Opposite page: Form-
fitting sheath gown by
Ilissa Bridals has portrait
neckline and long sleeves.

Classic ballgown by Priscilla
features V-neckline, basque
bodice and fan-shaped
pleated sleeves.

an otherwise unadorned gown.
The details may vary but the
traditional full-skirted gown is still the
preference of most brides. Now, how-
ever, Mrs. Leonard observes, "they
want to personalize their gowns.
They'll wear an heirloom veil. Or, if
they don't have an heirloom veil,
they'll put some antique lace on their
gowns.
Modern Bride magazine's Mrs. Aerts-
Niddam also has predictions for the
upcoming season. Although bridal
gowns tend to be seasonless, certain
features are more likely to be found
on spring/summer gowns. Thus, like
the appearance of tulips and daffo-
dils, off-the-shoulder necklines are a
hallmark of spring/summer gowns.
Usually, these necklines are elasti-
cized so that they can be worn either
on or off the shoulders.
This season, she sees the portrait
collar, a graceful version of the off-
the-shoulder neckline, as the Number
One neckline. (Although it's been
around for awhile, French designer
Christian Lacroix popularized the
portrait collar, also known as the fiche
collar, in his haute couture clothes.)
Short sleeves are another spring
favorite. This season, although every
sleeve treatment under the sun —
pouf, cap, leg-of-mutton — is avail-
able, the newest sleeves "tend to be
big but the (decorative) treatment of
the sleeve is simple," Mrs. Aerts-
Niddam says.
After years of crisp fabrics like
summer-weight satin and tafetta, the
big news, she continues, is the entry
of soft fabrics like organza, chiffon
and organdy into the bridal market.
Of the many spring styles she has