THE BRIDE'S CAFE

Marie Labbancz: Fashion Shoot Part II

Today I am featuring Part II of a fabulous fashion shoot with the amazing Marie Labbancz.  I love Marie...she is truly an incredible photographer and her images are "works of art"!  Marie  had the pleasure of photographing some of the most beautiful "bridal headgear" of milliner, Holly Slayton of Artikal.  Holly's work is stunning and congrats to Holly....her beautiful designs were just picked up by Kleinfeld Bridal......Way To Go Holly!!!!  The hair and make-up for the shoot was provided by Claudia Seyler...she is amazing......have fun at the fashion shoot guys....please leave a comment  and let me know which one is your favorite...and just because you guys are the best...I have 2 $25.00 Star Bucks Gift Certificates that I will randomly give away to 2 TBC readers!!

CONTESTANT #1

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I hope you had fun guys...get your comments in...the winners will be announced on Monday morning, July 14th....have a wonderful day!!

Bride's Head Revisited

Hi Guys...I am so excited to have as our featured guest today, Alex and Emily, the beautiful ladies from Bride's Head Revisited.  Their custom bridal veils and accessories are STUNNING...and truly reflects the "Bride's Style".  Their beautiful work has graced the pages of countless bridal and fashion publications. The ladies took a little time out from their busy schedule to stop by the cafe to chat with us....Meet the ladies of Bride's Head Revisited.....Enjoy!

The beautiful ladies of Bride's Head Revisited...Emily & Alex!

TBC:  Describe the Bride's Head Revisited client.

BHR: Bride's Head Revisited brides represent a wide range of styles.  They are traditional, modern, stylish, fun and independent.  They can be traditional and stylish with a lace trimmed cathedral veil or modern and fun with a feathered poufy French veil.  Whether she wears a large poppy flower comb in her hair or a Swarovski crystal headpiece, the one thing that ties all of Bride's Head Revisited brides together is their appreciation of high quality design and craftsmanship.

TBC:  What are the 3 adjectives that describe your style?

BHR:  Elegant....Stylish....Unique!

TBC:  What is the best part of your job?

BHR:  I love creating new designs. Emily and I both have a background in fashion history and I studied costume design. Designing bridal headpieces and veils allows us to use aspects of fashion history and costume design in a way that we would never be able to in regular fashion design.  We can have more fun with the designs and push our ideas a little further.

TBC:  What is the highlight of your career to date?

BHR: Some of our favorite experiences are trunk shows.  We have a chance to travel all over the country to stores that carry our designs and meet brides one on one.

TBC:  Ladies...where do you "pull" your inspiration from?

BHR:  Because of our fashion history background, Emily and I are constantly looking to the great couture designers for inspiration.  The attention to detail and exquisite designs of the 19th and early 20th century guide our design process.  We also look at what is current in today's fashion to create fresh stylish bridal accessories that speak to the modern bride.

TBC:  What tips can you share with our readers when selecting their hair accessories?

BHR:  The hairstyle and dress design will often dictate the direction the bride should go with her hair accessories.  Today, there are no rules written in stone about what a bride should wear.  There are many different styles available...veils, crystals combs, tiaras, flowers, headbands, feathers, etc.  It's important to try on a variety of styles and be comfortable with your choice.  Remember, unless a veil is required for your ceremony, the style and choices are up to you.

TBC:  Do you design custom pieces?

BHR:  Yes, Bride's Head Revisited specializes in custom designs.  Many of our designs are created to be easily customized, and if a bride is in the New York area or meets us at a trunk show, we are always happy to work closely with her to create a new personalized veil or headpiece.

TBC:  Tell us a little about yourselves so we can get to know you a little better.

BHR:  Emily and I met while working in the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  It wasn't long before we both discovered that we loved to create beautiful things and we decided to team up and start Bride's Head Revisited, inspired by all the beautiful art that surrounded us at the museum.  We've had a lot of fun working together and have enjoyed working with women during this very happy time in their lives.

Let's check out a few of Alex and Emily's beautiful designs....

Ladies thank you SO much for stopping by the cafe today and guys...please visit their site to see more of their gorgeous designs....Have a great weekend everyone!

