Daily Front Row

2008 October 20

Runway Reviews

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(NEW YORK) Reem Acra

Reem Acra’s “Dressed to be Undressed” bridal collection was a Parisian fantasy: “There is drama always in my bridal collection,” said the designer backstage before the show. “The brand, Reem Acra, always thinks over the top.” From the models with their short black bobs (Acra herself wore one, too) and feathered eyelashes to her luxurious details like tiny allover pleats, tightly wrapped bodices, and jeweled necklines and trims, Acra gave her brides-to-be a dramatic statement with a French twist.

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier, inspired by “pictures of Grace Kelly on her wedding day,” presented an ultra-glamorous bridal collection in classic shapes. Details like sheer illusion necklines were a sweet counter to her sexier corset tops and signature open back, and nearly every piece had a heavy dose of stunning embellishment. Her standouts? A beaded strapless gown with a full, tiered skirt, and her closing look--a strapless a-line gown covered entirely in taupe peacock feathers.

Douglas Hannant

Douglas Hannant presented his first bridal collection this season with an intimate presentation of 14 gowns. Hannant played with texture in his dresses, with layers of mini-pleats, a tulle gown with a point d’esprit overlay, and a stunning sunburst-pleated gown with a ribbon lace-up back. Classic shapes were updated with modern touches, like a white plisse gauze capelet with stone embellishment at the neck over a simply ivory dress.

Lela Rose

Lela Rose’s bridal collection was a refreshing take on the often-fussy wedding gown for the non-traditional bride. There was little embellishment to be found, and only one dress in that bridal staple, satin. Instead, her dresses (adorably named after where Rose envisioned the wedding to take place, like a “boathouse”) were in matte fabrics; details coming from pleating and wrapping at the bodice rather than heavy beading or pearls. One gown had a lace floral pattern, created painstakingly by taking apart several laces and sewing them back together in the pattern; it was a stunning example of the understated elegance Rose is known for.

Vera Wang

Vera Wang’s would-be brides were inspired this season by “sexy sprites, flowery nymphs and enchanting creatures”—complete with ivy wreaths in the models’ hair. Wang was unafraid to use color, showing gowns in smoke, nude, and blush, even including several dresses in a subtle cloud print. The styling was classically Vera – the understated glamour of the dresses were amped by dramatic statement jewelry. A Swarovski “Imperial” necklace added serious bling to a platinum organza gown, “blossom” bracelets and necklaces were made to look like bunches of fabric flowers, and one gorgeous nude organza strapless gown was studded with dark crystals at the hip.