It’s no surprise that Vera Wang is celebrated for her impeccable eye for style: She started her career at the fashion bible Vogue, beginning as an assistant and working her way to senior editor. After 16 years at the magazine, Wang left to hone her design skills while working for Ralph Lauren. In 1990, she opened her own bridal shop in New York City. Over the years, her business ­– and love for creating gorgeous wedding dresses — grew in tandem. As Wang explained in a recent interview with Women’s Wear Daily, “bridal became my passion.”

Vera Wang was a guest on Oprah recently and gave viewers a sneak peek at her new dress line for David’s Bridal, White by Vera Wang. Each wedding gown in the collection, which also includes bridesmaid dresses, is priced between $600 to $1400 and are sized from 0 to 14 initially.  However, a mid-year rollout will include select bridal styles in additional sizes from 16-26. 

As with Wang’s couture collection, the dresses will feature hand-cut details and come in a wide variety of fabrics: lace, tulle, taffeta, satin-faced organza, organza, crinkle chiffon, charmeuse, and bobbin net. Colors will include soft white, ivory, champagne and blush.  So again, No surprise that Vera Wang is at the top of my list!  Her Spring 2011 wedding gowns are so soft and full of feminine quality. I love all of the layering and ruching and the subtle exquisite details. And with nudes, grays and blush colors added to the palette, these gowns definitely don’t disappoint.

Ms. Wang’s wedding gowns could be said as the are the most beautiful gowns in the world.  I’ve loved Vera Wang’s style from the first time I saw it. I had a dream that one day when I got married, I could wear a Vera Wang wedding gown beside my honey. I think it is easy to think that each girl may also have the same dream, if you love this style, if you know much about Vera Wang.  She was inspired to create this new collection, because, according to the website, she believes “a wedding dress represents more than just a ‘dress.’ It embodies a bride’s lifelong dream and her own sense of who she is.”

The White by Vera Wang line will debut at David’s Bridal stores in February 2011…don’t miss it!

Patchwork patterns, gold lace trim, and beautiful beadwork add the right amount of ethnic flavor to your gown.

Traditional gowns like the ones above contain essential elements of the African wedding attire which is made of several components. The head wrap, or gele, is made from 3 to 5 yards of fabric  and for a more traditional looking veil some brides will add 5 to 10 yards of tulle. The tulle is also used to stuff the gele adding height and helping keep the head wrap standing upright. Another component is a loose fitting garment called a Bou-Bou similar to a wrap skirt known as Iro. Then over the skirt the bride will wear a shawl, called iborum, and a loose blouse knows as Buba.

The ethnic inspiration in these dresses draw from the traditional African wedding dresses which are less formal and the colors are more festive using the color red (for the blood that was shed) and gold (for prosperity). Traditionally many brides also had their attire done with white, usually with gold or silver accent to appear more bridal. Although there are many components and aspects to a traditional African wedding dress, you can add cultural nuances with color, patchwork, beads and pearls and gold trim. There are many ways to make your gown unique with an ethnic flair and remember to have fun!

Pictures courtesy of: w-weddinggowns.com, therezefleetwood.com, and bridalweddingdresses.net

Zuhair Murad is the epitome of Middle Eastern glamor, fashion and design. This Lebanese breakthrough in the International fashion scene has lead Murad to become an icon to his peers and audiences from around the world. His unique creations that define oriental essence and beauty have made their way towards all the major podiums, boutiques, and personalities.

Since debuting his collections in Paris, he has consistently enhanced techniques. The shape and form of his silhouettes can now be compared to those of other well renowned couturiers. It is so evident in watching the beautiful and dazzling silhouettes as they descend the runway. Thanks to his talent for synthesizing the rich colors of his native homeland with the elegance of European women, even bigger things are to be expected of the rising couturier star.

The international media has declared him as ‘the star rocketing designer’ and ‘one of the most promising young designers for the new era’ due to his unique style and creativity which ensure his ongoing successful career. Furthermore during his widely acclaimed ‘Free Spirit’ show in Paris he was conveyed as ‘Tomorrow’s Star’ by reputed leaders in the business.

For more information on designer Zuhair Murad and his amazing Couture Bridal & Evening Collections please visit WWW.ZUHAIRMURAD.COM

The Trend

Western wedding gowns have made a thumping entry into the bridal trousseau in India. These days, the more progressive brides are opting for the sophisticated and chic look over the traditional outfit. Apart from helping them look suave, the gowns also allow them to be different than the others (since lehengas still rule the roost in India, as far as weddings are concerned). However, the adaptation of the western gown is still not total. It is not worn during the wedding rituals; rather the brides choose to wear a gown during the cocktail party or the reception, a part of the pre and post-wedding functions.

Traditional Lehengas Wedding Attire

The Colors

In India, white is considered as an inauspicious color, mainly because it is worn during mourning. Apart from this color, any other shade might be considered for a wedding gown. However, you will see most of the Indian brides going for bright colors, like red, maroon, pink, yellow, silver, golden, green, etc, for their wedding gown. Then, there is the all-time favorite black color, which is the popular choice for the pre-wedding cocktail party. Many of the gowns also have elaborate designs and patterns embroidered on them. Top it off with Swarovski crystals and you have a winner!

The Fabrics

One of the most popular fabrics that Indian brides go for, while choosing their wedding gown, comprises of satin. The bright sheen, smooth feel and flowing look that it offers is what woos most of the brides. Then, there is the option of net and chiffon, both of which are flowing fabrics and surely make a bride look like a princess. You can also go for silk and organza, especially if you are too slim, since both the fabrics will be able to add some weight to your lean structure. The other options for wedding gown fabrics include lace, brocade, taffeta, jacquard, crepe and even silk dupioni.

Traditional Sari Attire

Courtesy of iloveindia.com

Here are a few samples of the amazing gowns brides from Lebanon are wearing down the isle or will change into as they make their debut as “Mrs. So and So” and become ready to dance the night away with her groom!

I have to thank the Ethnic Brides for giving me such an incredible insight to such festive expressions of bridal fashion.  I specifically love the intricate bead-work and embroidery combined with exquisite fabrics and classy femininity!!

I hope you where inspired to do something more out of the ordinary and maybe you too will change into something more colorful for your very own celebration!!

Leading designers like Ziad Nakad, Zeina Mrad Haute Couture, Gina K, and Adlene Azar are some of the geniuses behind these fashion forward sensations.  They create the gowns of luxurious fabrics and hand stitch all the finishing details. All in all each piece is unique and unlike many of the bridal gowns seen before!