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Blog entries in "Fashion"
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Irish Designer Week: Mia Elmes
Mia Elmes is a bridal designer with an admiration for understated elegance. As part of Irish Designer Week she speaks to Karen Birney about the importance of accentuating a woman's curves, of loving the suppliers you choose, and of supporting the Irish designer industry.
Graduate of Ireland’s centre for fashion design, The Grafton Academy, and the prestigious London College of Art, Mia Elmes first arrived on the designer stage with her contemporary ready-to-wear collection for Topshop Designers in 2005.
She built on the success of her flagship store commissions by establishing herself as an evening and bridal designer and soon garnered a name for her romantic, tailor-made designs and bespoke service.
Jane Eyre
Her bridal collection consists of sumptuous silk chiffons, antique embellished lace and soft lines. Her inspiration, she says, came from the eldest of the Bronte sisters.
“My signature style would probably be flowing chiffons and silk satins with simple, elegant tailoring," says Mia. "The romantic time of Jane Eyre was a great influence on my collection, when women wore fine silks to create beautiful, delicate silhouettes.”
The silhouette or ‘fall’ of a garment is of particular interest to Mia as she endeavours to construct complimentary garments to suit every shape and style. It is a task perfectly accomplished in her most favoured gown of her collection.
“My favourite gown is a silk and chiffon gown,” says Mia. (above left) “For me it reflects the importance of flowing shapes to accentuate the waist and glide over the hips to create an elegant silhouette.”
“The dress is perfect for a destination or summer bride when accessorised with simple flowers and a diamond headpiece. For a winter bride it would look stunning with a fur shawl and red roses.”
Bartering
Mia says she has noticed a ‘considerable rise’ in brides consulting Irish bridal designers in recent years, which is a welcome trend for home-based talents.
“This rise in interest is because the bride prefers to have the control of seeing her gown being made along the way and can change any design features throughout the process,” she says.
Another reason she believes brides are opting to go directly to designers is because they can often be bartered with.
“Irish designers are always willing to add in another feature or item so that the client will get better value for money,” she says. “I think it is important to support the Irish industry as there is a huge amount of incredible talent right on our doorstep!”
When it comes to finding the perfect dress for the big day, Mia believes that having a gown that suits your chosen venue and type of wedding is important. “Try to imagine the overall theme of your wedding,” she advises. “Bring together elements of different gowns by gathering images from magazines and sites.”
“It is important that you like the people you will be working with to have your gown made,” she adds, “so research your options and take the time to visit different shops and designers.”
Upstyling
With a past experience in fashion houses such as Ted Baker, Mia obviously has her ear to the ground when it comes to new trends in the fashion industry. The recent rise in the popularity of swap shopping and upstyling has meant Mia’s customising service is proving a very popular aspect of her work.
This budget-friendly service is perfect for guests who have more than one wedding to attend in a year and don’t want to purchase more than one dress.
Mia Elmes Bridal Couture, 11 Lakelands road, Upper Kilmacud road, Stillorgan, Dublin
To make an appointment with Mia, email [email protected] or phone 0861671523
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Irish Designer Week: Sarah Foy Designs
Sarah Foy is a home-grown talent. At Sarah Foy Designs she crafts fresh and exclusive bridal designs dreamed up and created in her personal studio in Clontarf, Dublin. As part of Irish Designer Week, WeddingsOnline editor Karen Birney speaks to Sarah about her influences and methods and why she thinks the future of the Irish design industry is in the hands of the designers themselves.
Sarah Foy's work has long been influenced by her years of travel, her immersion in the wider fashion industry and her experience elegantly dressing women in all their many forms. Her hand-made, one-of-a-kind, often eco-friendly gowns are born of a desire to create something timeless and familiar, yet fresh and distinctive.
“Simple, soft, feminine silhouettes really inspire my work,” she says. “I love designing pieces that at their core are elegant, but ultimately unique in some detail,”
This year, Sarah is looking to the laid-back glamour and elegant simplicity of the roaring 20s for inspiration.
“I have been influenced a lot this year by 1920s glamour,” she says, noting a penchant for liquid satins and detailed embellished pieces. “The effortless sophistication of that era really works well in bridal and evening wear.”
Sarah’s unique designs are a process, one that she strives to make exciting and pleasant for both her client and for herself.
At her little-piece-of-bridal-paradise in Clontarf, Sarah holds private one-to-one consultations where she invites brides to share their individual style, ideas, hopes and expectations.
