SAY
It's that one special day that millions dream
about — their wedding day. And Americans
spend millions dressing for the occasion that
will be remembered in photographs for a life-
time. This year the formalwear and bridal in-
dustry are celebrating, too.
"Optimism is prevailing," says Harvey We-
instein, chairman and CEO of Lord West For-
mals, a leading apparel producer in the
black-tie business.
Mr. Weinstein credits much of this height-
ened sense of style in wedding apparel to the
handsome, new executive couple in the White
House.
He also believes that young people are
much more interested in having a traditional
ceremony, but updating it by wearing more
fashionable attire.
THE BRIDE
Choosing a wedding dress can be one of
the hardest decisions any bride faces. Most
brides don't wait until the day before; instead
they spend hours and hours shopping for the
one perfect gown.
Fulfilling the desire of every woman for the
perfect dress is an ongoing challenge to
Michelle Piccione, designer for Alfred Ange-
lo DreamMaker, one of the world's largest
manufacturers of bridal gowns.
BRIDE
As one of Michigan's most exclusive shops,
we'll have plenty to show in the coming weeks: exciting
Trunk Shows by the world's leading bridal designers!
IlISSa January 26-30
Sara's Custom Headpieces
- February 7-13
Priscilla - Mardi 3-6
Bianchi - Mardi 17-20
Wafters & Watters-march
Dramatic full length
sheaths are popular.
17-20
BRIDE
249 Pierce Street, Birmingham • 644-7492, 644-7200
CAPTURING YOUR FINEST MOMENTS
FOR 38 YEARS
A
7 ,
LEO
-11-
IK%1G1
MASTER OF
I
0
352-7030
26571 W. TWELVE MILE RD. AT NORTHWESTERN HWY.
Alfred Angelo gowns retail from $300 to
$1,000.
Ms. Piccione highlights several silhouettes
in her bridal collection. Simple, princess styles
in soft white crepe feature a bodice and cap
sleeves accented with hand beaded re-em-
broidered lace.
Off-the-shoulder ball gowns are also pop-
ular, trimmed with satin roses and petals.
For the sophisticated bride, Ms. Piccione
suggests a dramatic full length sheath of
metallic brocade topped off with a shoulder
skimming collar and a back peplum that ends
in a semicathedral train of sparkle tulle, eas-
ily detachable for dancing.
Brides have also been asking for soft,
clingy dresses in crepe, beaded chiffon or
charmeuse.
THE BRIDAL PARTY
Black and white are still strong for brides-
maid's dresses, but garden-fresh florals in
linen and chintz are blossoming at Alfred An-
gelo.
(continued on page 22)
20 • JAN t JARY/ FE FS Ft JARY 1 94)4 • ..(-711(1_1-2
Do'