Jim Hjelm 2010 Gowns Have Arrived!

Straight off the runways from NYC Bridal Market to the Gown Boutique of Charleston!

Call to schedule an appointment to try on the latest 2010 Jim Hjelm Gowns!

843.856.2681

 

Romona Keveza Gowns have begun to arrive!

Come to the Gown Boutique and be the first to try on the Spring 2010 Romona Keveza Bridal Gowns!

Please call to schedule an appointment – 843.856.2682

 

Proud to announce Spring 2010 Tara Keely Collection!

We are pleased to announce we have added the Tara Keely Spring 2010 Collection to our boutique. 

As we are in the midst of the Holiday season, we are already anticipating our Spring 2010 New Designer Lineup! 

The Tara Keely Collection represents fashion forward trends mixed with enchanting fashions.  Designer Edric Woo creates chic A-line & sheath silhouettes using delicate beadwork, satin ribbons & silk fabrics.  Edric uses his inspiration of the 1940’s & 1950’s to create twists of glamour & elegance for the contemporary bride.

Please call us to schedule an appointment – 843.856.2681

For more information on Tara Keely please visit – www.jlmcouture.com/Tara-Keely

 

Romona Keveza Legends coming soon!

Gown Boutique has added Romona Keveza Legends 2010 collection to the shop!

 After seeing this seasons 2010 Collection, we felt the Romona Keveza line would add sophistication and newness.  The new 2010 line is called “Joi de Vivre.”  In addition to draping silk shantung taffeta, she introduces a new Point d’Esprit lace to her signature gowns.  The silhouettes range from Flowing A-line to romantic ball gowns.  We cannot wait for you to see them.  The “Joi de Vivre” Collection hits our store starting in Mid January. 

Please call us to schedule an appointment – 843.856.2681

Romona Keveza

For more information on Romona Keveza visit – www.romonakevezalegends.com 

 

Now Featuring the Jim Hjelm Collection!

The Gown Boutique is excited to announce the addition of  Jim Hjelm Bridal!

The Jim Hjelm collection is designed by California native Francesca Pitera.  We felt that the Jim Hjelm collection would be a great addition to our store because designer Francesca combines vintage inspiration with her likes of exquisite detailing, and luxurious fabrics to create classic and fashion forward gowns.

We are thrilled for this new addition, as each gown is unique and absolutely stunning!

The Spring 2010 Collection will begin to arrive in our store Mid December. 

Please call 843.856.2682 to schedule your appointment.

Jim Hjelm

For Further information on the Jim Hjelm collection please visit – www.jimhjelm.com

 

NYC Bridal Market Trend Excitement Continues!

There was too much excitement for a single posting….Especially with all the latest trends! 

 

As usual, there are several trends to report back.  But we’ll keep it simple & point out what we saw everywhere.  The 2010 dresses will be start to be in stores around January and continuing through the Spring.

 See the below descriptions on what to wear on your Wedding Day!  

 

Reem Acra

Tulle.

  By definition is a thin netted, stiffened silk fabric. 

Entire gowns, and skirts were draped, ruched and gathered in layers and layers of whimsical tulle.

Amy Kuschel

  

  

  

Straps.

A thin strip of fabric that passes over the shoulder.

 

Straps were seen in various widths, placements, fabrications, one-shoulder and in beading. 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Hjelm

 

 Ruffles.

Closely pleated or gathered material used as trim. 

 

Nothing says flirty and feminine more than a ruffle.

From delicate and dainty to over the top and exaggerated, ruffles were a big part of Market!

 

 

  

  

  

 

Martina Liana

Detachable Skirts.

To become separated. 

This trend was everywhere.  Allowing brides to reuse their pricey gowns!

Why not remove that flowy skirt and frolic in a little white party dress?! Genius. 

 

 

 

Amy Kuschel

Lace. 

A delicate fabric made by weaving cotton, or silk in a pattern that leaves small holes between the threads.

Laces have been a popular trend for a while. But with so many different weaves, fabrics and size of the pattern, the possibilities of using laces on gowns this season were endless! Some have applique in them as well.  

Lela Rose

 

  

  

Origami.

The Japanese art of of folding.

