Good news for brides inspired by Audrey
Hepburn and Grace Kelly, classic is back. Fabrics,
silhouettes and accessories borrowed from the
1940s through 1960s offer brides the opportunity
to start with the basics and enhance them with
luxurious finishing touches.
The Dress Eschewing large, modern swags
of fabrics, designers are embracing the hourglass
figure. Waists are nipped in or defined with belts
and sashes, often in a color that slightly
contrasts with the dress. Charming gowns with the
look of prom dresses from the 1950s glide down the
aisle with fitted bodices and full skirts of
tulle, lace and appliqué.
For a less formal wedding, brides can
go bombshell in frocks reminiscent of 1960s
cocktail dresses. The length is shorter, but the
look is equally sophisticated with gathered waists
and narrower skirts.
The Accessories Birdcage veils -- with
large netting that falls at cheekbone length --
are back in a big way. These simple veils frame
the bride's glowing face and highlight special
jewelry. Ladylike wrist-length gloves are the
perfect complement to vintage bridal looks.
The classic bridal look is a perfect
match with a simple and elegant pair of pearl stud
earrings and a lustrous 16-inch strand of cultured
pearls around the bride's neck.
"The Hindu Lord Krishna is said to
have offered pearls to his daughter as a wedding
gift which is where pearls and weddings were first
married," says Jeremy Shepherd of PearlParadise.com,
the world's largest online pearl company.
"Pearls are considered a symbol of purity,
making them the perfect fit with a bride's white
dress."
Shepherd recommends white akoya pearls, a
saltwater pearl that grows primarily in the
coastal areas of Japan and China. Considered to be
the classic pearls for jewelry, akoya pearls are
prized for their perfect round shape, mirror-like
luster and soft, neutral colors.
Visit www.PearlParadise.com for more
ideas and classic bridal pearls.
The Look Tie a classic dress and
accessories together with a polished hairstyle
such as a bun or chignon and keep make-up
understated. Dark brown or black eyeliner extended
slightly past the end of the eyelid, a touch of
black mascara and a shade of red lipstick
perfectly matched to the bride's complexion are
all that's necessary to complete the perfect,
classic Hollywood face.
Courtesy of ARA Content