. If you've hit a top LA designer you absolutely love like Amy Michaelson and happen to live in the area, try to make an appointment. Realize some top designers do custom work in their flagship store. Remember though top designers get top dollar. As for custom designers, if you're near a metro area, your chances of connecting with the right one are good. Check out the gown photos on the site. Is her vision and your own on the same page. Next go to her real brides gallery . . . (if there is one) see what others looked like on their wedding day in her creations.
SALONS-Bridal salons and specialty stores sometimes employ custom designers or dressmakers either in house or as outside contractors. Depending on how they are set up, sometimes they'll give a referral if it doesn't interfere with the flow of business.
CONSULTANTS-Bridal consultants or planners are an excellent source for referrals and usually know who is truly expert in the area by years of working with them. Some consultants are willing to work on an hourly basis or for a small referral fee.
FASHION EDITORS-Fashion or wedding section editors in regionals can be helpful if you reach them directly or run across their editorials on bridal wear. Most newspapers feature a spread on weddings twice a year. Here, private designers are sometimes featured and listed. Ask for back issues.
MAGAZINES-In the past few years, studio and private wedding designers have put gallery style or half page ads in some of the major bridal glossies. A few run regional sections with listings and the designer's particular specialty.
YELLOW PAGES-Before the internet, this used to be the first place brides looked. After word of mouth, this is still the best place to find a dressmaker (not designer) in my opinion.
FRIENDS-Finally word of mouth and recommendations through friends find the best designers and dressmakers. Someone knows someone who knows someone and often the same name will keep popping up in discussion. Follow it.
AFTERWORD
A custom designed gown is the pinnacle of pure construction. Brides who opt to go custom believe a gown should be comfortable as well as beautifully lined so she can wear it like a second skin--the whole component moving with her as if it is part of her body. If you think about this, it makes sense. She's connecting with a man. In spirit they link. The dress is symbolic of all that, so it should be a part of her and move right along with her. In the end, a custom designed gown is definitely worth the wait.

Gowns

Lace and cotton Georgette. Combined they make a luscious combination. The 'Mira' dress is part of the Dioresque series, a capsule collection of dresses redolent of the 1950s era. A halter top in Chantilly lace sits atop a full gathered skirt.

This dress could easily go semi-formal or less formal depending on accessories. A fingertip veil paired up with gloves would put it into the former category while fascinators, hats and cage veils the latter. Here, the model is going somewhere in-between and looks like she might be opting for a restaurant or small garden wedding.

Traveling With Gown

The gown and you in it are central to your wedding day. Getting not only your gown but yourself and all your accessories from one point to another is something you need to think about whether you're navigating across town or half way around the world. Things might go a little easier if you've invested in a dress made out of microfibers (yes silk can be microfiber); you'll have little worry about it wrinkling. In most cases your dress will consist of delicate silk with legnth and volume (many underslips and linings) that need to be kept intact.


By Car
Getting your gown home safely from the shop is the first step. You’re going to have to treat it with all the love and care of a newborn. No, you won’t need an infant seat but just about any size back seat of a car will do. In all probability once delivered, your gown will be packed in plastic, the bodice stuffed with tissue. Hang it on the hook above the back door draped across the back seat. This applies if you're going on a two block or two thousand mile trip.

AIR TRAVEL- With so many destination weddings these days, salons and stores have special procedures preparing your gown for not only that car trip home but air travel. You need to decide whether or not you're checking your gown as baggage or carrying it on board the plane. Either way there are pluses and minuses. Once upon a time carry on was a given. No matter how BIG your gown--and some gowns run very big-- the stewardesses found a way to look after it. Since then the friendly skies have become so heavily booked, unless you travel first class, space is going to be tight. If your gown isn't too poufy and more of a sheath than ball gown, the overhead bin will work. Take into mind this a good-to-go situation only if there's no other baggage crushing your gown.


To avoid hassles during check in, be certain beforehand the box or bag holding your gown is an approved size. Yes, some airplanes don't have additional room for oversized carry-on pieces so make arrangements with them before purchasing your ticket. Some airlines allow the cabin coat closets in first-class to be used for bridal gowns even if you're flying coach. However, doing my research I found some airlines are better than others on this. Again, MAKE ARRANGEMENTS BEFOREHAND!


CHECK IN

You've met folks who never check in luggage; they're afraid once they land in Boston their bags will turn up in Cleveland. Well, imagine asking a bride to check her gown as baggage. If you're brave enough to consider it, think of little old me, a fashion desgner who must fly with five gowns at a time, that, by the way, just like your gown, need to arrive in New York in pristine condition (otherwise they don't sell). I have no choice but to check them as baggage so here's what I do. Since I'm a pro I know how to pack them. Your store can do this for you. All you need do is decide on whether you want to pack the gown in a box (salon's job but you can do it) or suitcase (your job).

I've done both.

