ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 21, 1996 TAG: 9601230023
SECTION: YOUR WEDDING PAGE: YW-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SARAH COX
The new bridal season is upon us, with the flurry, frills and fancies of all brides concentrated into that one important decision: what to wear.
This year, there is a trend away from fussy and toward one of two distinct styles, said Nancy Shawn of Brides House and Formals and the Virginia Bridal Outlet. The first style is very romantic, accentuated with softer fabrics such as organza, tulle and chiffon. The dresses are off-the-shoulder, with either long or short sleeves. Necklines are open or sweetheart, but Shawn emphasized that the sleeveless look modernizes the romantic, European image.
To go along with this look is a Basque waistline. In addition, an A-line style looks good on many different types of figures, said Shawn. While romance and full gowns go hand-in-hand, the second trend is a preference for simplicity and elegance.
"Absolutely no adornments, such as lace or beading,'' said Shawn, and with a gown falling simply and straight, silk is the number one best-selling fabric. Although silk has run its course in the larger metropolitan areas, Shawn said it's still popular in Roanoke. An alternative to this is Italian satin, which Denise Matze, bridal manager at Patina, described as a polished, heavy matted satin she called duchess satin. Matze said many brides will decide on the fabric first, and then look at styles available in that fabric.
In another move away from fussiness, Matze said 90 percent of her brides these days do not want a back bow, and if a dress has one on it, ask for it to be taken off. "Brides are really looking for an elegant look,'' she said.
Shawn said she saw new colors introduced at the spring market. "In New York, they were introducing colors in soft green and pinks,'' she said, adding that colors can be incorporated in embroidery on the gown. In Roanoke, though, they sell mainly ivory.
Another color, said Shawn, is rum pink, which is a warmer pink that's "more of a shade than a color.'' Sometimes, if brides-to-be order a rum pink gown, they will pick white, ivory or soft green bridesmaids' gowns to go with it.
Matze said most brides are shying away from stark white, and looking at a white that's closer to a vanilla ice cream shade.
Colors to accentuate the wedding often fall on the bridesmaids' shoulders. Matze said the colors this spring are coral, emerald and cobalt blue. Designer Jessica McClintock has also introduced pastels such as ice blue, peach and tea rose. Shawn said they have seen many softer pastels in new shades such as seafoam and daffodil, which can compliment an ivory or "rum pink" shade of bridal gown.
Colors for mothers include mint, pinks and blush ivory, "and we're seeing the soft yellow, too,'' said Shawn. Matze said mothers are moving away from the powdery pale blue and toward a silvery blue, as well as the favorite champagne color.
One last word in color from Matze: Black is now standard. They do some black and white weddings, as well as all-ivory weddings for a "beautiful, elegant look,'' she said.
The accouterments are not to be forgotten. Both Shawn and Matze mentioned simple headpieces, often a fabric tiara or headband, with the veiling on the back of the heads - and no poofs. It's not a showy look, said Shawn, but the fabric may have beaded veils that extend beyond the gown's train. "It's gorgeous with a straight dress and a sweep train,'' she said.
In addition, to accentuate the romantic or the elegant look, brides are using gloves, and some are opting for sling-back shoes or shoes with straps.
Shawn said it comes down to this: The bride buys what she feels looks better on her. Matze agreed.
"Most people are looking for a gown to fit their personality, while keeping within a budget,'' she said. But, she added, finding a bridal store that caters to the bride is almost as important. It should be an establishment, advised Matze, that has consultants who are knowledgeable, work well with their clients, and have access to current information.
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: TIM TREVILIAN. 1. Amy Atkins tries on a wedding gownby CNBwith help from Ann Blevins of Amrhein's Brides, Formals and Fine
Jewelry. 2. Denise Matze, bridal manger at Patina, helps Rhonda
Cheatwood select bridal veils. According to Matze, the look in
headpieces is simple - often a fabric tiara or headband, with the
veiling on the back of the head - and no poofs.