A name synonymous with timeless, preppy bridal elegance
In 1945, Priscilla Kidder
realized her longtime passion for fashion design when she opened The Bride's
Shop on Newbury Street, offering unique handmade wedding dresses. Soon Priscilla
of Boston became synonymous with the highest level of individualized service
and impeccable quality and design. Her name has stood the test of time and
remains the hallmark of timeless bridal elegance.
From European royalty to
American aristocracy, Pricilla's dresses have graced some of the most famous
weddings of our time. In 1956 Pricilla was chosen to design the exquisite
bridesmaid gowns for the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco.
An estimated 55 million
people watched on television as President Johnson's daughter, Luci, married Pat
Nugent in a beautiful Priscilla of Boston gown in 1965. Luci chose a Watteau
for her wedding dress, a style which quickly became a trend that lasted into
the 1970's. The bridesmaids wore Priscilla pink chiffon dresses, and the
much-publicized nuptials went off without a hitch thanks to the hands-on
assistance and watchful eyes of Priscilla herself.
The same attention to
detail produced beautiful results in 1968 when Julie Nixon married David
Eisenhower in a Belgian lace Priscilla of Boston gown.
The tradition of White House
Weddings continued with Tricia Nixon's marriage to Eddie Cox in 1971. Priscilla
Kidder designed the bridal gown and personally delivered it from Boston to Washington in its very own first class seat. Priscilla took special care to
choose bridesmaid dresses in a look suitable for Tricia's bridal party range of
ages from 11 to 25. The mother of the bride, First Lady Pat Nixon, chose a
lovely tea length ensemble from her vast personal wardrobe of Priscilla
dresses. Once again, Priscilla Kidder was on the scene every step of the way to
make certain that the wedding day was nothing short of perfect.
"Cheers," Boston's very own pop cultural icon, concluded its 1992 season finale with the marriage of
Woody Boyd to socialite Kelly Gains. Kelly wore a raw silk and floral lace
Priscilla of Boston gown and matching veil.
In terms of style,
Priscilla was the first of a few wedding gown designers (Maurer, Christos) to
hand clip and place French and Belgian laces as a design element, often
preferring them pieced apart rather than whole. Over the years the usage of
imported clipped lace over English net became her signature.
Boston Magazine recently
awarded Priscilla of Boston with its Best
of Boston 2006 Wedding Dresses for the Preppy Bride. The
accolade reads "The old guard (and their daughters) have long favored this
hushed salon that sells sophisticated pieces by Melissa Sweet and Watters and
Watters. Every shopper is outfitted with a soft robe to don between
changings."
You can view the latest
collection at priscillaofboston.com.
I also hope you like these
vintage images from past Priscilla collections. Some of these dresses date back
to the 1950's but they are ever so beautiful.
