Project Wedding Blog

Just back from the Alfred Angelo show, where the spring line is fresh, colorful and inspired by “Jazz on a Summer’s Day,” the documentary from the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival. Gone are the days of dismal bridesmaid dresses! The eco-friendly bridesmaid dress collection, Purely Alfred Angelo, lit up the runway with hues like island pink, capri blue, orange sunset and even plaid! The breathtaking bridal gowns mixed high drama with a light, airy vibe. Here are a few of my favorites - fresh off the runway.

Images courtesy: Patrick Ryan

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We just met with the fabulous team behind Moonlight Bridal in New York, where Stephanie Chin and her sister, Valerie, unveiled some of their brand new bridal looks for Spring 2010. Here’s a sneak peek at my absolute favorite gown — and two precious bridesmaid dresses – which put an entirely new stylish spin on that area of bridal wear. Their dresses are stunning, wearable and the best thing — affordable!

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Last week Project Wedding had the rare opportunity to sit down and chat one-on-one with Jean-Paul Hamm, CEO and President of Alyce Designs, to discuss the 40 year-old company’s launch of Claudine by Alyce Designs and 312 Bridesmaids.  This flourishing, family-run dress company was founded by Jean-Paul and his sister and designer,  Alyce Hamm.  Fortunately, the “gene” for exquisite taste and artistic talent was inherited by her nieces, Claudine Hamm and Nathalie Lambert, who now head the design team that has created these two gorgeous collections.   We wanted to know the secret to their success and what this new generation of bridalwear means for the bride in search of the perfect dress for herself and her attendants.

312 Bridesmaids: Style 1290

PW: What was the inspiration behind the new collections?

JPH: For Claudine by Alyce Designs, our design team was most inspired by European elegance, incorporating design nuances that reflect fashion trends from Spain, London, and Paris.  The 312 Bridesmaids collection is a blend of traditional fabrics and contemporary lines and embellishments.

312 Bridesmaids: Style 1285

PW: Tell us more about your favorite embellishments for this season.  What is new for 2010 and where did you take a more classic approach?

JPH:  For 2010, we’ve introduced pale color accents in the Claudine bridal collection.  We also offer options to coordinate bridal accent colors with 312 Bridesmaids fabric colors.  For bridesmaids, we’re working with two-tone color options, knee-length hemlines, and ruched fabrics.  A classic approach is taken in our selection of quality fabrics and our never-compromised attention to construction.

Claudine for Alyce Designs: Style 7252

PW: What is the secret to Alyce Design’s success and excellent reputation in the fashion world?

JPH: Over the years we were never afraid to try new things. Each season we create a diverse and contemporary collection by first, testing out a variety of styles, and then developing a perfect pattern for the dresses that pass the test.  We’ve combined this cutting edge approach with time- tested reliability and quality; this combination is what has put Alyce Designs on the map.

Claudine for Alyce Designs: Style 7221

Tags: 312 Bridesmaids, Alyce Designs, Claudine by Alyce Designs.

This past weekend, Project Wedding got a first look at some of the gorgeous bridal styles for 2010!  Among some of our favorite collections of the new season was Claudine for Alyce Designs.  We found the Claudine collection to be a perfect fusion of European elegance and contemporary style and we fell in love with the rich fabrics and intricately beaded embellishments.  Here are some of our favorite styles from the collection:

From Left to Right: Style 7261, Style 7222, Style 7227, Style 7703

Style 7227

This dress features asymmetrically draped fabric which is great for the figure. We love the very sweet, yet intricate light blue beaded belt at the natural waist and bubble hem skirt.

Style 7222

A great alternative to strapless- this sweetheart neckline with off-the-shoulder straps reflects a timeless sophistication that we simply adore.  The draped and elongated bodice adds a contemporary and curvaceous twist to a classic style.

Style 7223

While this dress features beautiful shape and fit, we are head over heels for the embellishments.  This dress is for the feminine and romantic bride who is not afraid to make a statement and be the center of attention.  The strapless lace bodice makes a stunning contrast to the ruffled skirt and can be complemented by an exquisite lace bolero.

Tags: Alyce Designs, Claudine Bridal.

As most of you savvy brides know, a huge trend right now in weddings is color! Tie in your color palette of the day with these stunning sashes from icing101’s Etsy shop! Custom orders are taken, so your special colors can be incorporated right into your wedding gown. At around $50, this is a stylish steal! They also do custom boutonnieres, headbands and other gorgeous accessories for weddings.

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Who doesn’t love browsing through Etsy? I discovered this absolutely precious dress, designed by Magnolija Dress, that could make a perfect wedding ensemble for one stylish bride! The cost? Only $220!

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love these blingy shoes

photo by O2 weddings

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If you’re a fan of Project Runway, you might remember last season’s winner from Portland, Leanne Marshall.  If you’re searching for an architectural, eco-friendly, custom-made gown, look no further!  Her bridal shop website pretty much guarantees a relatively affordable wedding dress made with some Leanne love.  Also, check out her blog!  She’s so sweet.  LOVE her! <3

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Dreaming of wedding dresses galore? Then wake up to our newest bridal reality … Project Wedding’s new feature, the wedding dress gallery! You can peek at pretty gowns from designers like Nicole Miller, explore dresses by styles like two of my personal faves, beach casual or bohemian, and there’s even a gorgeous gallery for bridesmaids!

I love the J. Crew gown above, it reminds me of the beach, freedom and fun!

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Stylish PW girls take note! I just talked to Anya Sarre, the celeb stylist responsible for the daily looks of Mary Hart and Lara Spencer on Entertainment Tonight and The Insider — and she says yellow is the IT color for spring and bridesmaids! One of our faves? Genius designer David Meister! Is this yellow grommet tie front dress not that most adorable thing you have ever seen? 

According to Anya,  ”Yellow is a happy color that really pops in photos. Yellow looks great on blondes, brunettes and red heads. Everyone smiles when they see yellow at a wedding.” And while we are talking gorgeous dresses, take a peek at David Meister’s modern, white jersey siren gown with beads — can you say dream bride?

Tags: David Meister.