Wrapping it up…the eco-friendly way

I first met Harper Della Pina, designer of the Wrapture Collection by Seams, last year in New York. What really got us deep in conversation was how versatile her dress designs were for destination weddings; and especially for the climate here in Trinidad & Tobago.

And another plus? Her designs are all eco-friendly!

In fact, Harper’s collection was featured as part of the Green Bride Guide's eco-style predictions for the upcoming Jolie-Pitt Wedding!

Her dresses are designed for both brides and bridesmaids. They’re made from natural fabrics such as hemp/silk, pineapple pina fibre (yes…from the pineapple plant!) and 100% silk. The silk that Harper uses, is entirely hand-made by a family mill in India.

Her dresses are all wrap dresses – so they’re versatile for fittings, varying body shapes and can definitely be worn again after the wedding. Harper says, “The Wrapture Collection is a ready-to-wear “design your own collection” and the only wrap and tie gown collection of its kind.” Her gowns are available in various retail stores in the USA.  

Recently, Harper’s “Dalia” Gown was centre stage at a photo shoot done by planner and photographer, Binita Patel. Here’s what Binita had to say about her inspiration behind the shoot:

“This shoot was inspired completely by the bright yellow tones of Spring sunshine.  I really wanted to make sure that everything about this shoot felt very organic, fresh, clean and simple.  Our linen supplier had a wonderful textured tablecloth, with a petal-like pattern that just felt so natural.  This was the starting point of the design.  From there, I enhanced the concept by choosing chargers and napkins to really emphasize the bright sunshine tones of the overall inspiration.  

The Willowdale Estate is very rustic and humble, so I went with more classic-shaped stemware and wooden chivari chairs, to add to the organic feeling of the theme. I wanted the florals to feel simple and wild... straight out of nature almost.  Even our hair and makeup artists stayed true to the theme by selecting clean and fresh tones for the bride's look.  Everything came together beautifully, and the Willowdale Estate served as a beautiful and open backdrop for the shoot.”

Check the slideshow here for beautiful images from the shoot:
http://slideroll.com/?s=37k5crh8 
 
Credits:
Planner - Binita Patel
Location - Willowdale Estate (willowdaleestate.com)
Photography - BINITA PATEL Photography (www.binitapatelphotography.com)
Hair - Maricruz (www.maricruzhairstyles.com)
Makeup - Liz Washer (www.bridalbyliz.com)
Models - Kendra & Matt
Dress - The Wrapture Collection by SEAMS (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.159734224059887.32283.142700012429975&type=3)
Florals - Orchids N ' Blooms (orchidsnblooms.com)
Stationary - Allure (www.allureinvites.com)

More Dress info:

The Wrapture Collection 'Dalia' Gown retails for $680. Made in the USA of 100% silk. This style is has a full length pleated skirt
https://www.facebook.com/WraptureCollectionbySEAMS
Headband and matching Groom's Bowtie in our Etsy Shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SEAMS  

 

 

Bridal Gown Trends 2012

Last year certainly saw its share of celebrity weddings and of course, the most opulent of all - the Royal wedding. This year, the focus will be on all-out elegance, a nod to conservatism and a welcoming of color, volume and texture.

Here’s a look at what’s trending right now on the bridal runways:

Colour – Oscar de la Renta showcased dresses in robin's egg blue and sage green in his Spring 2012 Bridal Collection. Likewise, Vera Wang showed dresses in a taupe, black, charcoal and celadon green. The most popular colour though, seems to be “blush pink.” Both Badgley Mischka and Monique L’huillier showed dresses in that colour, in their collections.

Coverage – This year, brides are embracing dresses with long sleeves, high necklines, cap sleeves and illusion necklines

Seductive Style – Although strapless gowns are die-hard favourites, this year we will see more high slits, corsets, plunging V-neck lines (either back or front) and dramatic off-the-shoulder gowns.

Embellishments – this year gowns will dazzle with sequins, beading, lace appliques and will even get gussied up with the addition of fringe.

