You don’t need to be remotely interested in fashion to have heard of Valentino but for the fashionistas out there, it just doesn’t get better! When I heard his work will be exhibited at Somerset House in London, I made sure to be first in line.
Thursday 29th November 2012 – opening day! I walked through the grand courtyard of Somerset House. Bundled up, rosy-nosed and totally over-excited! The winter ice skating rink was already set up, next to an enormous fir tree. Carols and baubles only added to the anticipation.
The exhibition itself offered simple design and a modern, clean feel – in total contrast to the explosion of ruffles, beading and pleats I was about to experience.
The first room was dedicated to exploring the history of Valentino Garavani’s impressive 50 decade professional career, starting in Paris and eventually dressing royalty and red carpet celebrities from around the world.
The top of the spiral staircase opened into a long room filled with over 150 real Valentino dresses, from mid 90s designs all the way into modern day.
I quickly discovered that I was a big fan of his 70s work. There was something about the ruffles and soft lines that really drew out the romance in a gown.
With actual dresses worn by celebrities such as Jackie O and Anne Hathaway on display, this was certainly a room to feast the eyes on.
The exhibition finished on an interesting technical note, exploring the dressmaking techniques that were not only embraced in his designs but also created by no other than the master of couture himself.
The exhibition is running until 3rd March 2013. Well worth a visit!
Origin of Inspiration
A mixture of early twentieth century tea dresses and summer cocktail party fun!
What we love
The tea length style and the lace! Tea dresses were originally worn for dinners with one’s family so there is a very personal touch hidden within this style. The unbroken piece of French lace on the skirt is another favourite!
What we added
With these dress styles, it is most common to have a sash on the waistline, but we wanted to be a little bit different. So we decided to ruche the lace instead, adding an unusual touch and also flattering on the waistline!
Perfect for …
A summer garden wedding or a vintage style wedding. For brides who wants to show off her bust and small waist!
Big CONGRATULATIONS to Avalyn Beare who is the lucky winner of £500 to spend on her perfect dress.
Avalyn and her fiancé Shogo are getting married in March 2013, and she is delighted to have won this fantastic prize. Here’s what she says:
“I’m so excited! I can’t wait to choose my dress. I entered the draw thinking it would be absolutely amazing to win but never thought I would actually be able to!”
Avalyn is looking for a simply styled yet sophisticated wedding dress, featuring some beautiful lace detail. We are confident we’ll be able to come up with just the thing!
Thank you to everyone who entered our competition. Don’t forget, if you picked up a postcard from one of our shows, that still entitles you to receive 10% off on absolutely everything!
Thank you to everyone who came to see us at the Bluewater Wedding Fair last weekend! It was an amazing show! If you missed it, here are the highlights, including some behind the scenes ….
Thousands of chirpy brides poured through the doors in those 3 days, with the most dedicated queuing up even before opening time! There was a fantastic buzz at Glow and seeing our dresses on the catwalk was really very special:
Of course, the other highlight was having our super talented fashion designers and illustrators, Franky and Leanne, showcasing their talents live:
It wasn’t all pink and sparkles to begin with. Thursday was set up day, which mainly involved putting up wallpaper using solely Velcro and duct tape …
Friday was moving day – moving the studio to Bluewater!
After a few hours of madness, we managed to regain some sort of order. It was nice to slip into my very own custom made chiffon and organza Elsa dress to greet the first of the visitors!
I was loving summery chiffon that weekend! This dress received plenty of compliments 
There was plenty of champagne, cupcakes and a great atmosphere. Most importantly, we met A LOT of brides-to-be and we had fun! We’ll be at Salomon’s on the 30th September, look forward to seeing some of you there!
By Leanne Marie Bidwell
Illustrator at Dress Perfect
http://lmbidwell.portfoliobox.net/
Just wanted to introduce myself as I am a freelance illustrator for bespoke bridal wear company, Dress Perfect, and will be part of their blog site. I have recently completed a degree in fashion promotion and imaging at the University for Creative Arts in Surrey. For this part of the blog I will be looking at all things bridal and fashion related, and will also be including some of my own influences and illustrations. Hope you enjoy and find this blog interesting and inspirational.
Fashion Week has to be a starting point, as the shows have been a real spectacle. With New York and London wrapped up, and Milan currently in the spotlight, designers from all over the globe have been giving us a preview of what could be in our wardrobes next Spring/Summer.
