Earlier this month, Wedding Nouveau did a feature that showcased how art and design influence wedding fashion.  I had a lot of fun with that, and decided to do a follow up.

Today’s feature is brought to you by inspirations from two of my favorite blogs.  One is the ultimate resource  for creative and original  wedding designs and the other celebrates sophisticated bridal fashion from around the globe.  The style bibles to which I’m referring are The Bride’s Cafe and Wedding Inspirasi (the source of each dress image).

All of the centerpiece designs from around the globe were photographed by Marie Labbancz, and conceived by Kendall Brown of Eclatante Design and Donna O’Brien Beautiful Blooms.

Your style, your dream…YOUR CITY.

MADRID

(Above: Dress by Ian Stuart)

PARIS

(Above: Dress by Cymbeline)

LONDON

(Above: Dress by Charlotte Balbier)

DUBLIN

(Above: Dress by The Vintage Wedding Dress Company)

ROME

(Above: Dress by Elio Berhanyer)

HONG KONG

(Above: Dress by Ne-Tiger)

AMSTERDAM

(Above: Dress by Atelier Aimee)

SYDNEY

(Above: Dress by Mariana Hardwick)

TOKYO

(Above: Dress by Uno-Sd)

LAS VEGAS

(Above: Dress by Kaviar Gauche)

NEW DELHI

(Above: Dress by Ritu Beri)

NEW YORK

(Above: Dress by Ramona Keveza)

LOS ANGELES

(Above: Dress by Amanda Wakeley)

For more inspirations on event design, go check out  Eclatante Design and Beautiful Blooms.  Have a lovely Thursday.

In the spirit of the Oscars last night, decked and adorned with more fabulous gowns and jewelry than Lady Gaga’s closet, I’m inspired this Monday by one of my favorite illustrators.

Russian born New Yorker, Eduard Erlikh is by far one of the most sought after fashion artists, whose work has graced the covers of Vogue & Marie Claire (just to name a few) showcasing the collections of many exclusive designers such as Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent.

I believe that what’s in your closet reflects your personality, but what you actually wear reflects your mood. Like a color spectrum, our mood evolves and morphs based on many different factors.  That said, any one of these hues could reflect your wedding style.  Just because your “favorite color is blue,” doesn’t mean you can’t have a totally different-colored wedding.  The question then is, WHAT’S YOUR FLAVA?

Hot n’ Spicy

Fun n’ Energized

Classic n’ Sweet

Feminine n’ Flirty

Earthy n’ Bold

Timeless n’ Chic

(All images by © Eduard Erlikh)

Coming up later today, a destination dream palette inspired by Eduard Erlikh’s work.

…..Demi Moore in VERSACE.

Best Look Overall

I know, I know, there will be way too many hours spent by the pundits tomorrow debating over her neutral tones, cascading layers and safe neckline…so let me declare it now, while it’s still fresh in my mind. Demi Moore’s look in Versace was classy, subtle yet bold in texture, complement to her skin and fit.

Best Hair & Make Up

Best Dress

(All images via here)

Cameron in Oscar De La Renta stole the show for me.  She may not have been nominated, but her dress won my vote.  Good night.

What Inspires you?  I always reveal the inspiration for every dream palette, and today is no different.  However the focus is a little different.  I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately about changing clothes (from western to non-western), and how to bridge the gap between two or more very different looks in the same wedding.  Finding the right dresses, if you chose to wear more than one, is a fun challenge for any bride willing to wear different looks that reflect her heritage, style and mood.

Take the journey with me as we explore different gorgeous ways to make a statement in whatever language you’d like.  From inspiration to couture, dream your gown through the eyes of today’s modern & cultural bride.

Color Meets Shape

(Above: Reception via Tinkled Pink Brides; Green gown by Josep Font; White gown by Amsale)

Color Meets Shape:  It’s always a safe bet to begin with the colors that speak to you.  All the dream palettes featured on Wedding Nouveau, have a cultural overlay as well as a color scheme.  You can even use the cut of the gown to transition you into a different look.

Shape Meets Energy

(Above: Flowers by Sassy Girl Weddings; Dresses by Kevan Hall)

Shape Meets Energy: Energy, the driving force behind the mood you want to evoke can be translated in color, yes…but also in texture.

