Douglas Hannant creates a winter wonderland 2011 bridal collection for the chic bride

Douglas Hannant and I had a chat during fashion week when he hinted at his excitement for this upcoming bridal season.  He said he wanted to create a 2011 collection for a strong; no holds bared kind of bride.  So you can imagine the surprise of walking into the Plaza hotel Edwardian Room to see trees and …snow?  For a spring collection? Always known to make a statement the first model strut her stuff in a silk crepe and satin trim tuxedo.  Yes, that was absolutely an attention grabber as each of the pieces that followed.

From the tux to feathers to tiered organza skirts, each piece said “This is my wedding day and I’m doing it my way”.  What stuck me was the detail; simply yet stunning.  The drama came from an embroidered dodice or a simple front with a plunging back.  The veils were cage bird like and in some instances, no veil at all.  It was refreshing that there was a mix of traditional yet daring to be different.  Who says you must have a veil or hat, or your hair has to be in a sweet and perfect bun?  Definitely not Douglas.

Douglas Hannant creates for a woman who knows her self, loves to walk just outside of the box, looks effortlessly amazing, is bold and oh yea…she is a bride too.

2011 Bridal sales and trunk shows ...is it January already?

Here’s wishing you a very happy engagement!  My advise to you – BREATHE!!  Take your time, don’t let anyone pressure you into making decisions and by all means…enjoy the process.  As we move forward in 2011, I’ll be sharing some great vendors, trends, ideas and commentary with you.  Until then (and if you can’t wait) here are some trunk shows and sales for you to put on your January radar.  Some happen as early as Jan 1.

Vera Wang is inviting you to her Madison Avenue Bridal Salon now through January 1, 2011 to preview the Fall 2011 bridal collection. Call 212.628.3400 to schedule your appointment.

Vera Wang Bridal Salon
991 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 1007

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier is one of my favorites.  I want you to also keep on your radar the brand new “The Aisle” which launches on Jan 3 at 11:00am.  You will find beautiful gowns from all the hottest designers up to 50% off.  Sign up by clicking here.

In the mean time, visit Mark’s salon for these special sales and trunk shows.

Vera Wang Selling Day - January 5

Junko Yoshioka Trunk Show - January 6 - 8

Lela Rose Collection Preview - January 10 - 12

Elizabeth Fillmore - January 13 - 15

Lela Rose Collection Preview - January 17 - 19

Peter Langner Trunk Show with Personal Appearance - January 27 - 29

The Park 55 Building
110 East 55th St., 8th Floor
To schedule an appointment, please call: 212 319 6778

The salons and amazing service will always have me posting the sales from Bridal Reflections.  They seem to get it right time and time again (according to brides who write to me who have visited them) 

This is a great list of their sales through January.  I especially LOVE they are having a special sale for Military Brides on Jan 31.  Way to Go Bridal Reflections!!

Sample Sale January 2nd - 9th – Carle Place/Westbury salon – Fifth Avenue salon

Designer gowns from 40%-75% off.

Martina Liana January 7th - 9th – Fifth Avenue salon

Christine Anthony - Exclusive to Bridal Reflections! January 7th - 9th – Massapequa salon

Ines Di Santo January 21st - 23rd – Fifth Avenue salon

Simone Carvalli January 21st - 23rd – Carle Place/Westbury salon

Romona Keveza January 28th - 30th – Fifth Avenue salon

Marina K. January 28th - 30th – Carle Place/Westbury salon

Bridesmaids: Jim Hjelm Occasions January 28th - 30th – Carle Place/Westbury salon

Mother of Bride/Groom: Rina Di Montella January 28th - 30th – Massapequa salon

Gowns for Military Brides! January 31st – Carle Place/Westbury salon – Fifth Avenue salon – Massapequa salon

Address for NYC

260 Fifth Avenue
(At W. 28th St)
New York, NY 10001

212.764.3040

Address for Carle Place

80 Westbury Ave
Carle Place, NY 11514

516.742.7788

Address for Massapequa

3 Broadway
Massapequa, NY 11758

516.795.222

Ok so that should be good to get you started.  Again Congratulations and if you didn’t get the bling-bling for Christmas…there’s always New Years eve.  May all your bridal dress-dreams come true.

Romona Keveza sets the stage for couture glamour with her 2011 collection

 I’m convinced that Romona Keveza doesn’t sleep.  She had a successful ready-to-wear collection and then she created two different bridal lines.  She is truly a special kind of designer.  The fall 2011 legends collection takes on the glamour of Camelot and elegance of the former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Once again Romona has captured glamour that ranges from short and sassy to full ball gowns that have amazing movement as the models walked.  The legends collection features classic chic and underscored by modern minimalism.  This is a marriage of Parisian style all with American girl spirit.
Her second collection begins with “Darling, won’t you join me?” The collection inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly and the Aristocratic soirées of the 1960’s NY high society.  Each piece in the collection really was a throw back in time where women wore gloves, and weren’t scared to wear something a bit more ‘shocking’ yet looked as if they effortlessly stepped off a fashion page.

Playful lengths, colors and cuts, bold and feminine touches, equal luxury and unassuming grace.  The Keveza bride won’t play by the rules…she creates them.  One of my favorites is a new spin on the ‘little black dress’.  Who am I kidding?  I love the entire collection.

2011 Simon Carvalli Couture Collection

“Simone Carvalli dresses incorporate principles of architecture and romantic design.  With unique construction and patent pending ‘Magic Fit’ that reduces between two to four inches off a bride’s waist, gives her a flawless hour-glass shape.  This is why we can say, with sincerity that we have mastered the fitted silhouette.” Terry Brumley, manager of sales for Carvalli.

Known for designing a sophisticated silhouette, this season the Carvalli designs feature Swarovski crystal embellishments, blended with luxurious fabrics creating a contemporary ad classic style.  These styles are truly timeless and their elegance combines with his signature style are surprisingly affordable.

The Carvalli bride is confident, alluring, has a sense of style because she is a style-setter.  She also seeks a gown that won’t be worn by the masses.  This is a bride that knows couture fashion and her gown reflects her personality.

This 2011 Collection delivers a couture sensibility that began with a classical base yet reinterpreted for today’s modern bride.  

Bridal: $1,600 for the short dress; $2,500 - $3,900 for the long gowns.

Bridesmaids: $215- $285

Color Trends Brides: Champagne, Dia, Ivory, White and Silk White

Color Trends - Bridesmaids: Black/Lime, Forest Green, Wine, Espresso, Turquoise, Amethyst, BlueMarine, Taupe, Eggplant, Sienna, Cosmo, Cobalt, Avocado, Cranberry, Magenta and Sienna

Fabric Trends: Silk Chiffon, Silk Taffeta, Silk Organza Satin, Silk Charmeuse and Lace