Marie Labbancz: Fashion Shoot

Today we are all invited to a fabulous fashion shoot with the amazing Marie Labbancz.  I love Marie...she is truly an incredible photographer and her images are "works of art"!  Marie  had the pleasure of photographing some of the most beautiful "bridal headgear" of milliner, Holly Slayton of Artikal.  Holly's work is stunning and congrats to Holly....her beautiful designs were just picked up by Kleinfeld Bridal......Way To Go Holly!!!!  The hair and make-up for the shoot was provided by Claudia Seyler...she is amazing......have fun at the fashion shoot guys and let me know which one is your favorite!!

CONTESTANT #1

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OMG...they are all so beautiful....Holly, you are FABULOUS!!!  Claudia, the hair and make-up is STUNNING!!!  Thanks Marie for sharing the "fashion shoot" with us today...as always...YOU ROCK!!!....I will announce our contest winner later today....thanks guys!

"Cafe Chat" with Designer Joan Shum

Hi Guys...I am so excited about our featured guest....the amazingly talented and oh-so-sweet...Joan Shum.  If you love the vintage look and feel of fashion...then you will truly fall in love with Joan's bridal collection.....and get this.....each piece is hand-made!  Joan shares a little 411 with us on her passion for design and a little about the lady behind the fabulous collection...so without further ado...let's "cafe chat" with Joan Shum....Enjoy!

"The Mademoiselle"

TBC:  Describe the Joan Shum Customer.

JS:  When I design, I initially design for myself.  My passion for art, costuming, and fashion, reflects on to my wedding gowns.  That being said....a Joan Shum bride has a clever-chic-vintage soul!  She is the leading lady on the silver screen.  She smartly chucks the main-stream look and finds her individual style when mixing and matching my corset tops and skirts.

TBC:  What are the three adjectives that describe your style?

JS:  Eccentric....Stylish.....and Fearless!

TBC:  What is the best part about your job?

JS:  The best part about my job is creating anything I want.  I love making beautiful things.  I love seeing my vision come to life.  I love not answering to anybody except myself and my brides.

TBC:  What  are the key trends for 2008/2009 wedding season?

JS:  I really don't have one because I don't follow wedding trends as much as I follow fashion trends.  Even then, I design what I like and what I believe looks good on every woman and what mood I am in.  Usually, I am in a "modernizing the old with the new mood".  When you really think about it, there are no real trends in wedding gowns....but for my future wedding trend, you will see bold colors!

TBC:  Do you think color is appropriate for a wedding gown?

JS:  Yes, I do think color is appropriate.  As a matter of fact, I have made wedding gowns in red, pink, blue and even hand-painted by yours truly.  You will see more bold colors in my future collections.  White is over-rated...don't you think?

TBC:  When is a short dress a better choice than a gown?

JS:  When you are doing the "chicken dance"!  No, seriously, I think when you want to show off those fabulous Christian Louboutin or those great vintage Lucite heels....get a tea-length wedding gown...like my "Mademoiselle".

TBC:  Tell us a little about your personal life...we want to get to know you a little.

JS:  I live a humble life with my husband and our dog on a small island in Long Beach, California.  When I am not stuck in my designing studio, I love to vintage shop in other states.  I am number 9  and a twin of 11 in my family.  My husband has 13 in his family.  It gets a little crazy during the holidays, as you can imagine.  Right now, I am currently working on a new global show with my twin sister.  Yes, I am the stylist for the show and I love it!  I have been blessed with my life and I hope someday I can be a philanthropist for people and animals.

And now let's check out a few more pieces of Joan's oh-so-beautiful and chic designs.......Enjoy!

"Gibson-Rose"

"White Dahlia"

"Lady Catherine".....so very beautiful and I love how Joan names each piece!

"Love in the Mist"

"Love in the Mist"

"Lady of the Valley"

"Mariposa"

Thanks Joan for stopping by the cafe today....your designs are all so beautiful and I love the "vintage" look and feel....truly gorgeous....we can't wait to see what's next!

Ines Di Santo: Fall/Winter 2008 -2009

I was so excited to receive the images of  Ines Di Santo's Fall/Winter 2008 - 2009 Bridal and Evening Gown Collection.  Thanks to the beautiful Veronica Di Santo, TBC is hosting an amazing fashion show!  Today you will get an up-close look at Ines Di Santo's gorgeous bridal and evening gown collection straight off the runway!  I don't know about you guys, but as I am checking out all of the beautiful gowns, I feel as if I am sitting front row at the fashion show.....Enjoy!!