Modern art inspired.  Several designers featured gowns that used an origami-like technique of folding and pleating the fabric.  Dramatic as well as smaller scale folds and pleats were spotted.

 

 

 

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The 2010 NYC Bridal Market left us awe-inspired with all the newness.  While some noteworthy carry-over trends that are still hitting the runways pretty strong were:

POCKETS, FULL SKIRTS, DRAPING, APPLIQUE BELTS & RIBBON SASHES

We hope you have as much fun with the latest and greatest in Bridal as we do! 

 

 

NYC Bridal Market Behind the scenes!

 

The Gown Boutique has returned safely and absolutely inspired from NYC Bridal Market!

 

Since our brides were unable to join us, we thought it would be fun to share some of the excitement through our photos. 

Ulla Maija

 

 

 Bridal Market consists of Fashion Shows, Designer appointments and visits to the workrooms.  Then to top it all, The Martha Stewart Gala!

 

Judd Waddell workroom

Designer workrooms, where the gowns are actually made right here in NYC! How Fabulous!

 

 

Judd Waddell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Amy Kuschel Design Team with Terri:

Amy Kuschel (left), Terri (middle) and Ruby Germain (right)

 

 

 

 

 

Augusta Jones

 

 

The portrait neckline gown at the Augusta Jones runway show.  We noticed a lot more straps this season everywhere!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Martha Stewart Gala, located in the Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom was stunning and a great way to end the week! 

 

 

Stay Tuned as we have more photos and latest trends to report! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYC Bridal Market is here!

Stay tuned for the latest and greatest in Bridal Trends.  We will be reporting back directly from NYC this week!

(See the below blog post for further details)

 

 

Lace, Lilies & Lela…Oh my! NYC Bridal Market countdown has begun!

For those of you that are planning your perfect 2010 wedding; stay tuned!  The Gown Boutique of Charleston is headed to NYC Bridal Fashion Week on October 16th to scoop up the most sought after gowns, bridesmaid dresses, veils & accessories. 

 

 

We will be reporting back from the runway all of your burning questions and then some.  Who is designing what?  Are straps back in style? What colors are hot for 2010? Are short dresses in style?

 

 

 

Let the  Instant Inspiration Begin!

 

To Veil or Not to Veil?

There is one particular element that makes a bride a bride… That is the veil of course.  When else in your life are you going to wear a veil? The answer is probably never.  But the choice is yours! 

Do I have to wear a veil?

For most brides today, the veil is worn more as a fashion accessory than as a religious piece.  When shopping for your gown and veil keep your options open.  Try out a variety.  Please note, you should check with your officiate about any religious head-covering requirements.

What is the significance of wearing a Blusher?

A blusher is a short veil that covers the bride’s face as she enters the ceremony.   The original significance of the blusher is the lifting of the veil (blusher).  This used to be a part of a wedding ritual, symbolizing the groom’s taking of the wife, or the revelation of the bride by her parents to the groom for his approval. This tradition is still practiced today.

When do I take off the veil?

Again it is a personal preference.  But keep in mind, that if you remove your veil before the reception, it won’t appear in pictures of the cake cutting, first dance, etc. Many brides wait until after the first dance.  Veils can be somewhat unruly and are often removed if the reception is at the beach or a windy location.

What kind of veil should I wear?

Most brides customize veils based on the style of the wedding gown.  Some girls opt to wear a family veil, and in some cases even have the veil remade to be more modern.  Veils should also be in proportion with the gown.  There are several options ,that are lised, to choose from.

Trim Options

Raw edge, lace, satin binding, ribbon, pencil edge, crystals, embroidery. 

Various Length Options

Birdcage - Falls to just below the chin, covering the face. This is often attached to a hair accessory.

Flyaway – Touches or just covers the shoulders

Elbow – A veil that hits the length of the elbow

Fingertip – The veil touches the tips of your fingers, a length that often works with ball gowns and is therefore one of the most popular

Chapel – A yard shorter than a cathedral veil

Cathedral – Falls 3-1/2 yards from the headpiece (crown of the head)

Mantilla – A long, Spanish-style, circular piece of lace that frames the face

After shopping, if you decide you don’t care for them, simply go veil-less and don’t wear one at all!