Box

Use a large box, about one-third the length of the front of your gown.
Line the box with tissue and lay the gown over it. Your gown should be centered in the box and laid face down, spread flat out. This way you can avoid any wrinkles or creases from forming.

Now, start with the side seams and fold your skirt length-wise all the way over the tissue. Your skirt should not exceed the width of the box.
This is when you add more tissue and fold the top of the gown over into the box.

The top of the gown (bodice) will be facing up. Now use more tissue and pack the bodice, cushioning anything else (florals, bows, belts, sleeves) that should be protected. When you are finished, the dress should really be packed in tight so as not to move around in the box.

Suitcase

If your gown is a generous A-line or ballgown complete with petticoat, you need to go for the biggest suitcase you can find. Otherwise, like the box, find a suitcase about a third of the size of your gown. Your gown should be the only piece of anything you pack in the case other than tissue. Follow the same proceedure you would for packing your gown in a box, especially the part about stuffing the bodice with tissue. This way your gown can retain its shape.

Garment Bag

The first thing about bagging a gown in a garment bag is finding out where the dress hangers are. Most gowns have these little hangers resembling straps that keep the stress off the shoulders. They are typically found at either the armhole or waistline. After hanging the gown up on a padded hanger, pack the gown with tissue in the bodice so it keeps the shape. If there is a full skirt, pack the bottom of the bag so the skirt rests on it to eliminate stresss to the hemline.

TRAIN AND SHIP TRAVEL TRAVEL

CRUSIN'

Brides either marrying onboard or sailing to their destination via cruise ship generally have few worries. Closet space is available and pressing services onboard ship are top notch. This of course depends on the cruiseline. I've heard horror stories about cheap cruiselines with bathrooms so small your shower is in the toilet. Think Cunard, Norweigian, Royal Carribian and you're in a major city floating on water, everything you ever wanted readily available. Same goes without saying for private yachts. Shorter cruises on, say, ferries are trickier but usually have more closet space than that aboard a plane or train.

ALL ABOARD! THE TRUTH ABOUT TRAINS

Once upon a time in America this was one of the most common and luxurious forms of long distance travel. No more. Over time train travel has lost its chic factor. But for those who have a morbid phobia about flying or just plain love going by train, here's the scoop. Trains offer a little more space for moving around from compartment to compartment than planes do. You'd think this would mean more room to hang a gown but when I spoke to the Amtrack agent she said it's either the overhead bin or baggage car for the gown. Since Amtrack is the only game in town if you're getting from point to point in the USA, please avoid coach unless you are going a short distance. Then, use the above info to box your gown and check it in as baggage (yes box--your gown. The way they throw baggage around your gown will be packed tight in the box) If you're going a little further than say Buffalo to NYC: go for one of the larger compartments if you can. Here's the link for finding the right sleeping car which invaribly means having your own space to guard your prized pocession.

Train travel through Europe is a little different and more common. Schedules there actually run on time and go faster than their American cousins. Going short distances via coach, the space problem still exists so you can do one of two things: either box your gown and check it in as baggage or buy an extra seat on which to put it. Take into mind there are many more train routes that go through Europe. This means whether your destination is a major city or smaller village, a train either runs through it or nearby. Check online if you are traveling through Europe or Asia and find out as much as you can about space.




Once you reach your destination remove the dress from the bag and make sure to put it on a padded hanger. An alternative to the padded hanger is my hanging dress form above. This is a display hanger I use in the studio to show off my designs. They have another function: keeping your gown shaped and taking the stress off the shoulders or from whatever point your dress hangs. You can order one from Robert Hamm

If you can invest in a portable steamer, do it. They're twice as fast as the conventional iron and give a clean, finished look. As with over pressing, the steamer if held too close can water spot silk. A small travel iron is great for getting all those corners and pleats. Having a portable stemer and travel iron both is ideal. The optimal option if you can arrange it is getting your gown professionally pressed once you reach your destination.

Other Options and Tips

*If you don't want to travel with your gown have your salon, dressmaker or yourself ship the gown ahead to its destination. Out of the big three--UPS, Fed Ex and the US Postal Service, the latter is the cheapest way to go. Brides have always exercised this 'Send my things on ahead' option by arranging for a friend, family member or hotel/venue/consultant to sign for it. Thus, this has become so convenient for destination brides, many hotels and venues are signing for the wedding dress as part of their service.

*Pack your bridal accessories for travel seperately from your gown. Once you reach that beautiful destination you can assemble your whole ensemble.

*More suggestions about pressing: If your gown is made out of tulle, don’t you dare press it! Steam it instead. The same goes for your veil; ironing scorches tulle.


*Pressing hard to get at wrinkles out of your gown is done with a cool, dry iron over a piece of broadcloth or muslin, called a press mitt. Forget worrying too much about wrinkling your gown going to and from the ceremony. Just push the bulk of your skirt aside once you’re in the car--that is, if you will be in a car or carriage.

