April 2011 Bridal Market Review - One Word: "Amazing!"
April 9-11, 2011 in NYC was THE place to be for the latest bridal fashions and trends!
And before we get into the FABULOUS details, you must know this: LWD has SO much in store for brides in the coming months, so JUST WAIT until you see the new collections by Justina McCaffrey (um, she's the cutest thing ever!), Anaiss On Weddings and - yes, say it ain't so - the one and only Badgley Mischka! Also to come? More stunning jewelry and beautiful hair ornaments by Paris by Debra Moreland and Maria Elena Headpieces, and fab handbags by Sondra Roberts. June-September will be an exciting time with all of the new arrivals!
So, back to telling you about Bridal Market last week...!!!
Unlike the Bridal Market (called "Market" in the wedding industry) that takes place every October in New York, April's Market is much quieter, yet - fortunately for us - SO MANY fabulous gown and accessory designers were on hand throughout the city, from the Wedding Channel Couture Show at the Intercontinental Barclay to New York International Bridal Week at Pier 94, the designer showrooms on 7th Avenue, and ultra sophisticated Essex House.
Venues: The more relaxed, intimate vibe of April's Market is super conducive to spending quality time with each designer. Pier 94 tends to centralize designers in one location so that buyers (like LWD!) don't have to travel all over the city to get things done. Thank you New York International Bridal Week at Pier 94!
Accessories: Crystal, sequined and floral sashes and belts remain a super popular bridal fashion trend with most bridal gown designers including sashes in their new collections. (Wait until you see the Badgley Mischka sashes that we’ll have in store…STUNNING!) From fascinators to hats, and russian blushers to feathered flowers, designer accoutrements were in abundance! There will always be a special place in our hearts for the traditional veil, but alternatives continue to grow in popularity. Fancy New York's new collection includes one-of-a-kind vintage bridal hats with netting and feathers. Some of New York’s finest millinery houses have even added vintage inspired couture bridal hats, fascinators and retro headpieces to their collections.
Bridal gowns: Over-the-top dresses with amazing, elaborate skirts for the fashion statement bride, and quite plain dresses with asymmetrical rusched bodices and no lace or beadwork for the keep-it-simple bride - both available in their own unique variations with most designers. Several dresses in the new collections balance these two extremes very nicely in modified mermaid or fit and flare silhouettes, with simple rusched bodices and stylized, beautiful skirts together in one dress. Head-to-toe slender lace silhouettes are still available and seem to become more beautiful each season.
“Pick ups” on skirts continue to be a trend that is ending or has ended, and skirts now have softer drapings of fabrics or elaborate, statement features.
Ready-to-wear influences are noticeable in a more “relaxed” collection by some designers, including Fancy New York’s new bridal separates - mix-and-match skirts, blouses and sweater options - ideal for the unconventional, casual or 2nd/3rd time bride! (Recently featured in WWD!)
Claire Pettibone continues her MAGIC and presented a well-edited selection of five new gowns, three of which are priced under $2,650.
We look forward to showing you the results of April Market buying trip at LWD!
Here's a look at our upcoming designer events:
May 20-29, 2011: Badgley Mischka Trunk Show at LWD! See the new collection straight off the runway
June 25-26, 2011: Sassi Holford English Tea Trunk Show at LWD! Kate Middleton visited Sassi’s shop in London several months ago!
July 11-24, 2011: Justina McCaffrey Trunk Show at LWD! Meet the designer of the number one best selling gowns at Kleinfeld 3 years in a row!
June-September: Stay tuned for MORE new arrivals from Paris, Maria Elena, Claire Pettibone, Anaiss on Weddings, Justina McCaffrey and Badgley Mischka!