After a quick lunch to catch up with some friends from the UK its up to do an informal viewing of the St. Pucchi collection. I am never sure which I look forward to more getting to see Rani and Tarsame or getting to Ohh and Ah over the gowns. It is proper etiquette to remain the passive observer at these things. There is just something about St. Pucchi that leaves me with all the self restraint of a child; I gush like a kid watching fireworks on the 4^th of July. If you are a bride that is not afraid of being the center of attention, not undone by sheer exuberant opulence then this is the only collection you need to see. From ethereal a-lines to jubilant ball gowns everyone is more stunning than the next. The fabrics are luxe and the beading beyond compare.

Another trip up the elevator and we were at Romona Keveza’s suite. True to her style the gowns were studies in simple elegance with just the right touch to make them pop. There is one gown that was simple and chic with only a thin black velvet ribbon to set it off; until you saw the back! From the top to the hem was a perfect row of tiny black velvet buttons. Perfect. The fabrics are always a hallmark of couture and this line is no different. There were beautiful French silk taffetas, French alencon lace and Italian silk satins that would feel amazing on.

Be sure to check Enchanted Brides to see what Tony has posted today.

I guess the only way to report on all the doings from yesterday is to just take them in order.

The day started of with Justina McCaffrey’s new collection, Angelica Paradisium. True to her signature, the collection was all about the lines and the fabric; each gown more exquisite than the next.. The highlight of the show was the last model to hit the runway: Justina herself, on point in her gown, Sistina. That’s her in the image above. She is as beautiful as her gowns. My favorite was Cassia; deep v neck with spaghetti straps with a wonderful sheer shimmery overlay on the billowy skirt. Quite the eye catcher.

A quick dash from the Flatotel in the pouring rain to the new 5^th Avenue digs of Reem Acra. Lots of silk taffeta and silk satin. Not as much emphasis on embroidery as in years past. Color was brought in velvet ribbon detail and silk and velvet flowers. Silhouettes ranged from sheaths to ballgowns with billowy overflowing hems.

Another quick dash through the rain to the Milk Gallery (thank you Bruce) for the Monique Lhuiller show. Monique’s collection was all about lightness and air. Lots of twisted frayed silk tulles and organza. Tiered shirts, a recurring theme this market, were very well done in this collection. Missing was her usually abundance of lace.

Then it was back to the Waldorf to take in a seminar and visit old friends. I had to laugh when I went to visit TigerLilly. I was raving about how all their pieces did double duty: tiaras turn into necklaces, bun covers convert to bracelets and NOW jeweled headbands become purse handles. I was saying what a great value that makes and they just looked at me and said” That’s because we Think Like A Bride! No wonder I love these girls.

That puts us up to lunch!

We had breakfast with Justina and Bruce was at the curb…it must be Sunday.

If you have been reading the Dish for a while you know that for the press, Sunday morning always starts with a very tony buffet at the Justina McCaffery Runway and because of the days schedule, we make sure that we hire a car and driver. I have seen seven collections today. I am going to have to wait until the exhaustion induced fog in my brain clears to really tell you about it.

I did want to post a link for you though. My traveling companion, Tony Williams, publisher of Enchanted Brides is posting the photos EB’s photographer has taken to his website. He, like I, is running on exhaustion, so he is only posting a couple of teasers while we are on the road. Look for a more complete posting later next week.

I promise a full report tomorrow morning, schedule allowing. And all the Dish..teehee!

I have been here for just over four hours and have already seen three wonderful, very different collections. We hit the ground running, literally. The first show of the day was Badgley Mischka. All the usually suspects were there; the Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings and Grace Ormond. The real story is the gowns, the hallmark of this collection was the beautiful delicate beading. Every bit of embroidery, beading and crystal work was as delicate as a whisper. One of the few gowns that wasn’t embellished with this stunning beadwork was a slip dress of Morocain silk crepe with a matching bolero. The two pieces together were a triumph of understated sophistication.

We dashed across town to Amsale’s flagship salon to see the press only show for the Kenneth Poole line. Austin Scarlett (yes from Project Runway) has come of age as a designer. This collection also uses a good bit of beading, but here it was notable for it’s contrast. Scarlet used a lot of subtle color variation to great success. The absolute stunner of the collection is “Bottecelli” a strapless ball gown in tulle with beautifully embroidered scallops each perfectly graduated from the row above. Too gorgeous! Even with all that embroidery it still had the feeling of being light as a feather.

At Michelle Roth we were treated to the witty antics of her brother Henry Weinreich. What I wouldn’t give for his energy! The collection was beautiful and very traditional. The slender tiered gowns were the best of the lot. Delicate crystal pleats were everywhere.

I’ll get a report on the Amsale show for you a bit later.

I’m taking the blog on the road again. This time it is to New York for the Fall WeddingChannel Couture Show at the Waldorf-Astoria. As always, I will be joined by long time friends Tony & Gipsy Williams, publishers of Enchanted Bride and Karen Kaforey of Signature Events. I will also be joined this year by my UK editor Susi Rogol, the brains behind Bridal Buyer Magazine and the British Bridal Exhibition at Harrogate. So here is the Dish..

Already scheduled are: Badgley Mischka. Kenneth Poole, Henry Roth, Michelle Roth, Ramona Keveza,, Reem Acra, Monique Lhullier, Justine McCaffrey, and St. Pucchi.

That is the list to start. You know we will also catch Rivini, Youlin and Janell Berte. I don’t know if old friend Ivonne dela Vega will be in town yet, but if she is I’ll keep you posted on what’s up with her.

Also on tap is a new company I want to check out for you, Pearlmere, a shoe company I recently heard about. Yikes!! That sounds like an incredibly full 4 days. Chances are good your Wedding Diva will be taking a much needed break after this!

Oh and let’s not forget the Disney Princess Collection!