Trains, not the choo choo variety

It’s a mad mad fashion world these days. All sorts of wildly impractical shapes and designs take our fancy. As I sit here thinking of Bride magazine’s latest fashion shoots which I am in the thick of planning right now and also our spectacular fashion catwalk show that takes place in late June, I am contemplating what does today’s bride want to see and want to wear??

In days gone by there was quite a desire for the formal train – luminous fabric that flows elegantly behind like a princess (think Princess Grace of Monaco)!

What an exquisite look but is it for today?? Can this work as you trudge around the winery in your high heels or have a funky modern wedding in the park, beach, restaurant or the Art gallery? Of course if you are still doing the church it’s an elegant option. Church aisles are perfect for this – aerial shots of royal weddings have stayed in our imaginations. Let’s consider the train as a practical option.

There are 2 categories of trains– the integrated or attached train and the detached or removable. These 2 are fairly self-explanatory – one being integrated as part of the gown and the other can be removed. Simple? No - far from it. If you delve into the subject of trains it could do your head in as there’s a bamboozling amount of variations that exsist. Try this and guess what they all mean?

“The Watteau”(sewn across the back then falls to the floor),

“The Empire” (attached at shoulder blades and trials to the floor),

“The Natural”,

“Floor length”,

“The Sweep” (extends 1 foot from the body),

“The Chapel”,

“The Cathedral”,

“The Royal” (not for us mere mortals as this one needs several attendants to move around as it’s 25 feet long! That’s why they need the aerial shots!).

IF you are a blushing bride- to- be you can ask a gown designer to show you drawings of all of the above, but the fact is I have seen less and less of them at modern weddings. Are they practical? Well what has practical to do with it? Again I come back to this. It’s one day and one WOW moment. If it’s your dream to glide in trailing a like a princess - go for it!

Kirstie

Where have all the sleves gone?

As the weather becomes chillier it’s quite a shock after all the stinking hot summer days we have had. It makes me ponder -what is more difficult for bridal fashion decisions? – a day too hot or too cold?

For quite a few years now brides in Australia don't seem to go for the winter wedding look. So many seem to love the summer style – it’s all that sexy, shoestring strappy or strapless “going to the Oscar’s” glam frocks that have been a winner. And it doesn’t matter what season. But winter wedding fashion – if you go the whole hog - can be really sumptuous and interesting. Plus isn’t it better not to have gone blue for the photos with your teeth chattering just for the sake of fashion? (far better to include the “something blue” part of the tradition as in “something borrowed etc..” – as an accessories not your skin tone.)

I would love to s ee the wedding gown sleeve come back. I think lace sleeves look so extravagant and glamorous. Dare I say it, if one does have what’s been tactfully referred to as difficult arms a beautiful sleeve is gorgeous and flattering.

There are pretty details that can be achieved with sleeves too. Sweet little cap sleeves in lace or sheer chiffon, long chiffon with floaty kimono like ends. I could dedicate a whole blog to sleeves.

I get inspired by European weddings with fur trim gowns. It evokes the ice queen from CS Lewis only more angelic. I remember loving Christie Brinkley’s Aspen wedding years ago with a gorgeous glam fur trimmed full length coat over a stunning golden coloured gown. The marriage didn’t fare so well but the wedding style was perfect. What I also love on a bride is a funky little fur stole or a wrap. Many pretty colours and styles are around these days. And of course they don’t have to be real fur – the fakes are just as hot!

We shouldn’t have to shiver on the big day to follow the strapless pack. What about originality and also practicality in the cold wind?

My Mum had a wool lace gown – beautiful mutton chop sleeves, cinched in waist. It was simple and gorgeous for the freezing London winter day back in wartime 1942. Speaking of the war that fabric was hard to come by and many had to save their coupons for that!

How lucky are we today? Spoilt for choice with fabrics. Jersey is warmer and the way it drapes is fabulous and fluid.

I know it’s not like Europe here and you won’t need a full-length fur coat but an elegant satin or silk jacket – or a little shrug is a good idea if your wedding is outside. You can reveal all later at the reception. Then (if you must ) go ahead and dance the night away in your sexy, skimpy or strapless gown.

Hope you are inspired to take a closer look at the elegance of a sleeve

Kirstie :)