Perchance To Dream
Pnina Tornai lets every bride sparkle in her own fairy tale.
PRODUCED AND WRITTEN BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
Once upon a time, brides-to-be had
to go all the way to New York City's
famed bridal emporium Kleinfeld to
get their hands on a wedding gown by
Israeli designer Pnina Tornai — and
believe us, it was worth the trip.
Happily, Tornai's stunning confections
can now be found a bit closer to home,
as the designer has debuted an exclusive
collection at Roma Sposa Atelier in
Birmingham — the only other venue in
the country besides Kleinfeld to carry
her gowns.
Lofty and luscious, hand-beaded
and hand-draped, Tornai's gowns are
embellished with elaborate embroidery
and drip with Swarovski crystals and
precious stones. Many are characterized
by Tornai's signature corset design, and
each is hand sewn for a flawless finish.
"My dresses are very feminine, very
conscious of fit," says Tomai.
Making her start with evening
gowns, the self-taught designer quickly
turned to bridal. "I've always been very
romantic, and I love weddings," says the
designer, who splits her time between
Tel Aviv and New York City "About
15 years ago, I had a dream one night
that I was lying on a big lawn, and the
most beautiful dresses were falling from
the sky. I woke up in the morning, and
I said, 'I understand the dream. Thank
you, God, for telling me what to do.' "
Tornai — who met her husband and
business manager David Loewenstein
when a psychic she was visiting visual-
ized his name, then passed Tornai's
name on to him when he happened to
visit two days later — is eager for each
bride to live her fantasy. "I try to cre-
ate a dress for every dream, for every
bride."
Above: Embroidered lace sheath encrusted with Swarovski crystals, available at Roma Sposa Atelier in
Birmingham (248-723-4300; romasposa.com ).
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MARCH 2008 •
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