Energy Meets Texture

(Above: Pillow via The Knot [Christine Johnson Photography]; Purple gown by Laura & Medni via here; White gown by Monique Lhuillier)

Energy Meets Texture: I’ve talked about alternative veils before, but should you chose to go the traditional route, the texture and flow of the veil can be the unifying look from western to non-western, equally romantic.

Texture meets Art

(Above: Illustration by My Pink Turtle; Middle gown by Argentine Designer Collection; White gown by Andre Gn)

Texture Meets Art: If detail, illustration and crafty chic  are more your style, let the art and boldness of jewelry and other accessories be your guide.

Art Meets Design

(Above: Dinner table by Betsey Johnson via Apartment Therapy; Dresses by Naeem Khan)

Art Meets Design: You’ll be surprised by how much inspiration you can get from just roaming through apartment and home design magazines.   As a matter of fact, if you check out one of my favorite blogs, City Sage, there are lots  of Outfit-to-room ideas to get inspired by..

Design Meets Drama

(Above: Art by E.A Seguy via Elle South Africa; Purse by V. Bruce Hoeksema; Middle dress photo by Jean-Francois Campos for Vogue India via here; White dress by Georges Chakra)

Here are some more ways to get inspired for  “western-meets-non-western” details.

(Above: Bed Styled by Twig Hutchinson; Bride photo by Chris Nicholls)

(Above: Dinnerware by Horchow; Bride gown by Elbeth Gillis via Wedding Album Magazine)

This is from one “tired-of-the-same-ole-same-ole-look” bride to another.  Have a wonderful Wednesday.

If you spend hours roaming the “intrawebs” searching for wedding inspiration, then like me, you’ve certainly seen your fair share of euro centric victorian style weddings.  It’s always a refreshing pleasure to get a jolt from the passive web surfing state that one gets into.  That slap out of autopilot, comes from the amazingly talented Yinka Shonibare MBE , a contemporary designer who’s provocative exhibits bring a whole new meaning to the term: fusion.

I ask you this, what do you get when you blend the colorful and expressive fabrics of West Africa (Ankara) to the classic textures of Victorian lace?  Pure Genius.

Inspiration: VICTORIAN SECRETS – AFROCENTRIC

UK based Nigerian designer Yinka Shonibare MBE, has placed his mark on painting, sculpting, multi-media and fashion exhibition in a way that I haven’t seen before.  His work explores contemporary African identity and its relationship to European colonialism through provocative interpretation.   Not to mention, it makes for exciting inspiration for the Victorian style bride who dares to dream in culture.

(Above: Blue Ankara dress by Juanjo Oliva via FashionJunkii; White Victorian Dress; All Victorian fusion attire by Yinka Shonibare MBE )

Ankara is an elaborately designed wax fabric that is very common in west African attire.  It’s been making a huge splash on western runways in recent shows, a rebirth if you will.

Why limit you palette to ankara fabrics?  Depending on your heritage, a victorian tailored bridal gown would make quite the statement when paired with a much different textile such as saree, kimono or even kilt fabric…done tastefully of course.  The dream palette featured earlier today is just one of the many examples of how you could plan a Victorian style wedding using specific colors.  As you know, there’s a range of other colors from which to pick, and instead of a classic white gown, you can see how the sky’s the limit when it comes to fusion couture.

This is why I love what I do.  I get to find amazingly talented designers and photographers out there who dare to dream outside the box and satiate the style-hungry palette….so that you don’t have to.  In exploring the runway of the Philippines, I had the most challenging time trying to narrow down what to feature.  You can be sure, that you haven’t seen the last of these stunning couture pieces from our neighbors in the Pacific.

(Above: Photo by © Paul Ang via here)

FOR THE BRIDE

Nude Awakenings:

Organza, silk, & tulle are some of my favorite fabrics to work with.  Filipino designer, Marc Rancy has turned up the volume on all three textiles, resulting in some truly majestic looks.  Whether it’s the aisle or the fist dance, you’re bound to turn heads.

(Above: Gowns by Marc Rancy [Photo by Bruce Casanova])

Shimmer Me Gorgeous:

If subtle romance isn’t your style, then how about a mega-watt entrance adorned with gems, ballroom cuts and luscious feathery details by Filipino stylist – Michael Cinco.

(Above: Gowns by Michael Cinco)

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS

Mixin’ It Up:

I love seeing a bridal party with different styles unified by a cohesive color palette.  Here’s an example of how to frame your bridesmaids in unique modern styles, while maintaining a unified scheme.  Not only will your bridesmaids go home happy, you get to remember it all in amazing photographs.

