0 Pnina Tornai Spring 2014

Pnina Tornai Spring ’14 showcases the signature illusion corsets

 that the brand is known for, and this season sleeves and streamlined silhouettes are added to the mix.

Photos by Kurt Wilberding

0 Liancarlo Fall 2014

Lace is a bride’s best friend, as the intricate fabric is the most requested for bridal gowns; and it is omnipresent in Liancarlo’s latest collection. Designer Carlos Ramirez’s genius mix of lace and embroidered tulle creates an air of romance. French Alencon and Lyon laces seamlessly blend with embroidered tulle. Another beautiful detail in the designs is the use of light tulle insets in the skirts to give mermaid silhouettes volume without any heaviness. One of the best looks was an elegant lace mermaid gown with a peek-a-boo front slit: classic, but very fashion-forward. Some of our other favorites include a goddess-like stretch tulle shirred V-neck sheath and a satin gown with a tulle and organza full trumpet skirt. We also love the variety in shades of white— not just the regulatory candlelight and platinum, but a pretty pale pink shell that at first glance looks ivory, but with you look again you notice a bit of a pop. Let’s see if this pale pink will become the new bridal white.

0 wedding shoe trends

Wedding shoes have an enchanting history that continues to influence the look of the footwear 

that today’s brides choose for their stroll down the aisle.

Famous Footsteps

Cinderella, the most famous princess bride, married her prince wearing sparkling glass slippers. 

Catherine de Medici, one of the first brides in history to walk down the aisle in high heels, inspired a fashion trend that continues today. Anglo-Saxon brides tossed shoes rather than bouquets to bridesmaids who hoped to be the next to marry. Brides in merry old England followed the directive that they wear “something old, something new,

something borrowed, something blue — and a sixpence in her shoe” by tucking coins into their wedding slippers.

Queen Victoria inspired millions of modern-day brides by choosing a white gown and white shoes for her wedding in 1840.Until then, blue was the color of choice for bridal ensembles. Princess Diana, a statuesque 5 feet 10 inches tall, chose low-heeled, pearl-encrusted, ivory silk flats for her wedding, so as not to tower over Prince Charles.

Contemporary Styles in Wedding Shoes

Today’s brides make the journey from once upon a time to happily ever after in all manner of magic slippers — high heels, low heels, sandals, pumps and even bejeweled flip-flops, says Anna Pezik, senior editor at Brides.com.

“These days, wedding shoes make a real fashion statement. No one wants a cookie-cutter look,” says Pezik. “Brides are choosing their gowns and their accessories to reflect their own individual style. They’re taking bridal shoes a step further than the traditional white satin pump.”

In response, designers such as Vera Wang, Jimmy Choo, Stuart Weitzman, Kenneth Cole and Manolo Blahnik

have filled shelves with wedding pumps, slingbacks, sandals and ballet flats in bronze, silver, gold

and pewter metallic shades and soft pastels, as well as ivory and white. Detailing includes bows, beading, 

embroidery and lace. Heel heights and silhouettes range from flat to stiletto. Toes can be open, closed, pointed, rounded or squared.

“Are you planning a romantic wedding? A glamorous event? Bohemian rhapsody? Beach casual?

A destination wedding?” Pezil asks.

“Your gown and your shoe choice will help create the atmosphere. Wedding shoes are so gorgeous that no one wants to wear them for just one day and then put them in the closet,” Pezik says. “Brides are choosing shoes that they can wear again.”

Brides planning beach weddings have stylish choices that go beyond the humble rubber flip-flop.

“Stuart Weitzman makes an adorable jelly sandal with crystal accents and kitten heels,” Pezik says. “You can also find bridal beach footwear with wedge heels and platform heels.”

Even for the trendiest brides, tradition still plays a role. Several designers, including Fifi, line bridal footwear with azure-colored fabric to meet the “something blue” requirement.

0 Martina Liana 2014 Bridal Collection

The new Martina Liana 2014 Bridal Collection is sophisticated and absolutely gorgeous. The bridal gowns are classic silhouettes with rhinestone beading, timeless lace, gorgeous flowing skirts, elegant shoulder styling, and hand beaded Diamante crystals on the bodice. We are in love with the subtle blush colored gown and the cascading blush skirt is to die for. This collection is stunning.

For the bride who radiates confidence, global glamour and impeccable style, there’s Martina Liana — the embodiment of exquisite couture bridal design.

Inspired by Martine Harris and Leanne Collova, the Martina Liana wedding gown collection has risen from the celebrated minds of these Australian designers to the heights of the world stage as a major international bridal fashion label.

Every cut, every embellishment, every consideration of a Martina Liana design is made with one idea in mind.

“A bridal gown is more than just something a bride will wear once. She will replay the memories of her day in her mind for years to come and pictures of her will be passed down for generations. A bride’s love story inspires us and this is why Leanne and I love creating magical and unforgettable gowns,” said Harris.

This passion to create an enduring memory is exemplified in the couture craftsmanship of every Martina Liana gown.

You can see it in the way the luxurious fabrics flow as a bride glides down the aisle. In the handcrafted fit, that accentuates a womanly form. And in the heirloom quality detailing that will leave every guest in awe – and stir the heart of a husband-to-be.

“Leanne and I had a vision to create a bridal fashion label that blended couture customization and quality with exquisite design.  We are proud that this vision has been brought to life through Martina Liana.  Each new collection is even more captivating than the last and we feel validated by the amazing response this label has received from brides across the world.”

When you select a Martina Liana creation, you wear something far more than just a wedding dress. You make a statement. One that exemplifies the style, the attitude and the elegance of the bride, and the woman, you are.