At New York Fashion Week, one catwalk which really caught my eye was the stunning Marchesa, inspired by eastern patterns and traditional Indian dress. There were splashes of deep, rich colour along with intricate detailing and carefully hand crafted beading on many of the designs. Hints of gold ran throughout the collection which added a real luxurious element to the traditional eastern theme.
Here are some of my favourite pieces from the Marchesa show…
Today is a fabulous day for so many reasons! It’s my wedding anniversary Seeing one of our happy brides in action and as if that’s not enough, the official launch of our new Bespoke Dress Design service!
http://uk.prweb.com/releases/2012/9/prweb9853107.htm
What a happy day!
There, I said it, without a trace of colour on my cheeks.
What’s there not to love? She is beautiful, stylish and for over a decade of my life, she provided much entertainment as my favourite Friend. I’ve laughed until I cried through so many episodes, I was happy for her when she wed the oh-so-hunky-and-desirable Mr Pitt, I loyally held a bit of grudge against Angelina during their break up (even though I secretly wished I could raid tombs half as well as Ms Jolie) and now, of course I’m delighted that she is engaged to the adorably hot Justin Theroux!
All the big names in the wedding dress industry have already been clambering over themselves to share their thoughts on what designs Jen would look stunning in – as if she wouldn’t steal the show in a bin bag! From Alexander McQueen to Vera Wang, everyone wants a piece of the action!
Although, I have to admit I do love Alfred Angelo‘s design:
While Anne Barge‘s style is very classic and gorgeous, I’m not sure it’s quite right for Jen:
And if the Belfast Telegraph is to be believed, the leading lady has specified that she would like a “simple wedding style” and presumably a simply styled wedding dress.
Now this gown wasn’t designed with JenJen in mind, but how GOOD would she look in the Madeline dress, yet to be released from our 2013 collection:
If you don’t believe it, come see for yourself at the Glow Wedding Fair (21st – 23rd Sept 2012)!
We understand that there are many, many things on your wedding to do list and we’d like to be as helpful as we possibly can!
If you can’t find what you are looking for on our website, then take a browse through our list of reputable wedding suppliers. We’ve done the searching to save you the time!
VW Brides is an established classic volkswagen wedding car hire company providing vintage VW beetle cabriolets and saloons as well as iconic Vdub campervans for wedding hire and promotional events throughout Kent and the South East.
www.vwbrides.co.uk
07511 916 586
enquiries@vwbrides.co.uk
At Cavendish Wedding Cars we aim to achieve the highest standards of customer service, our positive approach is second to none.
www.cavendishweddingcars.co.uk
01622 859 675
cavendishweddingcars@gmail.com
Situated in the heart of the Garden of England, the enchanting Barnyard at Gore Farm is a beautiful location, consisting of 150 acres. Surrounded by romantic orchards, rolling hills and woodland, sets an idyllic scene, with its elegant marquee, offering a private and personal provision for the most important day of your life. The picturesque setting is perfect for enabling wonderful photograph opportunities.
www.the-barnyard.com
01634 235 059
contact@the-barnyard.com
Located in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and within easy access to both London and the South Coast, the charming barn with vaulted ceilings and stunning grounds will take you a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
www.winters-barns.co.uk
01227 472 581
events@winters-barns.co.uk
Can personally recommend this lovely venue! With a panoramic vista and delightful photo opportunities, Austin Lodge really does provide a beautiful environment for your special day. Their resident chef has installed state of the art kitchen facilities to ensure that all elements are properly provided for.
http://www.weddinginkent.co.uk/austin-lodge-home/austin-lodge-weddings/
01322 863 000
linda@pentlandgolf.co.uk
Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Downs, flanked by ancient woodland with stunning views across to the South Downs and the City to the north, but aside from the picturesque surroundings, it is the attention to detail that sets Park Wood Golf Club apart.
http://www.parkwoodgolf.co.uk/clubhouse/weddings
01959 577 740
mail@parkwoodgolf.co.uk
Exclusive Yacht Weddings are specialists in Civil Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions in Cyprus. Based in Paphos and covering the whole island. Managed by Sharron from the UK understanding English tradition whilst maximising the local Cypriot hospitality and culture therefore creating a unique experience for you.
www.exclusiveyachtweddings.com
(00357) 26 910 200
specialist@exclusiveyachtweddings.com
