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Alisa Benay 2010 Bridal Collection
“I have always had a fascination with historical fashions, especially from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. I love the silhouette created by the corset and the drama of the bustle. My gowns are fresh, contemporary interpretations of vintage designs,”, says designer Alisa Benay.
“Instead of re-creating authentic historical replicas, I take my inspiration from the breath taking gowns of yesterday and mold them into dream gowns fit for the modern bride.”
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AgapéEver 2010 Bridal Collection
AgapéEver signifies “Unconditional Love Forever.” Their breathtaking gowns are designed with those beautiful words in mind. Award winning designer, Rena Koh, has created gowns that are timeless, elegant, and sophisticated. The clean lines of AgapéEver wedding gowns are enhanced with fabrics rich in color and texture, and adorned with intricate beadwork, embroidery, and other embellishments.
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FashionBride Interview with Joy Teiken from Joynoelle
Ever wondered how some designers manage to always have such great collection while others only dream of it? I wonder the same. And I can’t figure out how Joy Teiken always manages to give her brides the best look ever. Since I can’t help but falling for her designs, I thought I’d better ask her some questions so I would know exactly what I’m dealing with here. And you know I can’t help but tell you all I know… so… here are her answers.
1. When did you decided to become a designer and why did you find this domain interesting?
I wanted to be a fashion designer as a child. I would sketch out Miss America Pageant dresses when I watched the Pageant on TV. That is when I first decided it was what I wanted to do. I get to use my natural talents when working in this domain.
2. Talk us trough the first years of you work. Maybe you could tell us what did change in time? Are your designs different from the beginning?
The basic concepts of my clothing are the same. I’ve always used classic lines, lovely fabrics and fun details in my garments. What had changed is the overall quality of the pieces.
3. Why should a bride-to-be choose one of your gowns?They are going to get something unique and classic that fits the body beautifully. They will feel special because the dresses are hand-made, and I believe that when things are hand-made a lot of personality comes through the dress.
4. How long does it take to design a single wedding dress?
It depends. Sometimes dresses come really quickly because I’ve had a dream of the dress, and the vision comes through. Other times they can take months to design a single dress because I work and re-work the dress until I’ve come up with the final design.
5. Do tell us a bit more about your inspiration sources for your collection.
My inspiration source is women who are unique and confident. They want something different but that will still stand the test of time.
6. Do you also work with brides or you just try to give them the best of your designs in your collections?
I work a lot with individual brides. I believe that its important that a brides personality comes through her dress, so allowing for custom details is very important to me.
7. Have you got any gown you’ve created and that has a very special meaning for you? Can you describe it or can show us a picture?
Yes. See the above picture.
8. From your point of view, how should a perfect bride look like?
She should look like herself. She should choose a dress that shows her personality so that in then years when she sees her photo’s it looks like her.
9. And tell us what would you give her and, maybe, other brands can’t.
I can give her a unique wedding dress that shows off a particular style of women.
10. Can you give us an insight on your new Collection? What where your inspiration sources, what did you opt for as materials, shapes etc.
For this particular collection I use a lot of subtle texture and color that is very beach and outdoor party friendly.
11. Do you like a more traditional approach or do you try to create a different image of the traditional bride?
I try to give my brides a different option to the big poofy dress. I like much more classic, clean and body flattering.
12. Last but not least, do you have any advice for FashionBride readers?
Stay true to your personality. Find a dress that shows who you are and wear your hair the way you normally wear it.
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Top 5 Misconceptions about Diamond Engagement Rings
It seems like there are endless facts out there when you start researching engagement rings. From the 4C’s of diamond buying to the number of months salary you should spend on a ring, the ‘experts’ are always telling you how, and what, to buy. But what about the many wrong ideas buyers encounter as they search for the ideal proposal jewel? It’s time to take a look at the top five misconceptions about diamond engagement rings.1. Only Size Matters
Let’s face it: If she only cares about the size of the rock, she’s probably not the right girl. But all kidding aside, most women aren’t looking for the largest ring out there; they’re looking for the ring that fits their style and personality. Women are educated about diamond color and clarity, and they too want to own a diamond that will hold its value–not a stone that is big but low in quality. Instead of going overboard in size, take the time to explore what kind of cut she likes and then go for the best quality that your budget allows.
2. Same is Better
While women sometimes envy a handbag or pair of shoes that a friend owns, they usually are not interested in having the exact same engagement ring as a friend or relative. Today, women truly value a special piece of jewelry that speaks to their husband’s ability to seek out the unique. The best tactic is to take the characteristics of another ring she likes, but then put a spin on it. For example, if she loves her cousin’s white gold, three-stone diamond engagement ring with a princess cut diamond, look for something in a similar style but with a twist: like this Three Stone ring made for a round center stone.