(Colors: Dark Grey, Nude, White)

(Above:- L to R:  1-2 by Anna Leah Salvador; 3-5 by Ciege Cagalawan)

Here are other fabulous examples of pairing up your maids in complementary colors, styles or both…all brought to you by the runway of the Philippines:

(Above: Top – Martin Bautista; Middle – Maricar Kobayashi; Bottom – Marichu Tan-Geson [All Photography by Bruce Casanova])

(Above: Gowns by Nicky Martinez via here)

(Above: Gowns by Michael Cinco)

Finally, because I just couldn’t resist these headpieces.  They are so over the top, I kinda love it.  So much, that they’ve inspired me for tomorrow.

(Above: Gown by Michael Cinco)

Tomorrow, you won’t want to miss a decadent selection of bridal head pieces, inspired by designers from around the globe.  It’ll be fabtastic.  See you tomorrow.

It’s day three of Wedding Nouveau Bridal Fashion Week and we’re coming to you from good ole’ Moscow.

(Above Image from Russian Runway Photography)

The Russian fashion runway for spring 2010 has so much to drool over.  We could spend a whole week showcasing all the styles, but brevity is the soul of wit.  As much as I’d like to go on incessantly over all the looks, for the purpose of being concise we’ll focus on bridal chic, where the embodiment of decadent fabrics, romantic dreams and bold design, drops down on one knee for the style savvy bride.

Here are just some of my favorite pieces by designers from Russia, Uzbekistan and Chechnya.

From Russia with Love:

(Above:- Left to Right: Top & Middle row – Russian designers- Anna Direchina; Laura & Medni; Bottom row – Laura & Medni; Uzbekistani designer – Gulnara Karimova via here)

I love flowery details (in case you didn’t pick that up from the design of our home page).  Whether it’s used as a hair piece, or a detachable gown accessory, the right flower always adds a fresh coat of paint to your bridal canvas.

(Above: Both gowns by Russian designer Natali Kvon via here)

From subtle to bold contrasts in color, fawn upon these romantic looks, all by Laura & Medni:

(Above: All gowns by Russian designers, Laura & Medni)

To top things off, rest assured that I will find the Haute looks for the bride out there with a bold sense of style.

(Above: Gown by French designer, Thierry Mugler via Moscow’s Fashion week- here)

Yes, I realize that Thierry is French, but I also realize that I can’t get enough of that little number above.  A simple and edgy cut like that would work miracles with a dramatic veil.  One that’s either really long and cascading or extra short and chic.

(Above: Gown by Russian designer Egor Zaitsev via here)

In case you missed, here are some dream palettes inspired by Russia, Siberia and Eastern Europa.

Russian Ballet

Siberian Goth

Mongolian Mystique

I’m surprised to find how well yellow works on a range of skin colors.  Contrary to popular belief, you CAN wear any color.  That’s right, ANY and every color…just make sure it’s the right shade.  There’s a big difference between lemon, mustard and neon yellow.  However, if you search deep enough, you’ll find that perfect shade of sunshine that’s just right for your skin tone.

(Above: Top – Vogue Nippon; Bottom – Dior via Style Frizz)

I love when fashion meets art.  The hand painted Korean Hanbok below (first image) is the perfect example of how you can fuse culture, haute style and bold expression in a colorful way.  From ruffled skirts to embroidered silk, yellow is sure to bring light and energy to your event.

(Above: Row 1 – Korean Hanbok by Kim Hee-Soo via here, Row 2 – West African gown via BHF Magazine, Spanish Flamenco gown by Amparo Macia via here; Row 3 – Pakistani Lehenga via here, African gown by Cassandra Bromfield via here; Row 4 – Roman Toga gown, Chinese Cheongsam via here; Row 5 – Indonesian Kebaya photo by Bondan Wahyutomo via here)

And then of course, the sky’s the limit when it comes to citrus couture on the western runway from seasons past and present.

(Above: Row 1 – Jason Wu; Row 2 – Julia Clancey, Dior via here; Row 3 – Monique Lhullier via Glam Chic, Gucci via here, Versace via here)

And that’s all for now.  Stay tuned tomorrow for the sequel to our “Culture, Couture and Weddings” series.  We saw some innovative bridal gowns from South Africa yesterday.  Tomorrow?  We’re off to the former Soviet Union.  You won’t want to miss out.