Vera introduces a heightened sense of drama to classic glamour. This week’s featured wedding dress, Magnolia, crosses from wedding to black tie with ease and style. Vera offers her insights on the design inspiration behind Magnolia.

INSPIRATION

The first New York Social Register was published in 1886, a directory of prominent American families, polite society and the city’s most fashionable ladies. In this collection, I drew on this high-society glamour and sense of occasion for inspiration.

Magnolia is a classic wedding dress that takes on a unique drama not only when worn in a daring color, but also for its eye-catching over-the-bust bow and vertical top-stitching. In this collection, I also incorporated deep-hued corsages and velvet details into the design of the wedding dresses to draw out the seductive attitude. For Magnolia, the accompanying dark bouquet captures this same idea.

I believe Magnolia also showcases versatility. Certain wedding dresses in my collections are designed into a specific color or fabric, and would not reflect the right sensibility otherwise. Others, like Magnolia, are designed to work with a broader range of colors and fabrics so that brides can strike the balance that best suits her personality. Magnolia is available in magenta, plum, oyster, ivory or white and in duchess satin or double-faced satin wool. The drama of this wedding dress can be turned up or down based on the chosen combination.

Keep in mind, a mermaid shape articulates the curve of the body and is daring, but also flattering. A mermaid wedding dress is particularly appropriate for evening weddings. This shape is outright sexy, and may require a cover-up for more conservative moments. Keep in mind that a mermaid wedding dress cannot be bustled.

CELEBRATIONS

Embrace a sense of occasion not only for your wedding day but also for your pre-wedding celebrations: the engagement party, bridal shower and rehearsal dinner. These are moments when you can either communicate a signature style or showcase different aspects of your personality through your fashion choices. Your guests will appreciate your celebratory mood and also rise to the occasion.

INDIVIDUALITY

While the majority of brides prefer the convention of a white wedding gown, a bride who is an Individualist wants to make a deliberate fashion statement. This often translates into an unusual color. Magnolia, as shown here in plum, is an example of daring self-expression and therefore an ideal choice of wedding dress for the Individualist.