Wedding Gown

Meet Emma and

Jayne. Both are similar, Emma being white and Jayne tea dyed with a rose
tint. Both are dupioni silk wrapped with a Chantilly lace bodice and tulle
skirts bordered in laces. Perfect for the beach or destination wedding.

Gowns

Want a top-of-the-line couture look on your wedding day but don't think you can shell out the bucks for a designer label? Well, check out these gowns from Pre-owned Wedding Dresses.com where you can actually order online. You can also visit consignment a bridal shop. Now if the word 'consignment' conjours images of 1980s gowns full of the usual pouf and paste of sequins, perish that thought. Most dresses in consignment shops are actually cutting edge and you'll find it more like going to a high-end designer salon. With catchy names like One More Time, these places offer some elegant, gently worn gowns in better shape than your average designer sample. In fact, the proprietors can get real persnickety about what they take in—some only accepting top designer names like Vera Wang and Reem Acra in all natural fibers. In addition, once gowns are accepted they’re cleaned and pressed (Ask where though. More shops are specializing in environmentally safe cleaning)

If you’re price conscious going for a pre-owned gown is the way to go. Gowns that retailed last season for $3000-4000 are typically half off but sometimes can go for as little as $500-600. More good news. You’re going to get very personalized assistance—the same as in a full service bridal salon. Though there will be re-altering involved, you won’t have to wait 4-6 months for your gown. Bear in mind once-worn gowns have already been pre-fit and altered to someone else’s body. Just make sure they’re once-worn; an over altered dress that’s been on more than one body could lose its original shape after a while. Ask how many and what kind of alterations the gown you want has had. Typically, if it’s gone through more than two brides, forget it. In addition to alterations your shop may offer customizing services (for a fee). Shops realize with previously-worn gowns, there’s a kind of possessive energy the new purchaser wants to create to make the gown her own. Therefore some shops focus on customizing.

Bridal Gown Fashion

I'm very excited to introduce you to Daphne, Bianca, and Stella - three of the newest gowns designed by Alisa Benay. These pretty ladies are all designed with the Victorian era in mind, combining corsets, ruffles and bustles with the sensibility of a 21st Century bride in mind. As a fashion designer, Alisa combs through racks of vintage clothing and pages of Renaissance novels all in the name of inspiration. The result is a collection filled with flirty and romantic details like flounce hems and ribbon corsets.

Pictured above is the lovely Daphne gown, done up in silk and velvet with a French Alencon lace overlay. This one shouldered mermaid gown with chapel length train and back buttons is befitting of the name Bianca.

This silk chiffon Stella gown combines sexy with sweet by pairing delicate lace straps with a silhouette that leaves little to the imagination.

Alisa Benay has been making special appearances at some of my favorite bridal shops including Gabriella's Bridal Salon right here in New York City. Equally as charmed by the designer as she is the details on these gowns, salon owner Gabriella believes "Alisa Benay gowns are perfect for a bride looking for that romantic, vintage feel. They are gorgeous!"

Pink Wedding Gown

With its intricately draped bustier top and slim rows of pink crystals on the straps and belt, Reem Acra’s ballerina-inspired confection defines pink perfection

Check out how shimmer, beading and acres of romantic tulle are combined in a full-skirted dress that will make a classically inclined bride stand up and cheer.

This figure-friendly frock would be elegant in ivory, but Amalia Carrara made it a winner of a whimsical gown, awash in cotton-candy pink.

A strapless silhouette soars to stylish new heights thanks to precision pleats and a draped bodice done in blush matte taffeta.

A scrumptious scoop of pink silk satin is crafted into a princess gown that showcases a grand pick-up skirt.

Ball Gown Dress

Taffeta beaded v-neck with straps and asymmetrical pick up ball gown wedding dresses.

Taffeta strapless ball gown bridal wedding dresses.

Sweetheart neckline with one-shoulder ball gown wedding dresses.

Organza sexy v-neck with ball gown skirt wedding dresses.

Organza spaghetti straps with asymmetrical pick up ball gown skirt fashion bridal 2010 new wedding dresses.

Pink wedding gowns

 

Brides magazine debuts “Something Pink”—a national awareness campaign supporting Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization founded to grant wishes to women with metastatic cancer and their families. Twenty-one designers created “pink” wedding gowns. The pink gowns will be introduced as part of the designers collection and will be available nationwide in retailers and bridal salons next month with 10 percent of the proceeds being donated to Making Memories.

The “Something Pink” gowns featured in the 20-page fashion portfolio in the Brides November/December issue include designs by: Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Amsale, Anna Maier/Ulla-Maija Couture, Anne Barge, Mon Cheri, Sophia Tolli, Rivini, Watters & Watters, David’s Bridal, Demetrios, Eve of Milady, Melissa Sweet, Alfred Angelo, Mori Lee and Carolina Herrera.