RADIANT BRIDES
Continued from Page 30
average headpiece price is $100 to
$200. There are also such additional
expenses as special bridal slips (about
$40), shoes and hosiery. In Oakland
County the prices tend to be higher
because consumers want the latest
fashion trends and good quality mer-
chandise. Prices in Oakland County
can range from $750 to $6,000 for a
couture gown.
• Manufacturers are featuring
gowns that "show more skin," says one
bridal buyer, "with open necklines and
(Christian) Lacroix-inspired portrait
necklines with shawl collars." For
spring/summer, these gowns are be-
ing done in such light, airy fabrics as
chiffon, organza and silk.
Also on the market are many
strapless and one-shoulder gowns.
The strapless gown usually comes
with a matching bolero jacket which
is worn during the wedding ceremony.
The strapless gown is an especially
popular "informal" style — that is, a
gown without a train.
Currently, a favorite design ele-
ment is short sleeves. Often puffed at
the shoulder, even exaggeratedly so,
the sleeves are usually highly
decorated with lace, beading and
bows. For the fall/winter season, the
short sleeved-gowns were shown with
gloves; for spring/summer, they are be-
ing shown with gauntlet (fingerless)
gloves.
First-time brides still want a tradi-
tional gown but they want a sophis-
ticated look, not ruffled or cutesy.
They even like sheaths with
detachable trains. If they buy a gown
with a full skirt, they don't want it to
look like a prom dress. They don't
want that much crinoline swishing
under the skirt.
Many white bridal gowns this
season are being shown with a touch
of soft, pastel color, especially pink-
and powder blue-colored trims.
• Elaborately embroidered
gowns with "very poufy long or short
sleeves" are popular. Other popular
styles are the sheath gown and the off-
the-shoulder gown. Back interest in
gowns has become important, with
lace trims, lace inserts and beading.
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The Jewish News 37