Yesterday, was the first day of the Galia Lahav trunk show at White Toronto, so we stopped by to take a peek at the new collection! Stunning fabrics, appliques and tulle, intricate beading and crystals, dramatic shoulders and beautiful trains.
Category: Bridal Fashion Week
International bridal designers you may not know
In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month we wanted to take a few minutes to recognize some incredible women who design some of the most stunning gowns in the weddings industry. Women are accomplishing wonderful things around the world every day and these ladies contribute to one of happiest moments in someone’s life by creating masterpieces for them to wear on the day they get married.
Alessandra Rinaudo- Italy
In the workshop in Saluzzo, Alessandra Rinaudo, watched the work of her grandmother and mother. There, she learned to appreciate the quality of a French lace, to identify the best Italian silk, to capture the value of embroidery to exalt the beauty and originality of a dress. In expanding the company she has been able to satisfy a variegated target creating six lines with a defined character: Nicole, Alessandra Rinaudo, Colet, Jolie, Romance, Aurora.
Anna Campbell- Australia
From humble beginnings in Melbourne, Australia Anna Campbell‘s natural love for design, romance and all things that sparkle inspired the dream that is Anna Campbell. Inspired by the romantic decadence of times gone by, yet influenced by the relaxed, carefree elegance of modern weddings. From the beautiful collection of dresses that Anna designs each year, every incredible silk gown is completely customizable and unique to each bride.
Celestina Agostino- Paris
At age 30, Celestina Agostina returned to her initial passion which was fashion, sewing and creating beautiful wedding dresses for women. Learning her skills from a costume designer, Celestina Agostino went onto open her own couture house in Paris in 1993. her intuitive approach to design, that starts with an interview so that Celestina can get to know her client inside-out and create a gown that matches her personality and her personal world. Grounded in design expertise, her instinctive methods have paid off with an international clientele whether they want to look like a Jane Austen heroine, a Hollywood icon or a natural, boho bride.
Ersa Atlier- Romania
Two sisters, Gabriela and Cristina Antonescu graduate The National school of Fine Arts in Bucharest, Romania. They meet Doina Levința, the most famous Romanian designer and scenographer. After spending more than 7 years in apprenticeship, they opened their own atelier in Bucharest, Romania. Soon after they start showcasing their craftsmanship and creativity internationally. In 2013, Ersa styles take America by storm, during the 4th Annual Bridal Show in Chicago.
Celia Kritharioti- Greece
Designer Celia Kritharioti is a globally distinguished designer and owner of the oldest Greek fashion house, which was established in Athens in 1906. Her talent, vision and aesthetics reflect on all her creations. Her mission is to present the best image possible of every woman who chooses Celia Kritharioti creation. Celia had the honor of designing the costumes for the Greek National Opera productions of “Romeo and Juliet” and “Swanlake” She presented her first ever show in Paris during Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture on January 25th 2017.
2018 Bridal gown trends: Atelier Pronovias
New York Bridal Fashion week yet again brings us not only the best designers but the most striking and glamours bridal gown designs. 2018 Atelier Pronovias did not disappoint…here are just a few.
The Rachel Gown
The Runis Gown
The Ronda Gown
The Romeo Gown
The Resal Gown
Bridal nirvana comes to mind when looking at all the lace, mesh, sparkling embellishments, whimsical capes and sleek fabrics.
Photos via Love My Dress
Mona Lisa Bridal Gallery
While I was thinking about who I wanted to work with for my upcoming published shoot in Elegant Wedding Magazine it took seconds for me to know with a certainty that I wanted the dresses to be from Mona Lisa Bridal Gallery.
I had been trying for the better part of a year to go and visit Frances and her hubby over there and of course planning weddings and life in general got in the way so here was my chance!
Tucked away just north of Toronto in Woodbridge, this bridal studio is run by the one of the sweetest women in the industry. I value humility and a genuine caring spirit and Frances personifies all of it. When I arrived, she was finishing up with a client and I was more than happy to wait. I could overhear bits of the conversation and was able to hear the bride speaking with such confidence over her choice in dress.
Customer service is paramount in this industry rather than getting the sale and I have seen so many missed opportunities to bond with clients and create trusting relationships with them. It’s so much more than just the sale and at Mona Lisa Bridal, you are always going to get a very one on one, in-depth consultation- that isn’t rushed.
Once the studio was clear of brides, I went straight to the back happily anticipating the glitter, tulle, crystal embellishment and all things uber girly. They didn’t disappoint. Frances was at the tail end of her Naama & Anat trunk show. I had never heard of this designer, so she explained they were a Israeli mother daughter duo that custom designed bridal couture. Let me just start by saying wow! I was in awe of some of these gowns and my initial choice in gowns from a completely different designer quickly faded away.
She pulled out a few pieces (they were jaw dropping sort of gorgeous!) and we spent a good half hour going over the look I wanted. Mona Lisa Bridal also has a stunning collection of designer gowns by Julie Vino, Alma Novia, A & J Designers, Liancarlo, Rosa Clara and Sareh Nouri.
