Monday, March 29, 2010

Priscilla Of Boston Proves They Are a Bride's First Choice

There is only one thing I love more than a fashion show and that is watching a bridal fashion show. All of the crowd excitement, visual thrills and riveting atmosphere which make a runway presentation one of the most extraordinary forms of entertainment are doubled when models parade - one after beautiful other - down the runway in breathtaking white, off white and ivory gowns.

This past Saturday, even the occasional prickly fashion editor and miscellaneous somber fashionistas were caught gleaming in the warmth of the bright lights at the Priscilla Of Boston Bridal Group Spring 2010 show - surrounded by ethereal music, energized by the hushed witty comments of the photographers, awestruck by the elegant setting of 583 Park Avenue and delighted by the gorgeous gowns. The feature-length runway presentation, complete with a fifteen-minute intermission courtesy of Sofia Mini Champagne, Acqua Panna water and Crumbs cupcakes (yum!) was an absolute delight, showing six different lines for every style of bride and budget out there. But even catering to those who may not be getting married in the next year, some of the shorter dresses and deliciously colorful bridesmaids and rehearsal-dinner ensembles looked ready to walk any glamourous red carpet, or go out for an extra special night on the town.

This season saw the introduction of the new Jewel by Priscilla Of Boston line, an exquisite collection of wedding dresses with crystal details, fitted bodices, bare shoulders and pretty detailing that opened the show. The models looked radiant sporting easy, sexy hair and natural but glowy make-up, which made this line perfect for the woman who sees herself as an "All American Princess Bride".

Next was the turn of Reverie by Melissa Sweet, which in my view caters more to the "It Girl Bride" with some hip touches including hair in high updos, flowers and hair nets, shimmering party make-up and even black satin pumps. Among the stunning gowns, my personal favorite turned out to be an ivory version of a Flamenco dress, complete with flared skirt and beaded lace.

The Vineyard Collection, designer by Mark Brower, started out with the models wearing a dozen bridesmaid-slash-cocktail dresses, walking down the runway to a version of No Doubt's heartbreak anthem Don't Speak. These clothes - in shades of amethyst and lapis - would be perfect for a night out as well as a bride's rehearsal dinner and were complemented well by the models' soft pulled back hair, easy glowing make-up and matte red lips, while little strappy bejeweled sandals completed the looks. Best summed up as the "Glamorous Bride" collection, I found that a few of the looks reminded me of the timeless elegance of Halston.

For the Priscilla Of Boston presentation the girls looked very "Rock & Roll Bride", with teased hair, 1950s eye make up, little sweetheart pouty lips and jeweled hair pieces. But the gowns, of course, were pure glamour, with feather details, Alencon lace and accents of non-traditional but oh-so-right mint and petal pink. A personal favorite remains the Strapless Silk Organza gown with crystal-decorated petals (pictured above).

Melissa Sweet pushed the envelope with their "Fashionista Bride", the kind of woman who would unabashedly wear wooden platforms, extended eye make-up, a side bun and even a net complete with birdie as her coiff to her rehearsal dinner. But once the birdies came off and the beautiful wedding gowns hit the runway, the looks were glowing and polished with petal details, tone on tone pearl accents and even a giant silk taffeta rose sculpted into the skirt of a magnificent gown.

Closing the show, the Platinum collection - aptly titled "Divas" - showed a confident woman, with a twist updo, natural lips and smokey blue eye make-up, wearing alluring, stylish gowns. What I would personally describe as "Heiress Bride" style, some of the looks would be perfect on a true Hollywood diva at Academy Awards time. Another one of the show's personal favorites was among the finale looks - a crystal-embroidered Organza T-shirt worn over a full Silk Taffeta skirt, with a faux ostrich fur topper.

Kudos to the Priscilla Of Boston Bridal Group for going the earth-conscious/animal friendly way, while still making sure that every bride look like a million dollars!

No comments: