Fashion Fever: Background Check

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With Spring right around the corner, brides are looking to shed some layers and show some skin.  This season’s designer looks are offering a sexy yet sophisticated way to do just that!  The latest trend?  The backless wedding dress.

Clockwise from top left: Catherine Deane for BHLDN, Casablanca Bridal, Claire Pettibone, Robert Rodriguez, Elie Saab, Laure de Sagazan, Jenny Packham, and Rosa Clara

 

Whether you want to bare it all with something totally backless or are simply looking for an interesting detail to add interest as people watch you make your way to the altar, there is sure to be a backless style to suit your fancy.

For the bohemian chic bride, Claire Pettibone‘s gowns are simply amazing.  Claire’s dresses are masterpieces of intricate detail and stunning bits of embellishment that a photo simply cannot do justice.  With each dress, she pays as much attention to the back as to the front, leading to collections full of stunning open and illusion backs with gorgeous appliques, vines, and all sorts of details.

For a more tailored look, Rosa Clara‘s Ballet gown accents an open back with tidy bows that are both polished and demure. This piece encapsulates the retro glamour of the 1950’s.  If you’re not feeling vintage and want a modern style, try Robert Rodriguez‘s Cutout gown that has a sleek silhouette and architectural details.

The fun part about a backless dress is that it’s all in the way you wear it!  Draping a long necklace down your back is a beautiful way to accessorize this type of gown, just like Jennifer Lawrence did with her Oscars ensemble.  For a bit more coverage, try a sheer cape or simply a layer of tulle to keep you feeling more modest.  Choose a veil or headpiece that complements your open-backed gown.  A short veil can really show off this beautiful detail while a flower or brooch in the back of your hair can draw the eye up so you don’t feel too bare.

Would you be brave enough to try a backless dress on your big day?  Let us know!

Dress of the Week

This Spring/Summer 2011 Jenny Packham wedding dress is both sexy with a bodice top and ethereal with a flowy skirt. The jewels are divine and the open pleating below is to die for! The belted high waste finishes this dress off beautifully. Can’t you just hear it shimmying around the dance floor during the first dance? Sigh…

How To: Art Deco Themed Wedding

How To by Jennifer Crone

The glamour, the elegance, the architecture! Art Deco is the theme and for those of you who love the glitz and glam of the roaring ’20’s and ’30’s here’s How To:

First let’s talk venue. New York City is the perfect place for an Art Deco wedding with such an architectural masterpiece as the Chrysler Building. But no matter where you are you should be able to find a gorgeous Art Deco venue. Think stained glass ceilings and elaborate linear chandeliers. Or take this theme to the next step by choosing a period movie theatre as a venue. You and your groom’s name and wedding date will be up in lights, and you can even screen your favorite old movies during the reception. A destination wedding can also have an Art Deco theme: think of all the fabulous Art Deco travel posters as inspiration for your invitations and design.

all cakes: Martha Stewart Weddings. Clockwise from top left: Marzena Wasilewska Photography, Ceci New York Invitation, A Big Slice Design, Adin Antique Jewelry, Jenny Packham Dress, Nash Ambassador Slipstream, Sun Pavilion in England, Prada shoe, Marzena Wasilewska Photography, Forney at Art Republic, Liz Duren Photography, Art Deco Diamonds, Clardige’s in London, Archibald Photography

In the last decade Art Deco jewelry has been huge and it’s not hard to see why. Emerald cut diamonds and decadent dangling earrings will insure you sparkle all the way down the aisle. For the attire suit your groom and best men in tails and top hats and for your dress (the star of the show!) choose silk or satin embellished with jewels: try Jenny Packham. There are tons of options with Art Deco veils and head pieces, try Etsy for something handmade or custom designed. For your maids choose a long and fitted design or something tea length. Art Deco fashion is timeless and plentiful, so have fun with it! Just make sure to include “Black Tie” on your invitations so guests can dress the part as well.

For your colors you can’t go wrong with metallic: silver, gold, champagne, or a mix of all. For your centerpieces choose lavish Art Deco vases with minimum floral decor. Ask your planning team to dream up a table design fit for a Hollywood star. In lieu of table numbers choose silver screen stars like Fred Austere and Greta Garbo to mark your tables. The Art Deco wedding is definitely in the evening, but probably indoors, though that doesn’t mean you can’t use the night sky as a design inspiration. Have stars and moons hanging everywhere and champagne flowing. Be sure to have a jazz band playing in retro attire and a cake modeled after the architecture of the time. Hire a videographer who can shoot in Super 8 film for the vintage feel to bring this theme all the way to the end result. To leave with a bang hire a vintage car to drive off into the deep navy night as newlyweds.