STALKING THE PARIS RUNWAYS

Valentino

Okay, I admit these photos may be a couple years old but if you really study them out you'll find these Paris fashioneers set some of the the trends we're lovin' so much today.

Valentino

Valentino

Valentino
It's the small details reinvented like natural waistlines, ruched wraps like the one below and use of muted pastels.

Dominique Sirop

Elie Saab

Franck Sorbier


On Aura Tout Vu
Baby Doll chic is everywhere now, one trend I'll never max out on.

On Aura Tout Vu

The Mermaid. Like the legendary creature herself, the above silhouette is half and half: part sheath then all of a sudden POW! part ballgown.

Christian Lacroix,

Christian Lacroix,

Carven


Not all fashion experiments work; think of the runways as one big lab combining colors and textures with all kinds of amazing special effects. These are a few that went on to evolve into some of the best chic you see around today . . .

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WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Tashiko! A silk dupion modified A-line. If you like embossed chiffon, you’ll love the treatment I gave it here. The sleeves look more like lace folding into a gathered sweetheart empire waist that ties in back creating a sweep train. The underskirt is layers of crin trimmed in yards of lace.

Photos by Smoot Photo/Hair by Gayle Parker
Inspiration for this dress came from two sources: the obi sashes on the backs of wedding kimonos and this 1805 portrait of Mlle. Riviere by Ingres, a copy of which hangs in my kitchen and I guess has been inspiring me a long time now. The regency look of the early 19th century is visible here but so is the Asian influence with the back sash that ties like an obi. Also, the chiffon is embossed with lilies and they always remind me of the Far East.

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WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

photo courtesy of Movie Diva

Meet LYDIA. Actually, those following this blog have seen the LYDIA gown in the recent Hair Art and Smalll Veils for Fashionistas posts last month. Now it's time to meet LYDIA up close and personal.
For me, embossed chiffon is one of the most luxurious fabrics for its draping and floating capabilities. Here I've lined it in silk crepe to make it move like it's part of the bride's skin. The back drape is made out of silk gauze, a fabric so light, (even lighter than chiffon) it practically floats. Dappled here and there on the drape are small silk flowers.

Where I got inspiration for this one is a no-brainer. 1930s Hollywood is my biggest muse and will continue to amuse me as long as they keep all those old movies restored.

Embossed chiffon


You can see more of Lydia and all the new 2008-2009 collection by checking out my website, Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture (But most of the gallery is under construction, sorry for the mess)

Photos by Henley Photography

Make-Up by Rob Ward

Hair by Kathie Rothkop

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WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

EVA. The most versatile gown in my collection, I think. We amped up the glamour factor for Sarah here by adding the birdcage veil and opera gloves.

These photos are the work of Berkeley photographer, Bill Smoot. I knew if he ever photographed my collection, each piece would have that editorial/fine art feel to it. Bill is actually a fine art as well as wedding photographer. As a result, his photographs seem more like moments in time rather than the proverbial posed portraits you find in so many wedding albums. More can be seen on his site www.smootphoto.com

Hair: Gayle Parker

Gown and accessories: Amy-Jo Tatum
Model: Sarah Ashton

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WHAT'S NEW IN RETRO?

Feathers. Cocktail hats with veils. Long strands of pearls. Opera gloves.

This simple cut velvet gown with just the right accessories instantly becomes retro.

The veil of this hat easily becomes a shoulder drape.

Once this whole look is pulled together it can be reminiscent of pre-1920s as well as 1930s Hollywood.

Photos: Henley Photography
Gowns and accessories: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

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