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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Behind-the-Scenes @ Douglas Hannant

So exciting to be backstage at a fashion show while all the hustle and bustle is happening. Everything is moving at such a fast pace. Flowers were being cut so that they can be perfectly placed and woven into the hair of perspective models. Make-up artists were using brushes and fingertips so delicately in order to create that perfect dewey look.


The designer, Douglas Hannant, was carefully overseeing every aspect to ensure each look was exactly what he wanted while conducting interviews with the presss. Stylist Edward Tricomi (whose first styling job was cutting the hair of Salvadore Dali) was also multi-tasking; granting interviews, checking on every detail, and giving pointers to other stylists to make sure that his vision was carefully being executed.


The inspiration for today's look: Led Zeppelin's "Going to California" adding a little romance married with the essence of springtime. Tricomi, who is very passionate about what he does, decided to try something different by intertwining full-stemmed bouquets into the models' hair. The result was absolutely gorgeous. Runway pictures of Douglas Hannant's fabulous show are to come.


Additional Backstage Pictures








Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Just Tweet Me: Lenox and Marchesa Tweetup Tonight


Lenox is partnering with couture gown designer, Marchesa, for a new tabletop collection! Join us, as Georgina Chapman and Lenox make the official announcement TONIGHT at the 2010 Market cocktail party and official Marchesa by Lenox celebration. Lenox (@lenox_Corp) will be live-tweeting … and we’re inviting all of our friends, Lenox lovers and fashionistas alike to follow the conversation at #couturetabletop starting at 5:30pm ET.


Lenox Corporation, the most trusted name in dinnerware and home entertaining, announced the introduction of a new couture tabletop collection by Marchesa, the design house known for elegant red carpet eveningwear and exquisite bridal gowns. Each charming dinnerware, stemware and giftware piece features Marchesa custom designs as well as the unparallel excellence and quality that are synonymous with each of the brands. The debut grouping will feature eight exquisite dinnerware patterns inspired by Marchesa's one-of-a-kind dress designs.

"Lenox is thrilled to join Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig to create a new tabletop and gift collection," said Lester Gribetz, President of Lenox. "We strongly believe the market is craving a collection of this nature. Marchesa by Lenox mirrors the beautiful detailing found in each of their gowns; the marriage between the brands will surely delight and inspire brides."

The spirit of Marchesa's muse, nineteenth-century European style icon and eccentric aristocrat, Marchesa Luisa Casati, is brought to the table in beautiful pieces that epitomize Casati's grandiose vision of life as a work of art. From lace detailing to rose embellishments, each Marchesa by Lenox dinnerware pattern embodies the ethereal aesthetic that is indicative of Marchesa.

"We could not ask for a better partner than Lenox to materialize our vision into impeccable dinnerware," said Georgina Chapman, Co-founder of Marchesa. "We wanted to develop this collection the same way we do each of our gowns, with one-of-a-kind designs and detailed craftsmanship – creating a uniquely elegant dinnerware style not yet found in the market."

Each individually designed dinnerware piece is beautifully adorned with ornate detailing, fusing timeless elegance with unique modernity. Marchesa's custom accents are carefully paired with delicate embellishments to create a collection that is as stunning as the gowns themselves. Each dinnerware pattern is handcrafted in the USA and made from the highest quality fine bone china, and is dishwasher safe.

Floral Illustrations

This stylish platinum-banded pattern features charcoal-like florals that decorate the rim and interior of each piece. Inspired by the designs found in an artist's sketchbook, Floral Illustrations serves as the perfect canvas for any meal.

Spring Lark

Whimsical flowers and birds adorn the body of Spring Lark. The sweeping brushwork reflects the softness and beauty of a watercolor painting. Coral accents, sprinkled throughout the platinum-rimmed pattern, exude the feminine flair indicative of Marchesa.

Palatial Garden

Like palace grounds with meticulous landscaping, Palatial Garden is a study in detail. The accent plate is a work of art in itself showcasing a majestic pheasant. Luscious chocolate and turquoise hues banded in precious gold accent beautiful floral designs to create this regal pattern.

French Lace

Some of Marchesa's most intricate textile creations grace red carpets and glamorous Hollywood affairs. These gowns are the inspiration behind the elegant floral motif of French Lace. Trademark feminine beading and lace have been transformed into this platinum banded dinnerware that adds graceful elegance to any table.