Needless to say, I found the “dream dresses” for my shoot and I left a happy little planner! To my dear Frances and her amazing hubby, thank you both SO much for being a part of the shoot and I know we will be working together again sooner rather than later!
XO- Ash
Designer Spotlight: Galia Lahav
“My favorite part about designing for a bride is bringing her childhood fantasy of her wedding to life. Every girl I work with shares how she has dreamed about this day her entire life, and it’s my absolute pleasure to make that dream come true.”- Galia Lahav
If there is any wedding dress designer who’s work I drool over and dream of and essentially need in my life, it’s Galia Lahav.
Her attention to intricate details and who custom designs her gowns to fit every inch of the body, every gown is one of a kind and created with the bride’s individual preferences in mind. (We were not trying to rhyme but hey…).
Born into a Russian family of seamstresses, she began not in designing but making custom lace appliques. It eventually evolved as brides started to reach out with requests for dresses with her custom laces and 2 years later, here she is.
Now creating her exceptional designs in Israel, here are a few of my absolute favorite gowns from each of her collections. I suggest you sit down, this is going to get intense!
La Dolce Vita Collection (Veneto & Florentina gowns)
Les Reves Bohemians (Blossum & Belle gowns; Tiger Lily gown; Crystal gown)
Le Secret Royal (Lily rose gown; Guerlain gown; The New Suzanne gown; Gia gown)
My final and absolute favorite collection…Victorian Affinity
(Charlie gown; Lia gown; Lizzy gown; Rayne gown; Sterling Cape; & my love Thelma)
Images via www.galialahav.com
Designer Spotlight: Carolina Herrera
“I have a responsibility to the woman of today- to make her feel confident, modern and above all else beautiful”– Carolina Herrera
Before taking a quick sneak peak at her newest collection fresh off the runway, here are some interesting life facts about the incredible designer, Carolina Herrera:
- She was born and raised Venezuela and traveled at a young age and was exposed to fashion very early.
- 1987 she launched first bridal collection and year later her first fragrance
- 1996 Carolina Herrera de Baez joins as creative director at Herrera’s House of Fragrances
- 1999 She opened her first flagship boutique in NY on Madison Ave and 75th
- 2004 she received the Council of Fashion Designers of America “Womenswear Designer of the year” and the Glamour “Woman of the Year award”
- 2008 The Council of Fashion Designers of America honors Carolina Herrera with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2010 receives the distinguished “Mercedes-Benz Presents” title for her Spring collection
- 2014 she received The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion
To see the rest of her 2018 Spring bridal collection go to http://www.carolinaherrera.com/
Photography: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera
The New Dress: Pant Suit
As it seems with everything in our overly modern, ever changing society tradition is slowly phasing out. We say slowly because there are some who still hold onto aspects of traditions whether they are cultural or familial. This is not a bad thing, yet most brides today now embrace individuality, so when they get married- they really want their choice in dress to reflect who they are.
Traditional bridal gowns, modesty and white have essentially been tossed out the door, maybe not for good but overall? Wedding gowns have taken a contemporary turn. 3D florals have emerged along with blue and pink hues and lots of mesh. But one of the newest bridal dresses that graced runways last year is: the pant suit!
We compiled our favorites for you to peruse!
by Mark Zunino for Kleinfeld. Photo courtesy of designer via Brides.com
Jumpsuit by Galia Lahav. Photo courtesy of designer via Brides.com
Pantsuit by Carolina Herrera. Photo courtesy of designer via Brides.com
Satin suit by Naeem Khan. Photo courtesy of designer via Brides.com
Jumpsuit with embroidered bodice by Tony Ward. Photo courtesy of designer via Brides.com
7 Spring/Summer Bridal Trends for 2016
Seems like yesterday when we were fawning over spring trends for this year and now here we are again spilling the goods on the 2016 Spring trends!
- Feathers
A fabulous accent to any wedding dress traditional or contemporary.
Carolina Herrera- Harpers Bazaar
2. Suits
A modern twist on tradition and you have a sexy statement bridal suit…do you dare?
Naeem Khan- Brides.com
3. Plunging necklines
When aren’t plunging necklines in?
Reem Acra- Harpers Bazaar
4. Blue Hues
Color is still trending from this year; shades of blue are at the top of the runway list of 2016 trends.
Naeem Khan-recentbridal.com
5. Little Bla…err White Dress?
Perfect to change into post nuptial or if you are doing a more low key city hall type of “I do”…we do!
Oscar De La Renta-Harpers Bazaar
6. 3D Florals
Pearls and Swarovski crystals were all the embellishments in 2015, move over, here come the flowers!
Angel Sanchez-tulleandchantilly.com
7. Overlay Skirts
Nothing says “belle of the ball” than a gorgeous overlay skirt…pass the tiara please!
Galia Lahav- tulleandchantilly.com
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