Vera Wang: Fashion Meets Bride

“I want to wear a Vera Wang dress to my wedding” – me circa 2002, something I’m sure we have all said once in our lives. Even if we didn’t know who she was or what she’s done, we just knew for some reason we wanted to wear Vera Wang to our wedding – because there is nothing better.

1989, dull gown after dull gown, Vera Wang sits contemplating plans for her wedding to first husband, Arthur Becker, when she realizes there is something missing, something missing that she could fill. The bridal industry “just had not evolved,” says Wang in an interview with an old employer. “There was no modernity of necklines; there was no understanding of the tailoring. There was no relationship between a wedding dress and fashion. There was no good taste, either. I realized that I could make an impression in terms of changing and readdressing the whole industry of bridal.” And so was born, Vera Wang Bridal. In 1990, Wang opened her first bridal boutique on Madison Avenue, Bridal House Ltd.

Vera Wang changed the pace of the bridal industry. From ruffles and puffy sleeves to bridal gowns fit for a supermodel, Wang brought the world of fashion and the world of bridal together. “I try to bring an edginess to a traditional business […] I take a lot of stylistic and visual and intellectual liberties with the concept of a wedding gown. Every season, I try to change it,” said Wang in an interview for Business of Fashion. Which is exactly what she did. In 2012 Wang launched a bridal collection featuring stunningly red gowns followed by her 2013 collection when she made black acceptable on the Big Day.

Vera Wang revolutionized the bridal industry and became the name on the lips of every bride across America and especially where she began, here in New York City. After all, nothing says New York City bride quite like Vera Wang.

 

For More Reading:

http://www.businessoffashion.com/2013/04/first-person-vera-wang.html

http://www.vogue.com/voguepedia/Vera_Wang

 

A Word to the Bride: Top 5 Tips from Bella Bridesmaid’s Experts

Although Bella Bridesmaid has clientele from New York to Singapore, a vast majority of their clients are NYC based and compared to every other bride around the world, they are very different. New York City alone has the reputation of being fast-paced and demanding – and their brides are no different. “They are very specific – and really not the most relaxed. Not in a bad way of course. They know what they want,” says stylist Jayme, which to the women at Bella Bridesmaid, is something they appreciate. 

Even though the brides from NYC seem to have crossed their T’s and dotted their I’s, there is still much to know before making your appointment to pick out the gowns for your lucky ladies. Here is what Bella Bridesmaid Stylist Jayme along with her colleagues have to say about what to know before you make your appointment. 

1. Stop being crazy – order your dresses in time! At LEAST six months in advance. 


If a bride decides to order a dress whether it is for her, her bridesmaids or even her flowergirl, waiting until the last minute will do nothing but hurt you. “Brides have come in with two months until the wedding and there is nothing we can do for them. It simply is not enough time.”

2. Don’t come in with all of your bridesmaids the first time you come in. Their opinions should come later.

We all know why this one made the list. Avoid the drama, avoid the tears. Sometimes this can be a fun experience but at the end of the day it is better just to steer clear of anything that can go wrong. Pick one or two people whose opinion you value and trust.

3. Don’t order your dresses from different stores, colors can come out differently.

Stick to one place. Gowns can be cut from different rolls of fabric even though they are the “same” color – which ends up really just being completely different.

4. Don’t pick a bridesmaid dress until you already have your dress.

Most brides fear their bridesmaids dresses look too much like their own. Avoid this. Know what yours looks like and decide for your bridesmaids based on that.

5. Do research! Get a Pinterest ASAP.

Pinterest is your bible. Any and every aspect of a wedding can be found on Pinterest so get pinning. Create different boards for different aspects of your wedding. You can even make a board secret if you don’t want anyone stealing your ideas. 

And finally, DO have fun. This is your day and no one else’s. Your bridesmaids can pick their dresses when it’s their turn.

A Peak Inside: Bella Bridesmaid

Ever wonder what it’s like inside a bridal boutique? So did I, and i had the pleasure of getting a peak inside one of New York’s finest bridal boutiques, Bella Bridesmaid. Now although there you will not be finding any bridal gowns here, Bella Bridesmaid can supply you with everything from bridesmaid dresses to flower girl dresses and everything in between. 

Speaking with one of the stylists at Bella Bridesmaid, Jayme, I was given an inside look as to what goes on during an average day in the showroom, all of the latest NYC bridal trends and styles to watch and what really happens when you’re not sitting on the couch at Kleinfeld’s with a camera in your face. 

“Crazy, that’s all I can tell you,” says another stylist on what it’s like dealing with brides in NYC. 

As I watched a few appointments go on in the early afternoon Monday, May 12, I noticed something I did not expect to see. Every person that came in was alone or with just one person. Bridesmaids were arriving individually to get fitted for their dresses and brides were perusing with only their mothers at their sides. Where are the entourages forcing their opinions down the brides’ throat? And the cat-fights over who gets to pick the dress? Apparently, this is something TV has slightly dramatized for us. 

“Brides shouldn’t be coming in with everyone on their first appointment. The bride really needs to pick on her own – their opinions can come later,” Jayme adds as I ask where all the groupies are. 

After countless measurements and order forms are taken, I was able to find out from the experts a few things about what an NYC bride looks for and the most current trends of this year’s wedding season.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of champagne, blush and nudes for color schemes this season. Mostly tulle and chiffon for the bridesmaids dresses.”

“What about black? New Yorkers love black.”

“Surprisingly no. Very few women think to have black at their wedding since it is a day to be bright and happy. That’s where NYC brides tend to be the same as other brides.”

Other trends for the New York City bride have been simple styles like strapless and one-shoulder. Themes being seen this year have been the ever popular Gatsby theme as well as Art Deco and for more creative souls, mis-match. Brides have been stretching their creative muscles and been much more original by having their bridesmaids wear either the same color and different dresses or different shades of a color and the same dress. So cute. 

The dresses at Bella Bridesmaid were stunning and their staff of well-qualified stylists knew exactly what brides want and need and have all the tools necessary to give it to them. With names decking the walls of the showroom such as Monique Lhuillier, Dessy, Amsale and Adrianna Papell and prices ranging from $189 to $350 you are absolutely sure to find what you need here.

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Visit Bella Bridesmaid at:

545 8th Avenue

New York, NY

(212) 695-2700