The addition of sashes– sashes are still very “on trend” at the moment, giving the perfect touch or unusual element to simple or plain gowns. Sashes are now available in various colours and embellished with feathers, jewels, pearls, crystals and beadwork. The popular colours this year are: black, blush pink, deep purple and champagne or ivory.

Minis! – This year there are more short dresses being seen than ever. They were shown by Marchesa and Maggie Sottero.

Big skirts – The ballgown has returned but has been updated with structure, texture, ruffles, tiered skirts or pockets.

Capes – are replacing shrugs as the “it” cover-up to strapless gowns.

For more photos, please visit our "Wedding Gown Trends 2012" Photo album on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings

Zara Simone Bespoke Bridal Accessories

November 2011 brought a breath of modern luxury to Trinidad & Tobago’s bridal industry – heralding the launch of Zara Simone Bespoke Bridal Accessories.

This is the first time a luxury, high-end line of fashion accessories,  specially for brides and bridesmaids has been available to this market. The accessories are all bespoke, or made-to-order.

The line currently carries bridal gown sashes and hair accessories. Sashes can also be worn to adorn bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses or evening gowns.

The bride who wears a Zara Simone piece wants something modern and unique. She’s fashion-forward, a trend-setter and fearless at expressing her style.

All pieces are hand-made, using the finest-quality materials such as: crystals, exotic feathers, silks, heavy Japanese satin, lace, pearls, semi-precious stones, vintage-look brooches and beads. The accessory colors come in varying shades of: grey, black, ivory, white, blush, lavender, slate and dark green. The price range starts from USD $179 and up for sashes and from USD $70 and up for hair accessories.

The artisans of this beautifully-crafted accessory line are based in the USA; and they have worked for well-known designers such as Vera Wang, Martha Stewart, Calvin Klein, Jessica Simpson Swimwear, Victoria’s Secret and J. Crew.

Zara Simone is part of the Trinidad Weddings' group of brands, under which also fall Trinidad Weddings.com and the premier annual wedding magazine published in Trinidad and Tobago, the TW Wed-Zine.

www.trinidadweddings.com is a website resource catering to the needs of engaged couples and also to couples who would like to plan a destination wedding there. Couples are able to book suppliers through the website and get free advice, checklists, tips and other resources.

To view the entire line, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraSimoneAccessories

Facebook fans in Trinidad and Tobago get FREE delivery!

Pieces are also available to be shipped to brides in the Caribbean

For further information and to receive an e-brochure, please write to zarasimone@trinidadweddings.com

Bridesmaid Dress Trends 2011

Here are some of the looks I’ve seen regarding bridesmaid dresses for this year:


Length


A predominance of shorter styles are being seen this year, so there have been more cocktail length dresses or the slightly longer tea-length look ; versus the longer dresses of the past.


Colours


Bold colours are popular now, such as: marigold yellow, violet, magenta, deep blues, grass green and emerald green. These vibrant colours are also balanced out with muted, soft colours in pale ice-blue, dusty violet, taupe, nude and charcoal


Fabric


Bridesmaid dresses this year mostly feature the usual silk, satin, lace, chiffon, crinkle chiffon and taffeta.


Style Details


Many dresses are being seen with:


• Pockets – creating a more casual feel, despite perhaps a floor-length or formal design


• Asymmetrical draping on the bodice ( this can give the illusion of a smaller waist!)


• Belts, sashes or fabric “cummerbunds” (pleated sashes)


• Architectural fabric details (intricate folds, cascades and pleats) combined with romantic elements such as lace and embroidery


• Draping that appears quite Grecian-inspired


• Bows and fabric petal and flower details


• Ruffled detailing


• Pleating


Necklines


• Cold shoulders


• More rounded sweetheart necklines


• Halter styles using pleated chiffon


• Strapless


• Ruffled necklines


• Bateau necklines (think Jackie Kennedy!)