Inspired by the golden ages of glamour, Suzanne Neville’s 2011/12 ‘Nostalgia’ collection brings the best parts of traditional designs into the 21st Century with unique twists and intricate detail to create stunning modern day bridal gowns.

The new collection which was unveiled intimately to buyers and press at the historical HM Tower of London in the Fusilier’s Building in May, brought a breathtaking variety of gowns fit for any bride.

Featuring blissful satin, majestic draping and crepe fabrics, the gowns reflect that of Greta Garbo, Marlene Deitrich and Sophia Loren who have been a clear influence in the new collection.

Attractive sleeve and neckline detail mark many of the gowns as a growing number of brides reject the strapless styles of the past few years. Pleated silk organza, silk chiffon and French lace prevail throughout.

The gowns embody a strong floaty feel which works perfectly alongside Suzanne’s immaculate bodice structures that define her designs.

Hand embroidery and beading perfect gowns such as ‘Broadway Belle’ whilst The ‘Lana’ modernises 60′s glamour and offers long detailed sleeves and a high neckline.

The ‘Hepburn’ and ‘Sophia’ feature glorious cap sleeve French lace jackets which appear part of the dress but allow a strapless alternative for the evening. The ‘Loren’ procures meters of pleated silk organza with a high neckline and is completed with a dazzling hand beaded attached belt.

For more information on Suzanne Neville’s Bridal Collections go to www.suzanneneville.com.

Images from Mike Daines photography

Berketex Bride are holding a mega sale on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd July offering great prices on a range of their gowns from brand new, end of season and sample dresses some starting from just £99.

Find your nearest store at the Berketex Bride website

Alisa Benay’s love of vintage and Victorian and Edwardian fashion is evident in her 2010 Bridal Collection. The collection features an array of exquisite lace detailing across the gowns which offer the bride a truely unique but utterly romantic dress.

Lily is a corset style gown with a lace bodice and fishtail satin skirt extending out at the back, both help to create a flattering but sexy silhouette for the bride.

Amelia features a gorgeous ruffle across the bust and the same material is used on the back of the skirt, giving the gown a historical feel.

Felicity offers brides a simple design across the bodice with a panel of lace decoration placed just above the knee from where the skirt is finished in flowing chiffon.

But my favourite from the collection is Phoebe which instanly took me to an image of the type of dress I image Lizzie Bennett marrying Mr Darcy in.  Both the lace work on the shoulder and the graceful chiffon gown will make any bride feel like she’s in her very own Jane Austin novel for the day.

Kleinfield, the famous bridal store on 110 West 20th Street, New York are holding an accessory sale on Sunday June 27th between 11am and 3pm. With 30% off of all of their stunning accessories from designer veils to headpieces, shoes to fine costume jewelry.

The sale features items from designers such as Cole Haan, Martinez Valero, Benjamin Adams and Thomas Knoell and many more. No appointments are necessary but you will probably need to turn up early as it is likely to me very popular!

Alisa Benay has always been passionate about historical fashion and especially loves the Victorian and Edwardian eras. She received her BA in Fashion Design from the Rogers and Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University in 1994. After graduating Alisa spent fourteen years working in custom bridal wear and freelance design, where she worked directly with brides learning exactly what they want out of their gown.

Although Alisa takes inspiration from the Victorian and Edwardian eras and their breath taking gowns, she has never wanted to just recreate historical replicas for today’s bride. Instead she interprets the vintage design into contemporary creations for today’s modern bride, using the era’s love of the silhouette to make her brides feel sexy and feminine.

Using all of the knowledge from her fourteen year career in bridal design, in 2009 Alisa Benay decided to design her first full line of Bridal gowns which she launched across America, which featured unique gowns made from luxury silks and European laces and trims.

The Marchesa Spring Bridal 2010 collection is the perfect collaboration of British designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. These ethereal wedding gowns are truly lovely to behold.

Marchesa evening dresses have been seen on the red carpet adorning such stylish celebrities as Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lopez. There is little doubt that the exquisite gowns in the Spring Bridal 2010 collection will be highly coveted as well.

These light and airy confections will make any bride look as if she stepped right off of the wedding cake. Mostly available in snowy white or pale cream, the dresses in this collection can best be described as classically romantic and feminine. Many are column style with delicate floral details and cascading ruffles, while a few others have dreamy ballgown skirts.

One really pretty dress is an A-line duchess satin with an intricately embroidered waist and cascading tulle overskirt. Brides who prefer a little less detail and more sophistication will not be disappointed however, as there are also sleek, body skimming silhouettes featuring expertly draped or sculptured bodices in this
collection as well.

