Elegant Bridal Fashions
CARLA JEAN SCHWARTZ
Section Editor
S
Form-fitting lace bodice has high collar and sleeves that are part of a
back-fastening bolero jacket. Underneath is a spaghetti-strap gown,
exploding from the hipline in yards of tulle. Worn with matching pillbox
with illusion streamers. From Priscilla.
ophistication is the
key word for spring
and summer bridal
fashions. Whether
the gown is traditional or
contemporary, the theme is
elegant and sophisticated.
The elegance is in soft
shapes and the detailing of
the dress. Fabrics of tafetta,
silk, and satin give a
luxurious look. Many
dresses have Alencon lace,
a French needlepoint lace.
There's also subtle beading,
sequins or sea pearls. Tulle,
a fine netting of silk and
rayon, adorns the gowns
this season. Bows and
bustles are another
fashionable option.
"The formal wedding and
wedding party is making a
comeback, and
sophistication, glamour
and elegance are reflected _
in the gowns," notes Cheryl
Hall, fashion director of
Saks Fifth Avenue, Troy.
"The trend in this area is
for more sophisticated
gowns," adds Pamela Swift,
of Pamela Swift in West
Bloomfield.
Bridal consultants can
help a bride select a gown
according to the type of
ceremony and reception.
"We try to tell the bride that
the gown should reflect her
personality and the type of
wedding she envisions,"
says Debbie
Pollak-Zimberg, owner of
Creations by Pollak.
A major decision all
brides should make before
looking for a gown is price.
"Everyone is afraid to talk
about money, but the bride
does herself a disservice
when she does not," states
Sue Gordon, of Sue Gordon
Bridal Salon, in
Birmingham and West
Bloomfield. Gordon, with
20 years of experience in
bridal fashions adds that
consultants can work
within a budget and create
the image the bride wants.
There are many
silhouettes this season
according to bridal salon
owners in Detroit. The
sheath dress is still
fashionable with a slim
skirt and long train
attached at the waist. Also,
the trumpet skirt, or the
"mermaid look," which
flares at the bottom is in
style. Many gowns feature
the Basque bodice, where
there is a point just below
the waist. Of course, the
natural waist with a full
skirt is always popular.
The necklines are varied.
Many give the illusion of
being open but are covered
with lace. The bateau
neckline and sweetheart
neckline are stylish.
Lengths vary also
depending upon the type of
wedding. Tea-length
dresses are popular for
daytime ceremonies, while
a floor length gown with a
long train, and long sleeves
is perfect for formal evening
weddings.
The back of the dress is
just as important as the
front," notes
Pollak-Zimberg. With the
sophisticated styles, the
back is always detailed, and
sometimes open.
Fresh new looks for this
season are the different
pastel hues. One
outstanding dress at the
Sue Gordon Bridal Salon
was designed by Frank
Masandrea for the
Diamond Collection in rum
pink silk satin. The bodice
was filled with pearls and
lace in a floral design. "It's a
beautiful look," states
Gordon.
Another breath
taking gown was a white
silk chiffon gown with a
pink lining at Creations by
Pollak. The hue was soft
and subtle, appearing
peach-colored. White silk
roses with a pink center
accented the shoulders.
The traditional colors of
white and ivory are always
in style. Ann Patrick,
manager of Kays in
Birmingham, sells mainly
white and ivory gowns.
"We are seeing more
drama this season with off
the shoulder gowns and a
fitted torso," says Hall. She
notes the styles are
reminiscent of Hollywood
fashions a la Joan Crawford
or Greta Garbo.
This theatrical look was
evident in a gown designed
by Paula Varsalona at the
Sue Gordon Bridal Salon.
This fitted sheath gown had
a tulle flounce accented
with sequins, glitter, and
dangling Austrian crystals.
"It photographs
beautifully," notes Ellin