ThSprtng

BRIDE

SILHOUETTE

is a Southern look. There is an urban

versus a rural look. West Coast brides
tend to pick sexier gowns than East
Coast brides." Reasons? Climate, life-
style and age of the bride, she replies.
Urban brides, who tend to be older,
are more sophisticated in their tastes;
rural, younger brides are more
interested in the ornamented styles.
The spring/sumer fashion forecast
at Bride's magazine covers the bridal
gown market:
Fabrics of all kinds are being shown,
from the fluid (organza, tulle, chiffon)
to the crisp (especially tafetta). Also
being shown are textured fabrics (silk
jacquard, silk shantung, point d'esprit,
moire tafetta, embroidered cotton).
Lace (several different kinds
Chantilly, Lyon, Shiffli, etc. — not just
Alencon) is being used as an all-over
fabric (not just for edging).
Glamorous silhouettes are princess
and A-lines, empire waists, fluffy tulle
skirts Sheaths have detachable
overskirts that flow to chapel-length
trains. For a romantic garden look,
flowered appliques are strewn on full
skirts, or gowns with lace tops have
tulip skirts. Many gowns focus on the
neck and shoulders with features like
petal collars, portrait necklines and/or
poet's sleeves.
Interesting trimmings include three-
dimensional appliques, pearl bead-
ing, metallic touches, ribbon lace and
rhinestones. Interesting fabric treat-
ments include pleating, shirring and
draping. Embellishments have_ high
impact: It could be one graceful
ornament at the bustline or metallic
"fairy dust" sprinkled on selectively
placed appliques. It could be a
beaded bodice or beaded sleeves on