Painted Camellia

Painted Camellia brings vintage florals to life with just the right amount of color to make the dinner table unique. Draped against a gold-rimmed white canvas, delicate painted florals create a beautiful melodic feel. The salad plate, defined by a rich black background, is artfully juxtaposed to its white-bodied counterpart for a dramatic contrast.

Porcelain Lace

Marchesa is known for some of the most beautiful bridal gowns in the industry – from intricate lace detailing to elegant draping accents, each dress features Georgina and Keren's mark of true craftsmanship. Porcelain Lace is inspired by the delicate details found in each of these gowns; with an ornate white on white floral motif, accented by an open work fabric design around the rim.

Paisley Bloom

Paisley Bloom brings Marchesa's signature beaded accents to life on a tailored white bone dinnerware body. Silver mica and platinum decorate the rim for added appeal. The unique artistry of paisley and florals create a graceful tabletop collection that is romantic and refined, perfect for every dinner party.

Marchesa Rose

Roses are in bloom on many of Marchesa's head-turning gowns, and they flourish in gently raised designs found on Marchesa Rose. Clusters of roses envelop the white bone china dinner plate while a beautiful single bloom is highlighted on the salad. A unique manufacturing technique makes Marchesa Rose the perfect pattern to be dressed up or down, making any meal feel more romantic. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

The collection will debut in stores and on Lenox this fall.

BRIDAL MARKET: New York Magazine's Weddings Event

I started off Bridal Market Week at the New York Magazine's Weddings Event. The event was held at the Metropolitan Pavillion and was fabulous. There were some amazing wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses adorning the lobby area before you entered the main event area.

Once inside the main area, NY-area brides were greeted by a wide array of talented and top notch wedding invitation designers, floral designers, event designers, bridal shops, bridal gown designers, and caterers. A bride could have totally planned her wedding before leaving the Pavillion. The quality of the displays in every booth was exceptional.

There was also a drink station with everything your heart could desire. It was a hit with the grooms who so graciously gave up their Wednesday afternoon to accompany their brides from station to station.

I definitely had some favorites. My favorite bridal designer was the fab Angelo Lambrou. The South African born Lambrou has created a line wedding gowns that are outside of the box. It was good to see something so very different. One of my favorites was the gown in the picture where his is posing. The gown had the loveliest ruffles all around the top of the dress. Simply beautiful.

Also, my favorite floral and event designer was Tantawan Bloom. EXQUISITE! Not only was I blown away by their floral and tabletop design, but their brochure and cards were fabulous. For me, that's the sign of a fab vendor. Oh, and the owner looked as if he had just walked out of GQ magazine - another plus for me.

I also loved the floral and tabletop designs at Fleurs Floral Design and Events and a fab design at Designs by Ahn.

I got a chance to check out a few J.Crew bridal dresses and bridesmaids dresses. You really need to see their gowns/bridesmaids dresses in person. The web does not do these dresses justice. I also loved the two adorable dresses available at Lovely Bridal.

My absolutely favorite wedding invitation designer (besides my always favorite, Ceci NY) was Atelier Isabey. Not only was the quality of the work extremely high, but the creativity of the designs was mindblowing. I loved everything that they had displayed on their table.

I had to force myself not to partake in eating cake. But there were a few cake designers that stood out for me including Cake Alchemy and Ruth Drennan Cakes. Both shops has very unique cake designs. Each shop definitely made me take notice, even though I didn't have any of their goodies.

But of course, the highlight of the event for me was meeting and taking my picture with my bridal idol, Colin Cowie. If you read my blog regularly, you know that I totally love him. He was so nice. He jumped right up to take a picture and as expected he was impeccably dressed. At that point, my day was complete.

You can check out the vendors from the show in NY Magazine's Wedding Guide.

Lobby






Tantawan Bloom



J.Crew Bridal



Lovely Bridal



Angelo Lambrou



Atelier Isabey





Colin Cowie



Colin Cowie & Me



Fleurs Floral and Event Design



Cake Alchemy




Designs by Ahn



Ruth Drennan Cakes

Snippet of Carol Hannah's Q&A @ Michael C. Fina



Check out Carol Hannah's Q&A at the launch of her bridal line at Michael C. Fina NYC. Full post about her fab event coming soon.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

DC CHARITY EVENT: Kissing Frogs - The Prom Dress Project




Making Prom dreams come true for DC/MD/VA High School Girls


Help a local high school girl go to her prom in style by sponsoring a gorgeous designer gown! Your dress will be made available at DC Public School’s Boutique Day on Thursday, April 15th. Additionally, your donation will support the GWFCC DC Fashion Foundation’s Project Stitch Studio at the West Potomac Academy Fashion Design in Alexandria, VA.

