DRESS VERSUS GOWN

Photo by Danielo
Okay, so . . . is there really a difference between a wedding gown and a wedding dress? I mean you hear designers and savvy merchandisers referring to what you wear on your big day as either gown or dress. So which is it?

Defined, gowns are anything to the floor and definitely ones with trains and/or extensions are considered super gown-worthy. For me the gown at its quintessential best is 'Harlowesque' lean-lined and clingy, something Hollywood designers borrowed for evening wear from sexy nightgowns back in the 1930s (hence comes the gown). The dress on the other hand can be any silhouette--even a ballgown--as long as it's ankle length or above. A good example of ballgown silhouette as dress is in the second image. BTW my favorite length and silhouette for bridal wear right now is Ballerina, just above the ankles and very full . . .

Photo: Sweet Light Studios

Dress and gown by Amy-Jo Tatum

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THE SCARF VEIL MAKES A COMEBACK

 Today's chic started with a casual trend borrowed from the fifties glamorized by Audrey Hepburn—the scarf. As Audrey and fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy showed us, some women can make even a sporty scarf look elegant. I began incorporating them into my collection once I realized they looked hot with so many of the 1950s throwbacks I was creating. Keep in mind they do lend themselves well to quite a few styles. Be imaginative. You can tie a lace scarf like a bandana or go gypsy style with it. Experiment. Create your own look!
The shorter version above works with this more casual look. This is one of my ‘Marilyn’ dresses . . . My 1950s ‘Going Away’ bride is headed for a drive up the coast to that country inn in her crepe halter dress and silk chiffon scarf. A casual as well as elegant look.
Long Scarf-Pictured below: Considered more an option in head wear than veil depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length wrapped around the head framing the face creates a long band of train that works as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for Mosque weddings.

Below: A 3-yard galloon/scarf of Chantilly lace makes the perfect 20s style cloche-cap style veil to pair up with a vintage lace gown. 

All gowns and veils by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

Photo Credits

Header Photo by E Jones Photography

Photo 2: Bride Chic

Photo 3: Pixamage

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ART DECO MEETS CITY MODERN

 There's an interesting story behind this editorial that begs the question: How long could it take to find the right spot to shoot 1930s style gowns? Can you believe 4 years?  That's right, when you want to find a backdrop reflecting all the best of the Art Deco era, it can take awhile.  Kudos to photographer, Jim Vetter who scouted out the perfect canvas for this project at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in San Francisco.  This is a place I'll sum up in one word---elegant!  Says Jim, "As a photographer, my vision for this shoot was to reflect the reawakened interest in early 20th-Century stylings and set it against the metropolitan backdrop of modern San Francisco.  The Mandarin Oriental was the perfect location; the décor is reminiscent of the Art Deco era while still feeling very current. I've shot Amy-Jo's gowns in the past and just love their classic sophistication. These designs compliment the elegant photographic style, I wanted to bring into this project . . . . "
 For me, creating pieces like these was inspired by Hollywood's golden era when women were finally free of corsets, girdles even bras.  The body-hugging bias-cut that once upon a time was a radical concept, has

become classic.  Each and every fabric and lace in this collection was hand-selected for brides

who want a to add some drama while showing off a fit and toned body on their wedding

day. . . . 

 CREDITS

Photography: Jim Vetter Photography

Gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum

Makeup and Hair: Moderne Beauty

                         Styling and Jewelry: Mary Compagno of Nordstrom mary.j.compagno@nordstrom.com
Flowers: Floral Ornaments

Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, San Francisco
Menswear: Selix San Francisco

Models: Ginger Larsen, Rob Williams and Katie Siu

 

 

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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 . . . .

All dresses and head wear by Amy-Jo Tatum
Photo Credits: Photos 1 and 2 by Lirette Photography
Photo 3: Pixamage
Photo 4: Bride Chic
Photo 5: Samantha Smith Photography

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SHIRR GORGEOUSNESS!

 

 I'm wowed by anything shirred.  in case you're wondering shirring is an application made up of  pleats or gathers running either horizontally or vertical. Lately we're seeing shirring mostly on bodices.  This shirring over lace is hot right now in bridal and evening wear, especially with tulle, chiffon or any transparent fabric forming soft folds.