The beautiful Ines Di Santo!

Now let's check out the collection!

WOW....I absolutely love this gown....you would truly feel like a princess in this!

"Free Flowing"........So Romantic!

Check out the embellishments....Simply Elegant!

And now for the "down the red carpet" looks.....

OMG.....they are all so GORGEOUS...ladies how do you pick "the dress"!

Thanks Veronica for a beautiful "TBC Fashion Show"....the collection is amazingly beautiful and will surely "turn heads"...we can't wait to see more!!!

Christian Siriano - "FIERCE"!

I am beyond excitement about TBC's featured guest.....He's FIERCE....you guys....it's Christian Siriano from Project Runway!!!   I am truly a huge fan of  Project Runway and I along with millions of other viewers were rooting for Christian from the start.  When I received an email from Christian telling me that he would love to be featured at TBC....oh yes....I was doing the "happy dance"!  Christian is an amazing designer and such a wonderful guy...and now he can add actor to his long list of talents....Christian will make a guest appearance Thursday night on Ugly Betty....I can't wait to see him and all his FIERCENESS!!

His schedule is beyond busy , but he took out a little time to stop by the "cafe" for a chat.....without further ado...I give you...THE FIERCE ONE....Christian Siriano....Enjoy!

TBC:  Describe the Christian Siriano client.

Christian:  When I am designing for an everyday client, they are looking to be edgy and fashion forward.  The same goes for a wedding client, they are wanting something stylish and edgy!

TBC:  What are the three adjectives that describe your style?

Christian:  Detailed, Edgy, and Voluminous!

TBC:  Describe a Christian Siriano bridal gown.

Christian:  I have designed plenty of wedding dresses and they range from sleek stylish gowns to ruffled and avant-garde.  I try to please my customer as best as I can.

TBC:  Tell us a little about your time on Project Runway and what was your hardest challenge.

Christian:  The experience was amazing and I had the time of my life!  I loved most of the challenges except for the prom challenge, but I have no regrets.

TBC:  Christian, how wonderful it must be to  have Victoria Beckham as a client...who else would you love to add to your client list.

Christian:  There are so many clients I would love to dress...Kate Blanchette, Scarlette Johansson, Everyone!  Anyone who loves my work!

TBC:  How did it feel to be spoofed on Saturday Night Live?

Christian:  I thought it was absolutely hilarious.  I love Amy and I think she is an amazing comedian.  Her interpretation was so good....I can barely interpret myself!

TBC: What's next on the agenda for you?

Christian:  The future is endless for me.  I am showing in fashion week, costuming a movie, I have a new book coming out, and my celebrity clientele list continues to grow.

TBC:  Give us your definition of FIERCE!

Christian:  The up most high point of being FABULOUS and FLAWLESS!

And now, let's take an up-close look at Christian's amazingly beautiful and FIERCE collection from Project Runway!

 

All I can say is WOW...this is my favorite piece from Christian's collection...truly STUNNING!  Check out the details.....Christian you are AMAZING!

I loved all the pieces in Christian's collection....it was so exciting seeing each model come down the runway and every design was just flawless!

Christian...I can't thank you enough for stopping by today...we all wish the very best for you and we can't wait until the new book comes out....and Yes.....YOU ARE FIERCE and we love ya!

Meet Fashion Designer Chris Kole

Cotton Meets Couture.....that's right guys, our guest today is the incredibly amazing fashion designer, Chris Kole of The Cotton Bride.  You say your style is Elegant, Chic, Edgy, or Bohemian... Chris has the gown for you!  The collection is a mix of the most beautiful blends of cotton, linen and natural fabrics and the gowns are truly stunning!  I had the pleasure to interview Chris and learn a little more about The Cotton Bride and Chris...so without further ado...I give you Chris Kole!  Enjoy!!!   

TBC's featured guest....Chris Kole!

TBC:  Describe The Cotton Bride client.

CK:  The collection is designed for a new generation of brides...brides who want to wear something on their wedding day that is statement-making but still keeping with their lifestyles, values and priorities.  It is for the young women with a strong sense of self and while tradition is important to her, she does not sacrifice her sense of style, or fun, to satisfy the status quo.

TBC:  What are the key trends for the 2008 wedding season?

