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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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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THE WOOL WEDDING DRESS

Wool? For spring?  Come off it I'm hearing you say.  That's because ordinarily when we think wool, we think of coats and suits.  Did you know wool comes in crepe and jersey?  What's more these weaves drape beautifully and are excellent choices for the gown or dress with a more modern feel.  The wool dress is an excellent choice if you're considering re-wearing after the wedding.  Optimal for wedding suits and contemporary brides wool offers a certain sophisticated chic.  Wool is still perfect for winter weddings especially if you don't want that luxurious fabric finish that most silks proffer.

BEST BETS FOR WOOL WEAVES

Crepe-Like silk crepe, wool crepe drapes closely to the body but has more body.  Great look for evening gowns, bridal suits and more structured silhouettes.

Jersey-Like silk jersey, this knit clings to the body.

Dress by Amy-Jo Tatum

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HALTER DRESSING

Believe it or not, the halter we see in so many bridal collections evolved from early 20th Century swimwear. Golden Age Hollywood designers popularized the look for evening, dressing stars like Garbo and Harlow. Actually the look was so radical and daring back then, tongues clucked as the etiquette police of the time declared, 'no nice lady wore such things out at night'. Ladies had different ideas though and wore the back-baring halter anyway. Halters once again made their comeback big time in the 1970s with the return of glamour and disco. During this time Cher's designer Bob Mackie took advantage of this look to bring out her best lines. Thanks to the ages, we have so many variations on this abbreviated neckline. Below are just a few stunning examples.

PHOTO CREDITS

Top photo S1 Studio/
Row 2 Lirette Photography

Row 3 S1 Studio
Row 4& 5  Lirette Photography
Row 6 Copyright Bride Chic

All gowns and head wear by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride

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