To sponsor a dress, go to the Kissing Frogs - The Prom Dress Project blog and follow the sponsorship instructions.

For more information on the Project Stitch Studio, visit their web site at:
http://www.projectstitchstudio.com and the DC Fashion Foundation at:
http://www.gwfcc.org/index.php/foundation.

We thank you for your generosity.

Friday, April 09, 2010

Going Green: Aveda and Adele Weschler


AVEDA and ADELE WECHSLER ECO COUTURE

PARTNER FOR GREEN WEDDING EVENTS

Event raises awareness for eco-conscious wedding planning and preparation.

WHAT: Aveda and Adele Wechsler Eco Couture host regional eco-wedding bridal events.

WHY: Aveda and Adele Wechsler are partnering to co-host regional bridal events during the months of April, May and June at participating Aveda salons across the country. Brides-to-be and their guests will receive tips from Aveda experts on picture perfect wedding day makeup, fool-proof skin care regimes and the latest bridal hair trends. Attendees will also preview new gown designs by Adele Wechsler Eco Couture, and eco-wedding service providers will also be represented, from local green bakeries and caterers to florists, photographers and printers. Guests at each event will have a chance to win Aveda service or product packages, eco-vendor products, and one lucky bride will take home her very own Adele Wechsler veil or headpiece. In addition, brides may enter to win national grand prizes: an Adele Wechsler Eco Couture wedding gown, or a honeymoon vacation at the Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, an eco-friendly destination hotel in Belize.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Costa Mesa, CA: April 24th

New York, NY: May 5th

Baton Rouge, LA: May 6th

Toronto, Canada: May 11th

Atlanta, GA: May 16th

Washington DC: May 23rd

Boston, MA: June 6th

Chicago: June 8th

Minneapolis, MN: June 10th

Scottsdale, AZ: June 16th

Seattle, WA: June 21st & 22nd

Portland, OR: June 24th

Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.

Adele Wechsler designs for the bride who cares about the world in which she lives. Adele Wechsler is a pioneer in eco friendly wedding gown design. Our Eco Couture collection paves the way for a luxury look that maintains the following eco-friendly standards:

* Certified organic Hemp and silk
* Vegetable dyes
* Remnant fabrics and lace
* Every piece is produced with Fair Trade Labor in Toronto, Canada.

About Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort: Nestled between the lush Maya Mountains and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Hamanasi is a special place from which to explore the best of Belize on and offshore. A secluded, intimate, boutique eco-resort located in Southern Belize, Hamanasi sits on hundreds of feet of Caribbean Sea beachfront surrounded by tropical flora on the finest stretch of beach in Belize.

For more information about Aveda, visit Aveda.com. For more information about Adele Weschler, visit Adele Wechsler Eco Couture, visit .

Thursday, April 08, 2010

NYC-Area Brides: The Wedding Salon Invites You To See What's Hot At Market Week



The show will feature glamorous gowns hot off the runway from Bridal Market Week, top wedding vendors like Sylvia Weinstock and David Tutera and the latest trends for 2010 weddings, including:

· Flowers & Feathers – David Tutera’s latest bridal collection embraces Flowers and Feathers for an ultra-soft and feminine feel. Brides looking for the whimsical look on their wedding day will need to look no further than David Tutera by Faviana.

· Shades of Pink & Lavender– Marina K. Couture reveals that brides can truly be “Blushing Brides” in shades of pink and lavender.

· The One-Shoulder Gown – Gone are the days when every bride wore sweetheart and strapless gowns. For Summer & Fall of 2010, brides will embrace asymmetrical bust lines and Grecian-Inspired one-shoulder gowns.

· The Blueprint Cleanse – Celebrities are not the only ones embracing a healthy detox. The Blueprint Cleanse is the first nutritional cleanse offering different levels of intensity depending on one’s dietary habits and history. Brides-to-be are looking to the Blueprint Cleanse to not only normalize pre-wedding weight, also to clear skin, increase energy and boost the immune system!

· A Relaxed Bride is a Beautiful Bride – Celebrities are always ahead on the trends in terms of relaxation techniques. Tatiana recommends Serenity Zen Beverage to brides as the perfect calming relaxation drink designed to take the edge off and relieve the stress on a brides big day! With Zero Carbs, Zero Calories, this sugar-free drink has the taste, but won’t cause any pre-wedding weight gain.