3. Matching bands are necessary
For a while, every single bridal designer was marketing a matching band with each engagement ring offered. While it might make the process easier for some brides and grooms, this notion of ‘matching sets’ has become a bit outdated. As engagement rings have become more unusual and less status quo, bands too have taken a turn for the unique. Women today are opting to stack simple bands as anniversary gifts, or to choose statement bands that they instead wear on their right hand.
4. White is Always Right
Yes, it’s still true that white diamonds and white metal are the
number one choice for engagement rings. But it’s also true that women are much more open-minded to seeing alternate materials and colors in that little box. Yellow gold and Rose gold are seeing a renaissance in engagement rings right now, and rose is an especially flattering metal on most any skin tone. Colored diamonds are also experiencing a surge in popularity, and are a fantastic choice for an unconventional bride. A deep orange-yellow diamond ring or a natural yellow diamond floral ring may be just the thing to make her say ‘yes’. 5. You need to be an expert
Rest assured, you do not need to be a gemologist to choose the right diamond, nor a fashion expert to choose the right setting. Three simple steps can make the right choice a snap: First, do a bit of homework. Second, choose a reliable resource when shopping for diamond engagement rings. Third, make sure your stone is properly insured.
Shop all these styles and much more at Jewels Boutique, www.JewelsBoutique.com.
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Anne Belin 2010 Bridal Collection
Anne Belin is a great designer and manufacturer of bridal and evening wear. Anne is known for her use of excellent material, which are used even by the most exclusive Italian fashion houses.
In this new collection she has been inspired by her customers, creating light, confortable and atractive gowns. They hold special substances, which are incorporated in a design with a chic look.
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Impression Bridal 2010 Collection
Impression Bridal has been producing quality and innovative products for the US bridal market for the past 15 years. Finally, these fantastic products are now available in the UK and Ireland. The Impression bridal, bridesmaid and prom ranges will be in stores throughout the country from January 2008. The bridal style options available range from simple to richly embellished silhouettes. The attention to detail along with a sophisticated and feminine look is complemented by the most important feature of all Impression bridal gowns: ‘Magic Fit’.
In creating ‘Magic Fit’, the designers at Impression have developed a flattering fit that looks and feels good. A special kind of boning is used that rests softly on the skin along with an internal bodice shaper, giving the bride to be that ‘Magic Fit’ feeling. -
Gavin Michaels 2010 Bridal Collection
Gavin Michaels Bridal Collection is for the bride who knows who she is. Individuality is the feel of this collection. Sensual necklines to vintage beading to the delicate laces, it has it all. Definitely a 1930’s flair, from the encrusted beading to the dramatic skirt shapes. Distinctive silhouettes for that modern bride.
Find his creations at 2be designers, they are sketching everyday to create the most beautifully crafted wedding dresses. With over 140 styles to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the gown of your dreams. Here are just a few.
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Claire Pettibone 2010 Bridal Collection
For the woman who dreams of pure poetry in motion, Los Angeles designer Claire Pettibone will indulge her every romantic inclination. Born to artist parents, it was inevitable that Claire would enter a creative field. She spent her early childhood living in rural New York in a nineteenth century home where her parents created their art, and Claire began to draw and paint as well.
After graduating from Otis Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles with a degree in fashion design, she and her husband Guy Toley set out to bring Claire’s ethereal vision to the world of fashion. The company began with a luxurious collection of fine lingerie featuring delicate laces and the special details that have become Pettibone’s signature.
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Amy Kuschel 2010 Bridal Collection
Amy Kuschel graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan in 1989. She started her career as a professional designer working for a New York City sportswear and dress company as Design Director. In 1996 Amy became engaged and personally experienced the arduous task of trying to find the perfect wedding gown. She had rather simplistic needs ~ she wanted to look elegant and modern without spending a fortune.
What she inevitably discovered was that she could opt to spend a reasonable amount for something mediocre, or spend an outrageous amount for something fabulous. Neither alternative won her favor. As an experienced fashion designer, Amy chose to create her own wedding gown. This was the inspiration for the Amy Kuschel Bride collection.
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Radiosa 2010 Bridal Collection
The Radiosa 2010 bridal collection draws inspiration from a romantic type of femininity, which however is always abreast with the latest fashion trends. The collection is comprised of dresses that mirror seductive mermaid-like shapes, with precious faded embroideries applied onto the finest fabrics whose metal and iridescent reflexes radiate light.
These dresses evoke the delicateness of flower petals, applied on bodices and skirts featuring thick and asymmetric or light drapes that extol the skirt’s sensuality.
Precious chantilly lace, organza and taffetas, preciously decorated with crystals and silk threads, range from hues of antique pink to coral, from peach to gold, all the way to ivory white. Furthermore, the collection includes dresses with a clean, balanced line of top tailoring quality mainly in several hues of delicate and essential ivory white.
