LYRA MAG.

A fashion veteran, Carmela Sutera namesake bridal collection celebrated its 21st year with two 100% silk lines, the Black Collection and the new, more accessibly priced Blue Collection. Both classic silhouettes (A-line, Ball gown) and body hugging fitted styles are offered…as Sutera noted: “Some brides want to be sexy…” We particularly liked Sutera’s understated elegant looks like this Alencon lace A-line ball gown with a pretty bolero jacket, over satin organza ($2600). In the Blue Collection, many of the dresses are ideal for less formal affairs. While there are ballgowns and dresses with trains, the shorter dresses (mini, tea length) are appealing to younger gals and those opting for destination weddings. There is also an evening collection, that contains cocktail and full length evening gown coined “Mother of the Occasion” dresses. Retailers really loved the sunny yellow satin organza ruffled one shoulder gown ($1200). Another popular style (available in many colors) is the satin o...

Palm Court, Plaza Hotel, NYC April 5th 2009 Words, Images by Judith Ecochard Much like the elegant postwar couture shows held for guests at acclaimed French ateliers, Douglas Hannant, a designer with upscale clientele, held his second Bridal Collection in the Beaux-Arts opulence of the Plaza Hotel’s luminous Palm Court. Editors, retail buyers and other invitees were seated in three rows of Louis XV gilded armchairs, and aurally treated to Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring" (Le Sacre Du Printemps) , setting the stage for a 12 glorious white wedding gowns “…for the untraditional bride, the modern woman,” according to Hannant himself. Beginning with an au courant Hollywood style chiffon bias gown , Hannant crafted several silhouettes options for his “clients…who are sophisticated and chic.” Our opinion: every gown was a winner, made from the “finest fabrics from France and Italy” including tafetta and satin silks, delicate hand embroidered lace, and detailed with subtle embellish...