THE COTTON BRIDE BY CHRIS KOLE: the FIRST couture bridal collection in the US created around natural cotton and linen

Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, Courtesy of Lori Diamond Public Relations

TIME & PLACE: April 2008, Bridal Fashion Week at the Intercontinental Barclay Hotel, 111 East 48th Street.

An Amy Winehouse soundtrack made for an interesting contrast to the huge chandeliers in the Astor II’s gold and brown ballroom. Such was the backdrop for designer CHRIS KOLE’S cotton couture presentation, which enjoyed the support of COTTON INCORPORATED. This collection, the first in the US created around natural cotton and linen fabrics, made for a fresher, lighter collection than the usual bridal attire. Cotton moves differently than the typically weightier organzas, lace overlays and heavy duchess satin and silks used presented by other designers.
We liked the concept of using only cotton, it worked best in dresses and gowns that had a little more structure to them and overlay detailing such as the organic cotton strapless A-line gown with Antique beading on the bodice and as an antique honeycomb cotton lace short dress. The danger of the plainer cotton pieces, such as the sea island cottons was that they looked almost too casual, veering dangerously into close to looking like a nightshirt.
An interesting technical innovation was Mr. Kole’s new petticoat, constructed from 2 grades of all-natural cotton organza, which replaced the usual crinoline.

Some of the gowns though, such as the bamboo/cotton scoop neck gown with a cotton organza gathered skirt would do well as a destination gown for a wedding on a tropical beach. Good news for the Eco minded - amost any of the pieces an be made out of organic materials at the bride’s request.
The best came last; the cotton tulle sweetheart gown with wide cotton lace bands could have passed for lace, a nod to Spanish Senioritas.

WHERE TO GET IT: By special order in North America through Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and specialty stores in the US and Canada.
For a list of locations, email: info@thecotonbride.com

To read more about Cotton Incorporated's fashion partnerships and initiatives, visit their website
www.cottoninc.com