Marchesa Bridal is available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Harrods, and specialty boutiques around the world.

Calling all brides-to-be the Designer Wedding Dress Sale is being held on the weekend of 22nd & 23rd May at the Thistle Hotel Marble Arch, London. The sale includes dresses from Amanda Wakeley, Amy Michelson, Anna Christina, Annabel B, Atelier Aimee, Caroline Castigliano, Christiana Couture, Galit Levi, Lyn Ashworth, Max Chaoul, Oleg Cassini Icon, Sharon Hoey and Toi Creazioni all with up to 70% off.

Tickets are free for the sale but you will need to register for the event, for more information and to register just visit www.bridaldesignersale.com.

Anne Barge wanted to design bridal gowns since she was a child, when at the age of 3 her mother, an accomplished pianist, began taking her to the weddings for which she played. The beautiful gowns she saw inspired her to design dresses for her paper dolls and school friends.

Just before she graduated from college Anne saw an advertisement in the local newspaper that Priscilla of Boston would be appearing at a local store. So with sketchbook at hand Anne attended the event and left with her dream job as an apprentice designer.

In 1981 Anne opened her own boutique “Anne Barge for Brides” in Buckhead an upscale area of Atlanta. Anne carried top couture designers, which she would customise to offer her brides a one-of-a-kind gown.

Anne’s business went well and in 1994 was acquired by New York bridal giant, Kleinfeld, for whom Anne managed the buying for the Saks Fifth Avenue bridal salons.

Anne’s talents were requested again in 1996 by Richard Branson to help him set up a London bridal store, Virgin Bride. Anne bought top American and European designers to the store as well as her own private label collection.

Then in March of 1999, Anne fulfilled her dream by launching the Anne Barge Bridal Collection, taking her love and appreciation of classic, timeless elegance and combining them with the finest silks and museum quality beading and embroidery.

Today Anne’s collections are available in the finest bridal stores of her home country the USA, the UK, Spain and Japan.

Find out more at http://annebarge.com/

Every bride wants to look stunning on her wedding day and when you see the names of the collections at Blue Bridalwear you know you will be getting something truly special. Elegance, Movie and Hollywood are just some of the collection names from wedding dress designer Angela Pitcher Dowdell who established Blue in 1991.

Blue’s gowns are made from the finest silk by their own team of seamstresses, the range offers something for every bride for those looking for a more modern dress to brides choosing a classic gown.

For brides who want a modern looking gown for maybe a destination wedding or ceremony at an unusual location, the Gorgeous Collection should fit the bill. All of the dresses feature a shorter skirt, we particularly like the Darling which offers a soft slipper bow at the empire line and a mass of frothy petticoats, whilst the Monaco has crisp pleats at both the neck and hem line.

For those brides looking for a more traditional design the Elegance and Classic collections are perfect;  May has a sleeveless bodice with empire line, decorated with Swarovski crystals and the simple princess cut of the Amelie adored with a crystal necklace trim.

But for a bride looking to make a statement on her wedding day then Starlet from the Hollywood collection would be an ideal choice, with it’s dramatic diamante bow at the top of the bodice and low back design adding a sexy feel to the gown.

Blue Bridalwear sell their gown from their Studio in Cardiff and a select number of Bridal Stores across the UK.

http://www.bluebridalwear.co.uk/

One designer wedding dress label that is a well known throughout Europe and particularly favoured by the brides of Spain is Pepe Botella. You can be anyone you desire in one of their wedding gowns and their designs just keep getting savvier.

Pepe Botella began designing bridal gowns forty years ago in his native Alicante, Spain. Today, more and more ground-breaking trend setting gowns are being designed for the label by Pepe´s daughter, Lucia.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking strapless, long sleeve, straight cut or formal ball gown; it is only fitting that the name Pepe Botella is on your list of must sees when looking for your ideal wedding dress. Without a doubt, you will be convinced that the Pepe Botella collection will only flatter you.

Become a Grecian Goddess such as Goddess Aphrodite which will arouse your true femininity. The Greek influence spells out the word sophistication. With its cinch metallic belted waistline and flaring chiffon skirt, it will have you dreaming of a wedding in Greece.

Experience the grace and romance as the collection only gets better. The line continually fits the grace of women, whether for a formal affair or casual wedding soirée.

Take a run through of the Pepe Botella collection on-line. You may just find your dream gown here.

Images (c) Tomy Pelluz, Vogue España