Visit the Wedding Salon for ticket information.

Cutesy, Cutesy: A Lovely Bridesmaid Gift @ Flying Daisies

Bridal lovelies, I know that you are always on the hunt for a fab gift for your girls. So here is a cutesy and stylish gift idea. I am so loving these pocket purses at Flying Daisies. The patterns are amazing and just perfect for her loose change.





Wednesday, April 07, 2010

A Fab Wedding Locale: Keys Creek Lavendar Farm, San Diego CA




Cali brides, looking for a fab wedding locale? Then check out San Diego County’s only USDA Certified Organic lavender farm, Keys Creek Lavender Farm (in Valley Center, CA). It is a picturesque and intimate venue with seemingly endless rows of lavender. The farm is nestled in a serene valley affectionately described as the end of nowhere.

In addition to the eight acres of land and more than two dozen varieties of lavender, the farm also houses a labyrinth, bee hives where delicious lavender honey is made, a peace garden where visitors can plant lavender in memory of their loved ones, and an essential oil distillery – all great spots for photo opps!

Did I mention that lavender is all around? That makes it just perfect. Get more information at Keys Creek Lavender Farm.

For Your Toast: The Perfect Signature Drink

Here's one of the details that you find yourself scrambling to cross off your list at the last minute - your signature drink. You work so hard to perfect your menu to ensure that your guests are completely satisfied. So don't forget about choosing something fab for your signature drink. Here are a few options that containing Combier and Bols Genever. I haven't tried these drinks myself, but the ingredients look like each would be a tasty delight.




The Cheeky Couple

Created by Jonathan Pogash (http://www.thecocktailguru.com)

1 oz. Roi Rene Rouge Cherry Liqueur
.5 oz. L'Original Combier Liqueur d'Orange
.5 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
.25 oz. POM pomegranate juice
Moet & Chandon Champagne

Directions: In a mixing glass, stir all ingredients together with ice briefly and strain into a chilled champagne flute.
Garnish: Spritz of rose water and rose petals.




Boule Royal
Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, The Liquid Muse, author of "The Bubbly Bride: Your Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Guide"

8 rosemary leaves
.75 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1 oz citrusy gin
.75 oz Combier Royal
1 ounce sparkling wine

Directions: Muddle the rosemary in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add juice, gin, Combier Royal and shake well with ice. Strain into champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine.



Thyme for Romance
Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, The Liquid Muse, author of "The Bubbly Bride: Your Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Guide"

.5 inch piece fresh ginger
1.5 oz Bols Genever
1 oz thyme-infused simple syrup*
.75 oz fresh lime juice
Dash Angostura bitters
fresh thyme

Directions: Muddle ginger in the bottom of a mixing glass (or cocktail shaker). Add Bols Genever, thyme-infused simple syrup, lime juice, bitters and ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish: A sprig of thyme.

*Bring 2 parts sugar, 1 part water, and a few leaves plucked from the stem of a thyme plant to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool, bottle, and refrigerate.



Rouge Noir
Junior Merino

1.5 oz Combier Rouge
.5 oz Combier Orange Liqueur
4 oz brut
Orange zest

Directions: Pour Combier Rouge and Orange Liqueur in champagne flute. Top with champagne.
Garnish: Orange zest

Create-Your-Own Wedding Cocktail

2 parts base spirit of choice
1 part L'Original Combier Liqueur d'Orange
.75 part fresh citrus juice
Champagne or sparkling wine

Directions: Shake base spirit, L'Original Combier Liqueur d'Orange, and citrus with ice and strain into a chilled champagne flute. Top with Champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish: Fresh, seasonal fresh fruit.

Monday, April 05, 2010

That Vintage Look: Channeling the Sixties with Black Raven Vintage



If you are channeling your sixties diva for your wedding, then this dress could be a fab possibility. Your vintage wedding dress awaits at Black Raven Vintage.

Friday, April 02, 2010

A Little Phillip Lim For Your Flower Girl



This is the cutest little flower girl dress from the 3.1 Phillip Lim kids collection. Available at Neiman Marcus.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

It's So Fancy: Fancy NY Vintage-Inspired Wedding Dresses

I met the fabulous Stephen Nato of Fancy NY during the MS Wedding Anniversary event. As noted in that post, his dress was the best dress of the entire night. So I am not surprised that I love every single dress in his wedding collection. So if you see something you like, head on over to Unique Vintage. The best part - sizes range from 4 to 20!