Above: A basic sheath//Below: The same sheath accessorized with a detachable train, hand made flowers and sprigs of ivy . . . .
THE FINE ART OF CUSTOMIZING A GOWN
SALUTE TO TAFFETA
The taffeta bridal gown is a great tradition and still one of the most widely used fabrics for bridal wear. If you've already been doing the salon hop you know its also trendy for bridesmaids and flower girls. There's no mistaking taffeta: It has that rustling and screeching sound when it moves and a polished, shiny look and feel. It's been used for centuries mostly in special occasion wear and is known for its opulent luster. Trendy once more mostly for full-skirted silhouettes, taffeta is the perfect option if you're wanting to add some elegance and romanticism mixed in with that good old tradition on your wedding day . . . .
Photo Credits: Photos 1 and 2 by Lirette Photography
Photo 3: Pixamage
Photo 4: Bride Chic
Photo 5: Samantha Smith Photography
O! how much more doth beauty beauteous seem
By that sweet ornament which truth doth give.
The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem
For that sweet odour, which doth in it live.
The canker blooms have full as deep a dye
As the perfumed tincture of the roses,
Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly
When summer's breath their masked buds discloses:
But, for their virtue only is their show,
They live unwoo'd, and unrespected fade;
Die to themselves. Sweet roses do not so;
Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odours made:
And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth,
When that shall vade, my verse distills your truth.
The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem
For that sweet odour, which doth in it live.
The canker blooms have full as deep a dye
As the perfumed tincture of the roses,
Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly
When summer's breath their masked buds discloses:
But, for their virtue only is their show,
They live unwoo'd, and unrespected fade;
Die to themselves. Sweet roses do not so;
Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odours made:
And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth,
When that shall vade, my verse distills your truth.
--William Shakespeare--Sonnet #54
CREDITS
Photography: Taralynn Lawton
Dresses and headpieces: Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
Models: Oasis and Amber
SHEATH CHIC
The more infatuated I get with heavier weight satins and taffetas the more I realize I've turned out a few really great sheaths lately. The sheath is a fave of brides who work out and the eventual reward of of those who like to strut their stuff. They're a snug fitting, long, columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images above and below--having waistline and skirt features that are as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.
CREDITS
Photography: Taralynn Lawton
Dress: Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
Julie Morgan Hair and Makeup
Model: Oasis Wideman
WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?
Here's the newest addition to the line of dupionis. This is my favorite dress to date. Called FLORA for reasons you can probably figure out, the fabric is a lightweight tissue taffeta and thai silk combo. Chantilly lace adorns the bodice as silk florals are placed asymmetrically along the shoulder. Three silk florals embellish the detachable organza train and rose petals are dappled allover it. To view more Flora photos go to the White Lace and Silk Page. You can order this gown soon through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal
Photos: S1 StudiosMakeup:Nida NafeesHairStylist: Dana Faulkner
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