TRENDS

Fabric Focus: Lightweight, ethereal fabrics combined with deconstructed silhouettes. Fabric texture created through draping, pleating, tucking and folding.

Diversity in Necklines: Brides are looking for unique and interesting necklines other than just strapless. Some new neckline options are V-neck, tank style (with and without sleeves), asymmetrical/one-shoulder, spaghetti straps, and square.

New Shapes: A move away from the ball gown silhouette towards smaller skirt sweeps, less crinoline, and a closer fit through the torso and down the hips.

Subtle Yet Stunning Details: A hint of beautifully designed embellishment makes a statement all its own

TIPS
Many times brides have initial ideas about what gown they see themselves in on their big day. There are some considerations that should play a role in the gown selection process other than just what dress will best flatter the figure. The venue is very important and should impact the gown selection. For instance, if the venue/reception hall is formal, the bridal gown should reflect this formality; the bride does not want to be nor feel underdressed at her own wedding. Weather is also important and should be considered. If a bride plans an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, she should consider the weather and temperature when selecting her gown. For instance, a heavy, layered ball gown with sleeves would not be the most optimal choice for an outdoor wedding in Texas in the summer time.

INSPIRATION

LACE, LACE, LACE!: I incorporated two laces this season: Venice lace and French Alencon lace. I was drawn to Venice lace due to its vintage look and texture. It's amazing how a lace that has been around for so many years can look so fresh and new again. I created very richly appliquéd designs utilizing Venice lace that resulted in beautiful texture and unique, dimensional floral patterns. French Alencon lace is a traditional re-embroidered lace, so my goal this season was to make Alencon lace gowns look interesting and novel. In light of this, I appliquéd the Alencon lace in new, unique patterns and embellished the lace with beautiful ribbon embroidery and crystal layouts; the overall effect was both dimensional and glistening.

LIGHT, ETHEREAL FABRICS: Light, ethereal fabrics are trending right now and what better season to embrace this look than Spring. I designed gorgeous Spring-like fabrics such as a very lightweight, soft satin-faced organza with a subtle sheen, 100% linen, and cotton net. These fabrics were so wonderful to work with and really captured the deconstructed look that is so in fashion right now.

EMBELLISHMENT: My signature embellishment will always have a presence throughout my collections. I design all of my embellishment layouts by hand. They are intricate and encrusted with crystals, which is what gives my layouts a jewelry-like look and intense, fiery shine. I begin each season by first designing the bead layouts by hand and then developing actual swatches. Once I've perfected the layouts, I begin to design gowns around them. You could say that my beading serves as the focal point for many of my gowns. The embellishments are inspirations in themselves; I basically build my gown designs around them.