PET CHIC

Pet Fashion Week took off in Moscow on May 31. with creations for canine as well as cats. Check out some of the expressions. Don't a couple of these cuties look like they'd rather be somewhere else while others are just lapping up the spotlight?

photos from Yahoo News

THE HEADS UP ON HEAD CHIC FOR FALL

Once I ran across this on Web Novias I was amazed! Origami as a headpiece? Why not? I've seen touches on as well as whole dresses of origami, why not your headpiece? This one by is actually a fascinator that would pair up nicely with evening gown silhouettes in deep ivories and ecru. You could attach a wisp or pouf of tulle or netting to amp up the glamour bride look. . . . . .

ASYMMETRICAL

Ramona Keveza

Romona Keveva

There's something exotic about asymmetrical necklines and we've been seeing a few of them gracing the runways in the past couple years. The beauty of going asymmetrical is, you can ruffle, ruche, dapple with florals, or simply leave the shoulder bare and whatever treatment you choose, it always comes off elegant . . . .

Romona Keveza

Manuel Mota

If you're a tall, heavier or large boned bride, an asymmetrical neckline will flatter you as long as ruffles and poufs are kept to a minimum. Tall, thin brides look great in this neckline with dramatic flourishes at the arm and shoulder.

ModelNovias


Rhyme Couture


source
Here's the picture that inspired this post. Truly unique . . . .

CUSTOM DESIGN FOR YOUR FEET

'What unique feet you have, my dear . . . '

In a world where we've gone as shoe crazy as Carrie Bradshaw . . . and as this market gets more competitive, designers like Candra Palmer go creative. Since 2002 Candra has been offering women the option of designing their own footwear. Originally from Chicago, Candra now lives and works in Los Angeles where she originated Artyce Designs, a niche she has successfully created far from even the pre-designed creations by Loboutin and Choo.


The designs in her bridal collection are original and subtle all at once and the first thing that impressed me was, any pair could compliment a gown and easily be worn again and again. If you're lucky to live in the LA area, drop by her shoe boutique at 8673 Venice Blvd. to see her goodies for real. You can also go to her site

You'll find more than you ever imagined . . .

STATE OF THE ART CORSET DRESSING

Dark Garden

With the continuing popularity of the strapless bodice, some designers are restructuring the look to keep it from going stale. The corset is one such digression. Though not all corsets are strapless, most designers have at least one corset or bustier look in their collection. Corsets are fascinating; they suggest the intimacy of lingerie and all those private moments primping in a boudoir. Working itself into mainstream fashion alongside 1980s punk chic, icons like Madonna and Cindy Lauper are noted for introducing the corset. As of late, they’ve showed up in bridal wear either as separates or as the bodice of a full gown.

Meschantes Couture

Meschantes Couture

Two basic things really mark the look of a corset: busk and boning. Other characteristics include front or back ribbon lace-up, hooks and eyes and wiring under the bra cups. Shaped bra cups are typically found on the bustier, an adaption of the corset found on the lengthy repertoire of 1950s foundations. The designers here have taken the corset to the level of a work of art. Though true to its original characteristics--busk and shape, each piece is a study in working different variations and incorporating imaginative detail.

Meschantes Couture

Meschantes Couture

Karen von Oppen

Karen von Oppen

The corset as we know it best, has been around before the Renaissance. You'll find an original pattern from the 1500s differs from the late 1800s as the basic silhouette of costume changed. For instance, a bodice or corset with both front and back lace ups connotes how many servants a woman had to assist in dressing; whereas, some corsets circa 1890 have no stays in back, and hook up the front panel.

Your fine corset maker--if he/she is decent at the craft --will typically cater to a world outside of bridal--the other end of the costume design spectrum that includes fetish dressing and Goth. You'll find it amazing how the same corset pattern in red or black with a change of model, say of the Betti Page variety, can be a complete transformation from the vintage boudoir-bridal look you want to create. Try to find a corset maker who does diversify. Generally, it broadens the craft and could bring a whole new set of elements into play you weren't expecting.

source

Below is Italian designer, Amelia Casablanca's signature look: skirts sporting yards of sumptuous fabric, each corset below sitting a top a cinched waistline giving off that ultra-feminine look.

Amelia CasablancaAmelia Casablanca

Amelia Casablanca

And don't forget . . . wearing your corset after the wedding either with blue jeans or a skirt creates a stunning look and addition to your wardrobe. Check out the chic below from Bella Bella Boutique

Since many brides-to-be are considering integrating corsets or some form thereof into their look, below is a list of top designers and corset makers in the US and Europe.

Dark Garden

Amelia Casablanca

Terry Fox Couture

Joan Shum Bridal

Vicious Dolls

Bella Bella Boutique

Karen von Oppen

Meschantes Couture

NEW LOOK IN THE GOWN GALLERIES

The Amy-Jo Tatum site has a new look in the Gown Galleries. As a bride I know you're not only shopping for a gown but an entire look, so each gallery now has a different theme. Don't be surprised if you find your favorite dress in a couple different places--I like to point out how different one dress can look with a change of mood, locale and accessories.
In the works but not up just yet are the Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaid galleries. In the concept stage is my Marilyn Monroe section with a few great looks she inspired.

So far there are five new galleries for you to peruse. I tried to recreate them as best I could for the blog since I couldn't figure how to post the whole page from my site. Can you believe after a year of blogging, I'm still learning all this stuff . . .?

Gown Galleries

DIORESQUE

Oh la la! recreations of 1950s SILHOUETTES

LE JARDIN

Traditional bridal wear with a twist

GREEN CHIC


Designs in eco-fibers and green friendly alternatives

HARLOWESQUE

Designs inspired by the golden age of Hollywood

GALA CHI-CHI

Chi Chi creations for all those gala nights out

HAS CHRISTIAN LACROIX GONE BUST?

In case you haven't heard, Parisian designer Christian Lacroix recently filed the French version of chapter 11. Quoting WWD Fashion, "the designer has told his collaborators he will give “200 percent” to keep the 22-year-old couture house intact.The goal is to “preserve the know-how, without which the lungs and the heart of the house couldn’t exist,” Lacroix wrote in a letter to the firm’s 125 employees, excerpts of which were obtained by WWD. Lacroix wrote he is “not ashamed” to admit that he is among parties owed money — some 1.2 million euros, or $1.7 million at current exchange — and that he has been designing collections “free of charge” for several months." READ AND SEE MORE IMAGES . . . . . .