CK:  There is a big movement away from synthetic, overly elaborate, heavy wedding gowns to less restrictive, lighter materials, especially natural ones.  The natural/green movement is having a huge impact on weddings as a whole and affects the bride's choice of not only her gown but her flowers, favors and choice of location as evidenced by the huge increase in the number of destination weddings.

TBC:  What are the three adjectives that describe your style?

CK:  Refined, Modern, Feminine

TBC:  What or Who inspired you to create The Cotton Bride?

CK:  I have always loved natural fabrics, especially cotton, but until recently, these fabrics were not particularly associated with the couture market.  Happily this is now changing and the times seems to have arrived where a collection of this nature seems appropriate.

TBC:  What has been the highlight of your career to date?

CK:  I enjoy working one-on-one with the women and the brides that wear my gowns.  When a woman leaves my studio thrilled with the new dress that she is carrying in a garment bag, it is without a doubt, for me at least, the best part of being a designer.

TBC:  Tell us a little about your home life.

CK:  I am from the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean.  I came to New York to study in the late 1970's.  I was initially interested in studying architecture but after taking a couple of design courses at Fashion Institute of Technology, I knew that I wanted to continue in fashion.  Besides design, I am passionate about gardening and cooking.

Thanks Chris for sharing a little 411 with us....now let's  check out some of Chris's beautiful designs...

All so beautiful...but this one is my favorite!

Thanks Chris for stopping by the cafe and sharing your beautiful designs with us...guys, please visit Chris's site to see more of his collection....simply stunning!

Meet Fashion Designer Alicia Bell

Meet Alicia Bell......Alicia's chic wedding was featured on TBC during Valentine week......remember the "vintage style" dress she designed for her big day......truly beautiful.  According to her website, "Alicia Bell creates not clothes, but stories.  These stories are "Full of Magic and Whimsy, Romance and Sophistication."  And yet, these "stories" can be worn by real women with non-fairy-tale lives." I had the pleasure to speak with Alicia and she's an awesome lady.  We both spoke on how we admire and respect women starting their own businesses and that hard work really does pay off.  I truly admire Alicia and I'm so glad that she's back at the cafe....so without further ado....I give you, Alicia Bell.....Enjoy!

TBC:  Tell us about the inspiration behind your wedding dress.

AB:  I was the inspiration behind my wedding dress.  I wanted my dress to represent me in every aspect.  I wanted people to see me and instantly say "Oh that is so Alicia" and that is what people said.  I love vintage, I love lace, I love old, I love romance.  I have always collected lace...new lace, old vintage lace and lace from my grandma's house.  So when I got engaged I thought what do I want my dress to be, what do I love.  It started with one piece of vintage lace and the dress was made around that.  It is actually the front bodice and we built around it.  It is all pieced lace from all over,  from different times.

TBC:  What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day and what advice would you like to share with the brides of TBC?

AB:  The most memorable part of my wedding was finally hearing my husband speak his vows to me.  We each wrote our own vows and we spent about 2 months doing it so it was really exciting to finally hear them.  The wedding advice I would share with brides-to-be is to EAT at your wedding!

TBC:  What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own business?

AB:  DON'T DO IT!  Just kidding!  Be prepared to work all the time.  I would say it is very difficult and you have to be ready to stick it out through the highs and the very lows.  Follow your gut and don't spend money that you don't have unless it is absolutely necessary!

TBC:  What has been the highlight of your career to date?

AB:  When Oprah was photgraphed in US Weekly magazine wearing a Bell Pleated Cuff Shirt and then she made it her favorite in "O Magazine"!

TBC:  Who do you admire most in the fashion industry?

AB:  I admire any designer who can be revelant season-after-season.

TBC:  What's next for Alicia Bell?

AB:  BABIES!!

Thanks Alicia - Great Interview.......and thanks for stopping by the cafe and we wish you and Wolcott all the joy and happiness together!!!  Now guys, let's check out some of Alicia's sophisticated and romantic designs........

This is definitely on my "must have" list!!!  Love it!

Such a romantic dress......don't you agree!

How fabulous is this......

I'll take one in every color........love, love, love these!!!!!