A Partnership
The entire process is a partnership, a joint venture between bride and designer, where the bride's ideas are encouraged, her mind opened, and in the end, her dreams made real.
From the initial sketches, design selections and mock ups, to adjustments, fabric selections and final fittings, Sarah thoroughly examines the fit of the garment, so you feel flawless and confident when it comes to your moment to shine.
“We dress brides to suit their shape, style and personality,” says Sarah. “This makes one of the most important aspects of any bride's wedding day also one of the most enjoyable. “
When the cut is finalised, those extra delicate details are added in the form of individually covered buttons, hand beading and intricate lace embellishments. “We create a unique piece for each client,” she says, “spending time on the small details and always trying to consider the overall look for the day rather than just the dress we create,” says Sarah.
Sarah’s personal wedding service doesn’t stop there, she also designs for mother of the bride, bridesmaids and flower girls. What better person to entrust your mother and best friend to than another woman who knows you style intimately and will be with you every step of the way? "These outfits and dresses are all created to blend with the overall look of your wedding,” she says.
Buying Irish
“The bride’s focus should firstly be finding the dress for her,” Sarah replies when asked if a bride should consider buying Irish designs. “If that dress is Irish made then it is an added bonus."
Sarah believes the future of the Irish design industry however is in the hands of the industry members themselves. “I think as Irish designers, we need to ensure that customer service and high quality standards co-exist with the most innovative Irish designs,” she says.
To make an appointment with Sarah, phone 086 1780220 or email [email protected]
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Irish Designer Week: Edel Ramberg Millinery
By Amy Croffey
Edel Ramberg Designs is an Irish label based in Galway, specialising in hats and headpieces.
Edel started to make bespoke bridal headpieces a few months after she was approached by a bride who was looking for an alternative to a veil.
“My headpieces are another option for people who don't feel that the traditional veil suits their dress or personality,” says Edel. “The bridal headpiece is something unique to them that they often help me to design and can wear again and again!”
Edel’s collections are all ready-to-wear headpieces but her bridal range needs to be pre-ordered. She has a range of samples and shapes in her studio and creates a bridal pieces using the client’s head, face and dress for inspiration.
Pillbox
“If a dress is quite vintage in style I work from there or if something is very fitted and 'Jackie-O' in cut we may try a pillbox base. It’s always down to the mood the dress creates,” she adds.
She would describe her designs as individual and sculptural, she is not into “fussy” pieces with loads of feathers and veiling.
“I would rather stay true to my style and keep things clean and chic. I like to embellish with quality materials, such as Swarovski and lace, rather than a mix of feathers and beads. It’s more about elegance and quality for me, rather than overkill," says Edel.
For wedding guests her collections are typically bought by women ranging in ages 30-60. Her bridal customers are typically in their twenties to early thirties and are looking for something special, unique and something that will compliment their face, shape and dress.
Overall look
“My clients are usually ladies who know their style and are keen to create something to finish off their overall look,” says Edel.
Edel’s advice to brides-to-be who are trying to find the ‘perfect’ style for their wedding day is to never bring too many people shopping for the veil or headpiece.
“I have seen brides in tears over varied opinions. You have to wear it on the day so you have to love it,” she says. “You should also be 100% sure about the piece, as it is something that will be in your wedding album for years. You need to be sure it doesn't hide too much of your face and that it highlights all your best features!”
Images by Richie StokesEdel believes it is always great to buy Irish but especially so with bridal fashion.
“It’s fantastic to get the support of Irish women as weddings are such a big tradition here. One bridal headpiece can often lead to several ladies getting in touch for their big day, which is great for any business as the knock-on effect can mean recommendations for local salons, make-up artists etc,” she says.
Edel admits the choice is not always there when trying to source certain products so people are often forced to look outside of Ireland for selections and price. However, she thinks now more than ever people can personally get in touch with designers to see what other options are available to them.
Materials for headpieces are mostly manufactured in the Czech Republic, France or other parts of Europe but rather than going to these suppliers directly for a small order, Edel tries to source from suppliers here.“I always feel it’s better to support a small local supplier rather than buying from elsewhere paying VAT and in some cases exchange rates,” she adds.
Email Edel Ramberg at [email protected] or call 00 353 86 837 6084.
