What a treat to sit and chat with our town’s Joan Pillow upon her return from the Bridal Market in NYC. Always love to get her take on this very haute fashion category that has gotten everyone’s attention of late
Joan Pillow, whose salons in Houston and Atlanta have garnered much respect by her industry for her experience, knowledge and great eye for what’s new and important in the world of Bridal, sat down with me in her Houston salon to chat about the highlights of the semi-annual Bridal market that she had just attended in NYC. As anything and everything Bridal is all the rage these days, I am always most curious to see the parallels of the runways of Bridal to the those of other NY designer collections, particularly as many of the top of the list of Bridal are also a key player in the Designer Collections.
There were many new things to anticipate for this market…..not least of all was the launch of Oscar de la Renta’s newest collection without the man himself. Peter Copping formerly of Nina Ricci was one everyone was anxious to see up close and personal. Keep reading below and you’ll see why everyone is interested in all things bridal these days. To see all of these magnificent gowns live, Joan will begin her trunk shows on these collections in June.
June 4-6: Oscar de la Renta
June 18-20: Monique Lhuillier
July 9-11: Mira Zwillinger
The Return of the Ballgown
Joan felt this to be the most dominant trend on the Bridal runways for this season. While streamline dressing is not out of the picture, this is where the newness and excitement was coming from for the market with several of the top designers on to this trend. Monique Lhuillier did it best in Joan’s eyes.
It’s all in the Back
With this evening trend that has taken over the Red Carpets of “less is more” coverage on the body and “baring all” is the favorite of so many of the young set, I asked Joan if any of that had filtered into Bridal. (hoping not much, as this is edgy/bare trend is not a favorite of mine). Certainly there were some plunging sheer necklines but where she felt it was best interpreted was in a more refined, tasteful manner with back interest in the gowns. Below are some beautiful examples of bare backs….either in sheer and/or open. Also, it should be noted that high necklines are a great balance to the plunging backs and are another secondary trend that is out there.
Floral Motif….Everything’s Coming Up Roses
Flowers were very much in bloom on the bridal runways this season, either woven into the design of the fabrics or as appliqués, either confined to one area of the body or my favorite interpretaion which is scattered across the gown….very much a feel of gardens all abloom. I loved this very romantic a beautiful take on the floral motif.
Beads, Beads Galore Continue to Shine
Beading continues to be so dominant all over the fashion world and certainly has maintained its place in Bridal gowns. There are many applications of this trend out there from the smallest most delicate details to the all-over extravaganza.
The Look of Lace….Classic, Romantic, Feminine
Personally i love the look of a beautiful, rich lace covering the entire body of a bridal gown. There is nothing more lovely, feminine, and romantic than the look and feel of beautiful lace. I love the two examples below that illustrate the two very opposite neckline details that lend themselves to lace…..the new high-neck trend and the staple, classic strapless look. Monique Lhuillier who I have always associated with beautiful lace gowns and ensembles (remember, her famous lace pantsuit?) continues to do so but the lace-master of the moment is Anna Maier (sp?!). He has introduced some new bodies into the fabric and of course, his classic streamlined gowns cannot be overlooked.
Newest Item to Hit the Bridal Scene….the Shrug
One of the most exciting trends that Joan showed me was the re-birth of the SHRUG, or bolero as some call it. I personally own several in my wardrobe as a wrap to take away the chill and have used them as a newer, more modern alternative to the pashmina. However, what I own is not even in the same league as what Joan has to offer. Where mine is cashmere and more of a short cardigan-with-a-purpose for day or night…..these SHRUGS are made of beautiful, luxe fabrics like tulle or my favorite, lace. They are the perfect add on to that beautiful gown….whether for the Bride that wants a little more coverage or just to add a lovely touch to the gown to make the finished look more grand! As I am always amazed when browsing the racks at Joan’s salon how many choices she has for evening wear and now the SHRUG is another item that she will be carrying that has a life beyond Bridal. Anna Maier, who is her primary supplier of lace gowns has several beautiful versions of lace shrugs as well……and the beauty of his collection of this now in-demand item is that he can produce them in COLOR. How exquisite of a must-have it could be to own a black, navy, brown or other neutral that you could possess to give one of the gowns in your closet a total new look. I am in love with this concept and think so many of you would be also. It is a great way to make existing gowns look new and fresh.
The Newest Bridal Accessory….the Floral Wreath Headpiece; Ultimate Touch of Beauty and Femininity
Haven’t we all used floral “halos” for special occasions in the past? I remember fondly, my daughters wearing these floral wreaths when they were attendants at special events. Now, this trend has taken off in a much more sophisticated way, both in bridal and in fashion. What a soft, pretty way to add florals to complete your wedding ensemble different from the traditional veil head dress.
Images borrowed from Style.com, WWD.com, Brides.com, Erin Cole Design and Pinterest
Omg these are so GORGEOUS