   

Dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum

Header Photo by Bryan John Hendon/Gold Dress by Divine Elegance

Photo 2 by Dominic Colacchio Photography

Photo 3 by Bride Chic

Photo 4 by Lirette Photography

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NEWS FROM THE PUBLISHING FRONT

In case any of you missed out on the At the Villa post a few weeks back, here are a few of my bouffant pieces shot by Joy Strotz for Ceremony Magazine last August.  FYI Ceremony is like the encyclopedia of wedding magazines, listing and showcasing all the finest vendors around.  You'll find loads of color and inspiration between the covers of this mag both in hard copy and on the digital version.  Below are the actual images of gowns that made it to the latest edition that's out now.  The top layout, It's All About The Bride is from the San Francisco Bay Area book and Photographic Memories from the LA one.  Can't begin to tell you how fun this shoot was and how many great folks we all met on location at the Villa Montalvo in Saratoga.  I want to do this all over again . . . .

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FINDING YOUR CHIC FACTOR

 Still going through a dilemma about The Dress?  Try this:  Imagine the clothes you wear every day amped up in finer fabrics and more defined silhouettes.  Next consider your venue and overall formality of the wedding or lack thereof. Wedding dates have a lot to do with decisions too. Are you marrying in New York city mid-winter or having a country picnic in late Spring?

Since there are no rules here, only guidelines, go ahead and combine styles if you like. Blending gives your look individuality. Maybe you're a little punk and vintage all at once . . . Or cutting edge and classic. Whatever combo you fancy, your options are many. My motto has always been, "Read the rules then teach yourself the art of breaking them . . ."

CLASSIC

Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn are your icons. Everything you touch is timeless, refined, sophisticated. A Hermes scarf and cashmere turtleneck could be your everyday signature look.

Your Dress: An A-line or sheath either strapless or with bateau or V-neck. You love any fabric that has understated elegance like traditional duchesse satin and peau de soie.

Favorite Designers: Kenneth Pool, Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, Amsale, Anne Barge, Peter Langner

Your Venue: A mansion, country club or sprawling estate defines your dream wedding site.

Veiled: A drop veil tacked to the back of a bun.

Unveiled: A tiara of course

Elle is wearing: The 'Giselle' Gown.  Empire cut silk dupioni with hand-beaded Chantilly lace bodice. Top photo: Tulle drop veil  Below:

Alencon lace and Ostrich feathered Tiara and rose adroned silk dupioni and tulle fascinator

VINTAGE

So you look into the best parts of the past to get your look, do you? Who wouldn't with such great laces and gemmies still hanging around from yesteryear? Like those satin baby-doll shoes from the forties better than brand new Jimmy Choos? Does an allover antique lace tablecloth make you think of restyling it into a gown? Then call yourself a Vintageholic and read on.

Your Dress: Mostly evening gown and chemise styles in lace and satin. You may be a 1950s retro buff who likes Candy Anthony type dresses with miles of skirt and tiny cinched waists.

Favorite designers: Pat Kerr, Claire Pettibone, Martin McCrea, Candy Anthony.

Venue: Almost anywhere the the Jay Gatsby daytime social can be reinacted. Landmark homes with acres of sprawling lawn are ideal but certain boutique hotels and B & B's work for the smaller bash.

Veiled: A cage veil adorned by head florals

Unveiled: A picture hat

Ana Marie is Wearing: Embossed chiffon gown with silk gauze detachable train with Rose cage veil.  Below: the organza rose cage veil

BOHO

Do you love peasant styles and the flower child  looks of the sixties?. Are you earthy and ethereal all at once? Consider yourself Boho if your eye is drawn to gowns sporting diaphanous fabrics topped off with head wreaths made out of fresh florals and greenery like ivy.

Your Dress: Something long and flowing, crocheted and/or full of lace and tulle. 
Favorite designers: Temperley of London, Lanvin, Claire Pettibone, Elizabeth Fillmore.

Venue: Any wooded or pastoral setting

Veiled: A floral head wreah with a drop veil

Unveiled: A Daisey or flower chain
Elle and Ana Marie are wearing: Above-Chantilly lace and point d'espirit chemise with silk gauze hankercheif hem and a dried floral head wreath.  Below-Silk chiffon gown with flared hem and Magnolia head wreath with foilage.

CREDITS

Photography by Sweetlight Studios

Gowns and head wear by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal
Makeup and hair by Christal Saville

Models; Elle and Ana Marie

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