Ines Di Santo

Happy Monday Guys!!!  It's "Fashion Week" at TBC!!!  I'm so excited and I want you to be as well, so get ready to have a whole lot of fun and totally be inspired!  To kick off "Fashion Week", I am so very honored and excited to introduce to you guys two beautiful ladies who  exude elegance, sophistication and style..........renowned fashion designer of Haute Couture Bridal and Evening Gowns, Ines Di Santo and her fabulous daughter, Veronica Di Santo.  Ines Di Santo's gowns are simply STUNNING and I must tell you, it is so hard for me to "pick a favorite".  You will see what I mean later in the feature!  I had the pleasure to speak with Veronica and I asked her a few questions about "Ines Di Santo Style"........Enjoy!

Meet the beautiful and charming......Ines Di Santo.

TBC:  Describe the "Ines Di Santo Bride"?

Veronica:  The Ines Di Santo Bride is a bride that understands and appreciates quality fabrics and bead-work, couture construction and unique design.  She is a bride that epitomizes elegance.

TBC:  What are the 3 words that describe the Ines Di Santo style?

Veronica:  Hyper-Feminine, Elegant and Classic!

TBC:  What are the key trends for the 2008 wedding season?

Veronica:   Reminiscent of the 50's and the 60's with soft fabrics and lots of movement.  In our view, the most important fashion era to date are these two decades.  This is when fashion entered into the Golden Age of Couture.  After the war, society began using fashion as an important personal expression.

TBC:  When does a bride know that she has chosen the dress that is "the one"?

Veronica:  The bride knows when the dress is "the one" when she connects with herself in the mirror and begins living out her wedding day fantasy.  When the bride engages in this organic development, we know that the dress is a serious contender.

TBC:  What has been the highlight of your career and your mother's career to date?

Veronica:  For my mom, it has been my wedding. All of the events of her career led up to this climactic moment where her designs were placed on a global stage.  These gown became the most important pieces in this current collection.  For myself, it was my wedding as well, but for different reasons.  It signaled a serious and personal commitment in being a member of the design team as all her energy and passion were poured into these style.  It was the most important and passionate collaboration for both my mother and I to date, but not the last as there is always another collection and another important bride!

TBC:  Please share some fun details about your home life.  We want to get to know you a little better.

Veronica:  When my mom was 4 years old, she begged her Dad to pick her up because it was raining and she didn't want her new shoes to get wet.  The passion and love for shoes continues in her life today - committed to high heels and short skirts...her passion for fashion has been passed down to me.  Her favorite accessory....shoes and more shoes!  My mom loves absorbing culture, art and natural beauties such as the beach, the mountains and gardens.  I enjoy traveling to exotic places, listening to classical music and playing squash!

Okay guys, now let's check out Ines Di Santo on the runway!!!!

Simply beautiful and I love the length!  So elegant and so sexy...I love it!

Simply Beautiful.........okay, now get ready for the "back view".....

how fabulous is this.........what a way to leave the room!

Simply stunning...check out the details on this gown!

I think this is my favorite....fabulous!

Okay Guys, I love them all.......let me know which one is your favorite!  A huge thanks to Ines and Veronica.....a beautiful and fun way to start off "Fashion Week".  I felt as though I was sitting in the front row at the show!

Bridesmaid's Style

I'm sooooo excited to feature Ariane Goldman, the oh-so-fabulous owner and designer of TwoBirds Bridesmaid.   What a great idea.........a fabulous dress for your bridesmaids that can be wrapped over ten ways and worn over and over again!  Ariane even has designer ties for the groomsmen to match the color of the girl's dresses!

I asked Ariane what inspired her to come up with TwoBirds......

Ariane:  There are twenty-three million bridesmaids a year and as you and I both know, 22 million are miserable!  As a bride, I wanted to have consistency in the overall picture, but more importantly, I wanted my girls to feel beautiful and individual, showing their style and flattering their various body types.  Not to mention, it was important that since I was having a destination wedding with a lot of expenses involved, my bridesmaids would not have to spend $400.00 before alterations and never wear the dress again!  Hence, the concept evolved and the company is called TwoBirds, since you are hopefully killing two birds with one dress!

The color palettes.......such beautiful hues!!!!!

Ladies, I love this, check out the different ways you can style the dress to make it your own!

All so beautiful.  Thanks Ariane for stopping by and sharing your beautiful designs with us!  By the way, Ariane is featured in the latest edition of InStyle Weddings, Winter 2008!