Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Friday,
October 17th, Garment District
We know its Bridal Week in New York City when we entered the spacious showroom of Alfred Angelo on Broadway, smack dab in the middle of Manhattan.
The scent of delicate orchids flooded our senses and a trays of bubbling champagne beckoned.
ALFRED ANGELO:
Celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary, Alfred Angelo is a complete line of bridal wear that includes outfitting the bridal party in a coordinating color scheme too.
Designed by Michael Shettel who took a well deserved bow, Alfred Angelo’s selections start at a very affordable $395-$1500 for the well priced Alfred Angelo collection…and tops out just below $6000 for the higher end brands.
Needless to say, the fit in a bride’s dress is SOOOOOO important…and we were happy to see the models looking lovely and perfectly attired with seams just so.
We saw over 40 looks that included the Alfred Angelo line of bridal gowns (Destination, Dream in Color™ with colorful trim, the upscale Sapphire and Piccione lines, and a few bridesmaid dresses.
This being a Spring/Summer Bridal show, the tasteful gowns featured many strapless options with flattering sweetheart necklines or halter tops often ornately detailed but never vulgar.
There are many Empire waists and A-line silhouettes-some lusciously flowing with just the right amount of elaborately ruched billows of fabric (Look #1).
Buttoned backs and dropped waist options are demure and sexy at the same time.
There are also subtle sequin details that are intricately applied, detachable spaghetti straps, and a few semi cathedral trains that add a touch of drama when a bride walks down the aisle.
Our favorite looks veered towards the thirties. Holllywood glam draped silhouettes of several fitted trumpet shaped gowns, and an understated draped halter top dress that we think will appeal to older brides that wouldn’t think of the wearing the poofy Princess ball gowns that are available.
Bridesmaids options often cause a great amount of distress for the wearer. Alfred Angelo’s brightly colored options are nice and clearly coordinate well with a bride’s gown.
The strongest looks we liked are the shorter options that are ideal for resort weddings and would work on a wide assortment of female body types.
Case in point…a beautiful shimmery silver strapless dress, a semi-fitted empire waist that will have a life well beyond the wedding.
OF NOTE: No veils are hair ornamentations…or jewelry.
It all struck the perfect balance of sensuous hair with softly curled, wavy locks, tanned skin and natural makeup of the models with shiny glossed lips.
INFO: ALFRED ANGELO
RETAIL: Locations available on website including eponymous stores with exclusive designs..