And Then There is Ian

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I can not go to Harrogate with out checking out the always fab Ian Stuart. Named Bridal Designer of the year 4 years in a row, twice winner of the Debi Awards and a handful of various other awards, Ian is the darling of the UK bridal scene.

The biggest trend I saw this season is that it seems Ian has fallen head over heel for shark taffeta. A truly luxe Italian silk, it has an almost mat finish. He has paired it with sheers like organza and chiffon for some interesting textural effects.

As I did with all the designers I am showcasing this year, I asked Ian to pose with his favorite gown in the collection. This sexy little number is just gorgeous and I have to agree with his choice. I’d wear it in a heartbeat.

Available in the States at Kleinfelds in Manhattan, The Montclair Collection in Santa Monica, CA and the just arrived at Roma Sposa in Birmingham, MI

Cheers Ian.

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J. Jennings Bridal Collection

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I stumbled upon the fabulous designer Jason Jennings, J. Jennings Bridal Collection on Monday. Jason’s range is full of interesting lines and gorgeous fabrics. One of the hallmarks of his Spring/Summer 08 collection is bead encrusted cutwork lace. The gown Jason is holding is a good example, you get a taste of it in the straps but those straps fan out across the shoulders accentuating the cowl draped back. His gowns are not for the faint of heart, but if you have the figure to pull them of they are truly stunning. Oh, and Jason is a darling.

J. Jenning Bridal Collection is available in the U.S. at Kleinfelds.

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Ritva Westenius

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Ritva Westenius is the Grande Dame of British wedding couture. Celebrating 30 years of dressing the likes of Jane Seymour, Faye Dunaway and Jacklyn Smith she is not even slowing down. This year marks the launch of a new collection, Capital Bride which is being designed in conjunction with her amazing daughter Chenca.

Chenca, a former principal ballet dancer is the real story here. Her glamorously bubbly, high energy personality absolutely shines through every one of the pieces. From a stunning short gown with a bit of fifties inspiration to the Jane Austin inspired “Sense and Sensibility” each one is more red carpet worthy than the next. What really knocked me out are the gowns in the Capital Collection that whisper Hollywood. The gown Chenca is holding is named Fabulous, and rightly so, don’t you think? The gown on the hanger is “Bronte”.

Gowns from Ritva Westenius are available in the states at Pure English Couture Bridal House in Virginia Beach, VA.

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Trend Watch/ Harrogate

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The first trend to really pop out at me for Spring/ Summer 2008 is about the fabrics. There is an abundance of sheer fabric overlays done over a soft satin base. On some the base color is white or ivory with the overlay adding a bit of color but mostly it is the other way around. There are gowns with spun gold under and sheer white lace over, or a rosewood base with a sheer chiffon overlay. Quite often the overlays are embroidered or lightly beaded.

The other trend has to do with the hem lines. I saw several gowns yesterday with fuller A-line skirts that had outer layers getting progressively shorter revealing either beautiful laces underneath or heavier satins and taffetas in a tiered effect.

Big on the runway were pleats. Any thing pinch pleats was in. Used in the beautifully soft sheer fabrics being employed it was adding a very flowing fullness over a touch more fitted gown on up to the other extreme of fullness. All in all a soft romantic look.

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Day One at Harrogate: Friends Moving Up

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Today was about connecting with old friends.

Friend of the Dish, Leanne Stoiche has taken the leap of launching her own line, Tsarina Couture.Quiet sophistication says it all in a phrase. I know she is launching for Spring/Summer in the UK market but I don’t have any word on when she will hit the US. If you are interested drop me a line and I will let her know.

Another dear friend, Rani Totman and St Pucchi are showing for the first time at Harrogate. Lucky me! I got a sneak peek of the line almost two months before it launches in the US. All I can say is WOW! Of course if you have been reading the dish for a while you know that this is one line I just can’t be objective about, I love Rani’s work. End of story. I will have a full picture editorial after couture week in New York.

I also saw several new designers that I will get you more details and images for tomorrow. I also say the new range from Sophia Tolli, again, full details tomorrow.


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Greetings from Harrogate.

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Here I am taking the Dish on the road again. This time to the British Bridal Exhibition/Harrogate.
I’ll get you some images of all the yummy new things I see. As always can’t wait to see what pretty baubles Halo has come out with for next season. I’ll also check out the new collections from Ian Stuart and the fab Jenny Packham.

If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss anything from this upcoming round of markets.

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Getting the Gown

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I had to post a bit about the bride’s look from last weekend. Andrea wore a strapless Romona Keveza gown with a sweetheart neckline and a ruched bodice. Karen Kaforey over at b.Hughes Bridal and Formal tells me that Andrea chose her gown at a past trunk show which had Keveza herself in attendance. Apparently the designer was so taken with our bride that she personally recommended some changes to the gown to enhance the bride’s already lovely figure. Now how cool is that! I told you trunk shows were a must do on your list.

On another note, I love the bouquet Vicki designed.

Images courtesy of David Wright Photography; you can view more from Andrea’s portrait session on his blog.

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What Not To Wear

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From the country that brought us What Not To Wear the UK now brings us the most outrageous example I think I have ever endured. ITV program Britain’s Youngest Brides got a mention on the BridalWave, my favorite British wedding blog.


For your Friday funnies, have a look at this video clip courtesy of The Heat. Trying to get that girl in that gown into the limo is a riot. Also not to be missed are what the guests are wearing.

What I wouldn’t give to see the video from the reception. Then again, maybe not…I just ate breakfast.
Enjoy!

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