CAROLINA HERRERACarolina Herrera's Spring 2008 Bridal Collection was just what you would expect from the designer--elegant and feminine. Herrera's gowns are for the classic bride who makes no apologies for wanting to look and feel like a princess on her wedding day. Ruffles, satin sashes, flowing fabrics, and trains that stopped traffic gave the collection an ethereal feel, while an element of suprise was found in black embellishments, which added an ironic touch to the white palette. Herrera paid homage to My Fair Lady with a strapless A-line gown with embroidered tulle layers and grosgrain details in black and beige. The intricate detail on a strapless floral embroidered organza ball gown with ruffles and ribbons was the perfect combination of sweetness and whimsy.
The Vera Wang Spring 2008 bridal collection was Vera at her finest, inspired by the genteel aesthetic of high society social register American debutantes of yesteryear, from Jackie Bouvier to Doris Duke. "It's harking back to a time when women had their own definition of glamour, style, and chic," said Wang. Gowns were super luxurious and refined, and the collection wasn't limited to bridal white: dresses in jeweled tones of rich purple and iridescent pink walked alongside the pristine cream looks. An ivory silk organza gown with a lace and embroidered tulle overskirt and ivory faille bow sash at the waist was a standout. Satin cabbage rose embellishments in forest, amethyst, crimson, and magenta added a dash of color to simple, elegant silhouettes. Overall, the collection was the perfect blend of seductive beauty and old world elegance--with a hint of mystery. "Even the venue was meant to be fairly snotty," said Wang of her show space--the Ukranian Institute on the Upper East Side.