GOING GREEN SERIES: LEANNE MARSHALL

 If you're a Project Runway fan you'll remember Season 5 winner Leanne Marshall.  Wonder what she's up to these days?  One of the greenest designers out there, she's been using eco-friendly, sustainable fibers from the get-go; her waste-not, use of salvaging smaller fabric pieces to create something innovative and chic all at once is incredible.  The good news is, Leanne has added wedding dresses to her repitoire and more like these abound in her Etsy store,  LeAnimal, the blog, Petals and Waves and site for the curious of you who want to know what's ahead . . .   

TOUCHES OF FROST

Thanks to Marie over at SMP Style Circle, we have this set of gorgeous winter images.  From the place settings, to the Temperly London gown and stuffed rabbit on a bench in the snow, all these gray and silver tones spell out Christmas is only days off . . ..

SWEET DREAMS WINTER

Could there be anything more romantic and cozy than a wedding just days before Christmas?  If you're doing a wedding and Christmas simultaneously this year you have the added benefit of family and friends already there to support and bring cheer.  Thanks again to Shana over at SMP Style Circle for this lovely set of inspirations.  Check out her blog, Baubles and Bubbles for more fun . . .

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: JOHANNA JOHNSON

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Looking for beautifully detailed 20-30s era reproduction gowns? Australian designer Johanna Johnson's gowns are reminiscent of the Art Deco era.  Cut on the bias to hug the body, her latest creations from the "Zepphora" Collection are handmade with adornments of  Swarovski crystals and  magnifiucently intricate bead-work. Johanna has also introduced an accessory line, "Trousseau", with each and every design created by Johanna herself  reflecting her one-of-a-kind vintage style.

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WINTER KID CHIC

 French designer Stephanie Staub of Little Eglantine is renowned in the UK for her stunning flowergirl dresses and pageboy outfits. Recently she launched her new winter collection for 2011. Says Stephanie, 'This winter, girls will be wearing ¾ length sleeves. Claire flower girl dress has an obvious French touch, says the designer. Matching fuchsia and grey is a trend in France right now. During winter, one often tends to choose darker colors, but I think that little girls should keep their spark even during that period of the year. The fuchsia taffeta brings light and fun to this winter flower girl dress. It is quite original and yet very classic. I designed the sleeves to be ¾ length so that the girls are warmer and still enjoy a trendy dress.”

For the designer, every little detail counts : look at the fuchsia buttons at the back, they make all the difference! Stephen the pageboy wears a pirate shirt in white cotton, with matching grey silk taffeta trousers and fuchsia cummerbund. They both form a lovely couple brides love to walk down the aisle with!

The Fanchea Dress

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Having two children of her own, Stephanie knows good fit and quality fabrics are important.  What is even more important is that children actually want to wear the clothes!  Stephanie has searched the world for the most unique fabrics and she devotes her time to design garments based on the wishes of the brides-to-be.

Now, a little more about Stephanie.  Brought up in the heart of French aristocracy, Stephanie Staub spent her entire childhood surrounded by elegance and good taste. On her tenth birthday, Stephanie made her own first steps in sewing, which culminated in her making her own party dresses as an adult, as well as all of the flower girls' dresses and page boys' outfits for her wedding...After she had then taken some time out to complete her business studies diploma, she naturally came back once again, to her first love of sewing, but this time as a business venture!  And so, Little Eglantine was born, focusing exclusively on dresses and outfits for children, for all special occasions, with particular a focus on wedding designs.  My take on this is any of these darling little ensembles in taffeta would make great candidates for a holiday party as well as wedding.  You can see all of the collections on her Little Eglantine site where you'll find not only the spring collection but custom fabrics as well as christing and name day slections.

JUST LISTED ON ETSY

Meet 'Rochelle', another one of my gemmies just listed on Etsy.  Ivory Chantilly lace under shirred tulle on the bodice gives it that ethereal, gossamer look. The bodice sculpts the wearer's body via inside boning and a few other shaping materials to give it structure . . .the shirred tulle gauntlets are removable. The over skirt is 10 yards of tea-dyed tulle over more layers of tulle and ivory taffeta. The underskirt is cut on the bias so it moves beautifully when you walk.  White rose petals are dappled all over the skirt. The skirt falls just above the ankles.  The piece de resistance . . ..How do you like my signature row of buttons lining the back?

VEILED

CREDITS

Photography . . . . . . Pixaimage Photography

Veils and gowns . . . . .Amy-Jo Tatum

Makeup . . . . . . . . . Necia Whitmore

Hair. . . . . . . . . Kao Vey Saephanh

Models . . . .. .. . . .Janelle Mills and Libby Gale

Venue . . . . . . . . .San Domenico, San Anselmo, California

 Since Chelsea Clinton's wedding last July, classic veils are suddenly taking the spotlight once again. We wanted to  capture the essence of the traditional bride in all her romantic and time-honored splendor.   From the ethereal beauty of the drop veil to the small tulle head pouf, here is the 2011 veil collection . . . .

 Above: Waltz length double layered white tulle edged in satin ribbon

Going retro doesn't necessarily mean sticking to a particular era. Above, a 30s gown is paired up with an authentic vintage 60s veil. Layers of tulle attached to a lace and jewel embellished Juliet cap give this bride a timeless look.
      

 A gown with exquisite back details like the one above calls for a shorter veil like the petal or fly away in gathered tulle tacked to the back of a chignon.

 Directly above and below: The most dramatic of all veils, the Cathedral veil.  Above is a double layered ivory tulle edged in satin ribbon.  Below: White tulle with Chantilly lace motifs dappled all over . . .

The fingertip style veil above has long been the most popular length for brides as it goes with just about any style dress. Here we've matched it up with traditional ivory lace and taffeta.

 

Contemporary brides love the new tulle poufs.  Easy to wear, they go from ceremony to reception. with no adjustments and are tres chic . . . 

Above: Silk gauze drop veil floor length drop veil can be wrapped as a shawl; Below: A 3-yard galloon of Chantilly lace makes the perfect 20s style cloche-cap style veil to pair up with a vintage lace gown.