Top Retailer Picks
RACHEL LEONARD ASKS HER 3 big QUESTIONS OF EVERY MARKET TO OUR TOP RETAILER MEMBERS.
Bridal reflections
1) What were your favorite collections?
Our favorite collections this season included Galia Lahav, Eve of Milady, Stephen Yearick and Hailey Paige.
2) Did you find a shift in direction regarding trends?
There was definitely a shift. We are seeing a lot of the more classic a-line ballgowns now.
3) What new trends will you buy for your store?
One of the new trends we will be buying is the very romantic Victorian style that features a high neck/collar and bishop sleeves.
CHIC PARISIEN
1) What were your favorite collections?
I saw many beautiful lines this season, but felt the Ines Di Santo collection had very strong looks and shapes for any bride. The line was also extraordinarily diverse with everything from simple sheaths to elaborate gowns. I also loved the Monique Lhuillier collection. I felt it was very feminine and true to her look - lots of lace and gorgeous ballgowns. Berta also looked very rich and opulent for the girl that wants bling.
2) Did you find a shift in direction regarding trends?
I see a shift back to traditional gowns with simple lines and fuller skirts. It is a direct bounce back from the extremely sexy looks we have been seeing for the past two years. Brides are asking for more elegant gowns where the fabric is the embellishment and also drop waist seems to be making a strong come back
3) What new trends will you buy for your store?
The newest trend I'm missing is the boho-chic look. Simple, lacy and effortless. I was keeping an eye out for a line to fill that void.
JOAN PILLOW BRIDAL
1) What were your favorite collections?
I have three favorites! Each designer exhibited their own creativity and individual style. Each collection expressed their vision in a unique way.
- Mira Zwillinger's gowns were soft, feminine but with a twist. More sparkle was in this collection, still their use was subtle. They have used it just as an accent not to dominante nor diminish the beauty of their design.
- Ines Di Santo's gowns offered feminine, discreetly sexy as well as crepe gowns that will be classics. This designer's fit, as well as their willingness to accommodate their customer, is an added bonus to their beautiful collection.
- Peter Langner's gowns were architectural, classic and feminine. He is a true artist as well as perfectionist. The quality of his work is something that I have always recognized and appreciated. I was always told that a garment should be as lovely inside as it is on the outside. He never disappoints. Bravo Peter!
2) Did you find a shift in direction regarding trends?
I think the biggest trends I noticed were gowns with high necklines, long sleeves and fuller skirts. They were beautiful. I have sparingly bought long sleeve gowns for the past three seasons. Our customers have still resisted them, but maybe this season brides will be more willing.
3) What new trends will you buy for your store?
We have had customers wanting capes and I guess their requests have been heard. Many of the collections offered capes, so we will review and select at least one for stock. Covers or build-ups are also more apparent among the designers. Detachable sleeves as well tulle as been used to offer a bride some additional cover options. This allows a bride to have two looks without the need for a second dress.
Kleinfeld
1) What were your favorite collections?
There were no surprises from the tried and true. We loved LianCarlo's new garden collection, we have not had him in the store for a long time and are happy to carry them again. Randy Fenoli collection's was great and is already selling in the store, Randy will be in the store this week-end, his two in one gown was executed very well. Peter Langner's Anniversary Collection was mesmerizing and so elegant, bridal couture at its best. Marchesa looked less ornamented and interesting.
2) Did you find a shift in direction regarding trends?
A shift to less jewels and crystals, more sophisticated simplicity. Fabrics of crepe, satin, mikado, with still a lot of lace.
The demure (not so much sexy and see-through) with a bit of goth.
3) What new trends will you buy for your store?
We will be showing more of the less-adorned looks and more exquisite detail in embroideries and lac. A great variety in sleeve treatments and bodices, some victorian high collar looks.
MARK INGRAM
1) What were your favorite collections?
Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Naeem Khan, Mira Zwillinger, Lela Rose and Carolina Herrera. I felt that all of my vendors looked strong and salable!
2) Did you find a shift in direction regarding trends?
I definitely saw a shift toward simplicity and chic....more traditional styles, full skirted ball gowns, Ines Di Santo's sleek and elegant crepe mermaids and a variety of newer neck and shoulder lines.
Lots of constructed fabrics and 1940's & 1950's couture details on ball gowns and tailored pants as would have been worn by Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn and Grace Kelly. The era of the barely naked lace dress is done!!
3) What new trends will you buy for your store?
I will definitely invest in gowns with pearl beading, bows and exaggerated/padded shoulder lines. And I am crazy for the 1950's style evening coat dresses over slim trousers like at Sachin & Babi, the beaded jumpsuits at Naeem Khan and the sexy tailored pant ensembles at Lela Rose, Peter Langner, Elie Saab, Oscar and Herrera! I am also loving the concept of bridal separates as seen at Jenny Packham...a sleek strapless silk crepe mermaid gown or fluid crepe trouser with interchangeable beaded, lace & embroidered tops.
mon amie
1) What were your favorite collections?
The debut of the Randy Fenoli collection was one of the surprising standouts for us. His collection highlighted looks for all. Liancarlo's new direction is exciting and on point for many of our brides. We couldn't be happier.
2) Did you find a shift in direction regarding trends?
Yes. Our brides are starting drift away from all sheer gowns. They have started to embrace cleaner lines and simplicity. The runways depicted exactly what our customers are requesting: prevalent boning in the bodices, longer trains, clean silhouettes, and a nod to boho influences.
3) What new trends will you buy for your store?
We will be selecting more lightweight deconstructed bohemian looks and classic clean feminine gowns.
PANACHE BRIDAL
1) What were your favorite collections?
My favorites were Alessandro Angelozzi, Francesca Miranda and YolanCris.
2) Did you find a shift in direction regarding trends?
There was a subtle shift with some of the designers showing fuller skirts this season.
3) What new trends will you buy for your store?
Some of the newer trends were in the boho-chic category with silhouettes a little more glamorous, but still light and perfect for a destination wedding.