A wedding dress with refined lines Brides have access The flared skirt remains a popular option for trim cut that allows for fluid and graceful the bride. This year however, lines are much movement. Some models only decorate the to increasingly more refined, with both the ever-popular A- bodice, allowing the graceful cut to accent the line and narrow, elegant skirts becoming charm of the simple but beautiful skirt. varied accessories increasingly popular as well. A delicately ornamented bustier with a trim With the emergence of a romantic tendency, cut can be combined with a tight-fitting skirt more fluid styles, including the princess look, for a dress that is casually refined. Design and and trains are increasingly being sought after. innovation is the key. A bodice decorated with Grace and beauty are the order of the day for silk and flowers and an A-line skirt comple- ever more elaborate and often delicate models ment the bride’s figure. In cases where the found in original creations and modern styles bodice is more understated and only orna- that stress good taste. Delicate ornamentation, mented with gems on the borders, the cut is flowers and understated gem embroidery such as to offset the gems. Combined with a make for a discreetly tasteful bodice that flows simple A-line skirt, this makes for a wedding into an equally discreetly adorned skirt, with a dress that is the height of elegance and refine- ment. The pinnacle of the sumptuous wedding A bustier-style dress with a discreetly dress is to be found in a tasteful bodice com- ornamented bodice in combination with bined with a flared skirt and a majestic train, a refined, close-fitting skirt. (Photo Pronuptia) decorated with embroidery, pearls and gems.

A pretty ribbon in the colour Red is the colour for a dazzling wedding of the decorations on the skirt and closed Even if white remains the uncontested tly in the form of small flowers, embroi- with a clasp in the design of a flower belts leading colour for the bride, other colours dery or other ornamentation. the waist. The fan adds an exotic touch. (Photo Victoria House) are, nonetheless, becoming more com- mon for modern dresses. Increasingly we Obviously, the colour of the bride’s dress As with wedding dresses, the accessories are seeing subtle touches of colour on the will set the tone for the wedding. It is the that accompany them evolve with fashions dress itself or as part of the ornamenta- colour that will also be used for the and trends. While the traditional acces- tion. The tendency for 2006 is for the groom’s accessories and for the brides- sories are still available, more modern ones more romantic models to be decorated maids’ dresses. In fact, even the main are being used to complement the bride’s with flowers and with different colours flowers of the bridal bouquet, the decor, wedding wardrobe. For example, this year such as mocha and ash blue. the balloons and any other decorative the purse and the sash are experiencing a touches will have to be in harmony with remarkable comeback. These nostalgic and For the more daring, red is omnipresent the chosen colour. romantic accessories add a touch of ele- this year, decorating the bodice or even gance to both a modern dress and to one in the entire dress. Red is the colour of pas- Red can be used to decorate the a more traditional style. sionate and eternal love in all its varieties. bodice or even the entire dress. And it is a colour that can be added sub- (Photo Victoria House) The omnipresence of the bustier has pro- longed and even increased the popularity of wearing gloves. The strapless dress is invariably accompanied by long gloves and Strapless tops and draping are the trends in wedding dresses increasingly by a delicate and flowing sash. The strapless dress, which leaves the neck and shoulders bare, is unques- tionably this year’s trend. Popular over the last couple of years, the strap- This year, we are also seeing the use of less dress now almost monopolizes the market. It is the obvious choice for attractive ornamental neckbands that per- the modern bride if she wants to put the accent on her figure. fectly offset the bustier. Another interesting new development that adds a tasteful touch But the strapless dress is not necessarily for everyone, and for those look- to the wedding dress is the use of a tiny belt ing for an alternative, thin shoulder straps are still offered in many fash- to offset the waist. ionable styles. Small sleeves or shoulder straps that offset the shoulders in a tasteful way are also still available. And some dress styles offer sleeves Headpieces are also becoming more var- with decorative stitchwork, which too are perfectly suited for a modern ied. The delicate veil accompanied by a bride. tiara is still there for the traditionalists, but is increasingly ceding its place to both The trend towards draping, which presents every woman’s figure at its more simple and elaborate headpieces. A most becoming, is creating a stir in bridal fashions. This trend creates small crown is another headpiece that is dresses with sumptously draped fabric that often also includes charming gaining in popularity, and some brides are pleats, frills and ruffles. A pleated bodice combined with any of these fea- now even wearing hats. A hairstyle com- tures creates a truly stunning effect. Draping also serves to cover the waist- plemented by a hat can add a touch of orig- line, and blend it down into the skirt. inality, while leaving open the possibility for the bride to take the hat off over the This year wedding dresses are using more precious and exquisite materials course of the evening so that she can show to catch the eye of brides-to-be, creating difficult choices between flow- off her hair. Of course the dress, the bride’s ing chiffons, shimmering satins, vaporous tulles and sumptuously embroi- figure, the hairstyle chosen and the bride’s dered organzas. features must all be considered when choosing headpieces. The billowing style of the skirt gives this strapless dress exceptional charm. (Photo Pronuptia)

NOTICE TO PUBLISHERS, SALES PERSONNEL AND PRODUCTION STAFF: In this supplement, if a photo credit is given, you cannot Page 24, January-February 2006, TOOLBOX use the credited photo for any purpose other than what it is intended for, e.g. you cannot make an advertisement for a client with the photo.