WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

The 'Lucinda' Gown is everything vintage. When I first laid eyes on this Chantilly lace and crepe backed satin sitting side by side on the shelf,  it evoked images of vintage Hollywood and and Art Deco.  Once I sketched out what I envisioned I had a long, sleek skirt with a lace halter bodice and cummerbund.  The five pearl buttons down the front were added later.  Appliques of beaded Alencon lace accent the neckline and lace waist drape. The skirt has a wisp of sweep train in back.

I was flattered when my husband complimented me on designing this gown.  He's a very precise guy and lover of all things symmetrically beautiful.  I also think Lucinda has a particular, body-hugging sex appeal perfect for women who want to bring out that wedding day diva.

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

'Phaedra' is actually separates: a top and skirt offering you some options after the big day.  This gown was created out of many yards of tea-dyed cotton tulle hand pleated over appliques of Chantilly lace.  A row of precious white and gray stones act as buttons down the front of the bodice.  The skirt is silk chiffon with a tulle drape.  The back shows a strip of hook and eye closures--the kind used in sportswear, hinting something this delicate and diaphanous would be as awesome with jeans as the pearl and crystal jewelry above . . .

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Would you wear wool on your wedding day? In summer? Meet 'Priscilla' the first wool crepe gown to make it into the collection. Whenever we think wool, winter wardrobes usually come to mind. Light weight wool crepes and jerseys are actually great fabrics thru spring and summer as long as the silhouettes lend themselves well to drapey fabrics and bare arms and back. And don’t worry, wool breathes well as long as it’s lined in lightweight fabric like China silk . Accessorized, ‘The Priscilla Gown’ goes great with last season’s Christian Loubotin’s peach floral sandals but any silver or gold delicate, strappy sandal will look awesome. I see the necklace and earrings worn as a pearl and white stone combo shown above.

The original inspiration for this gown came from the 1944 Noir Classic, Laura. Although Hollywood designer, Cashin’s gown for Gene Tierney was front loaded with intricate draping and gathers, my design above has a row of gentle pleating instead.