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.

Your Diva is on the road again. This time it is off to Philadelphia for the preview of the news offerings from 2Be Bride. This is a beautiful private line that is only available from salons in the 2Be group. What is so cool about that is that you won’t see your gown everywhere and the salons in the group are all topnotch. That means you will get the knowledgeable staff and fabulous service you deserve.

I’ll update you on the new designs as soon as I see them. From what I hear everybody at 2Be is over the top excited by this season’s gowns.

You can find out more or locate a salon at their website

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!