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The Goddess Room - Vintage at the Cutting Edge of Fashion
By Karen Birney
As you have probably gathered already, we are HUGE fans of all that is true vintage and are known to pine over the intricate embroidery, lavish laces, striking structures and the delicate beading of often one-off, hand-made, pre-70s pieces. We are also aware that the words 'vintage' and 'couture' are a tad overused when it comes to bridal fashion and style (two very different concepts.) Except, unmistakably, when it comes to The Goddess Room.
"The aim of the Goddess Room," says owner Marie Therese Duggan, "is to seek out stylish, classic, one-off vintage wedding gowns for the contemporary bride at a reasonable price. The quality of the fabrics, usually silks satins and laces are exquisite and of far superior quality than those available to most brides today...I love the workmanship and craft displayed in each and every gown."
If the thoughts of 20s Chanel is a little intimidating to some fair weathered fashionistas, remember that vintage couture is not just for the ultra-fashionable. “Any bride can find a dress to suit them,” says Marie. “Vintage clothing is a winner for all body shapes because the clothes were made to flatter the female form, it was the first and most essential job a garment had to do.”
If you fall in love with a gown that doesn’t hug you in all the right places however, don’t fret, Marie offers a couture service and designs to your personal specifications.
Prices for gowns at The Goddess Room range from €350 to €3,500.
The Goddess Room's latest video Vintage at the Cutting Edge of Fashion showcases their latest evening, bridal and day wear. Check it out below.
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Colour Palette: Yellow & Grey
Grey and yellow is a wedding colour theme that you'll be seeing a lot more of in 2012! It's fresh, modern and chic and is particularly perfect for a spring and summer wedding. This palette works well with almost any location and is easy to achieve using variations of yellows, greys and silvers.
| Bow tie: Handmade by Emy on Etsy €28 | Dress with brooches: Jose Villa | Bunting: Stitch in Netka on Etsy €26 | Shoe: Louboutins | Cake and macaroon images: Jose Villa | Dress: M&S | Couple in a field: Leila Brewster | Grey bridesmaid: Jennifer Eileen | Necklace: Monsoon €39 |
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Top Five Backless Wedding Dresses for 2012!
If you're looking for a wedding dress that's a bit different, a bit wow, a bit out there and very on-trend for 2012, consider a backless gown! Perfect for the bride who wants a show-stopper and who is not afraid of showing off some skin.
If it all seems a bit daunting, try a dress with sleeves or with a lace back for some extra cover. Whatever style you choose, you are sure to turn heads in the glamourous gown! Compiled by Amy Croffey
Claire Pettibone available from Myrtle Ivory
Jenny Packham available from Memories - The Bridal Boutique in Dublin and Cork
Jim Hjelm available from La boda bridal, Tracy Bridal, Marie McElheron Bridal Designer
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*A WOL Christmas Wish*
Happy Holidays to all our Wollies!
2011 was a great year for us, like everyone else we had our ups and downs, but they were mainly ups thanks to you!
Here’s hoping that 2012 will be filled with happiness, laughter, prosperity and most importantly and aptly, love for you all.
Best wishes,
The WeddingsOnline Team x
Image: Emily Johnson Anderson
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Have Yourself a Merry Vintage Wedding...
Wonderful winter weddings are all the rage this time of year, so to make yours stand out from the crowd try something a little different like a vintage winter theme! The best thing is this wedding look is chic and beautiful and you can never, ever go wrong with chic and beautiful. Compiled by Amy Croffey.
Wedding sign - Confetti.co.uk | Table setting by Jenny Haas Photo | Shoes in the snow by Camilla Photography | Shoe clips - B Poetic at Etsy | Miss Dior Perfume by Christian Dior | Earrings - Confetti.co.uk | Sequin dress - River Island | Corset - Agent Provocateur | Nude shoes - Office | Speech image by Studio 33 Weddings | Nail varnish - Chanel | Wedding dress by Monique Lhullier | Wreath - Debenhams | Banner - The Ruffled Word at Etsy | Bride with gift by Camilla Photography | Tulle dress by Modcloth |
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Twilight Wedding Dress Replica Out Now!
Belleza Bridal announced yesterday that it will be an exclusive stockists of the Alfred Angelo replica of the dress worn by Bella when she marries love interest Edward in this year's Twilight: Breaking Dawn. The original, designed by Carolina Hererra was designed to "reflect the personality and style of the bride." Herrera told Vogue.co.uk, "Bella's dress is romantic and filled with a timeless sophistication, very similar to the character. In a way, this dress served as a symbol of the character's coming of age and introduction into womanhood."
The Alfred Angelo replica is made from satin sheath and lace applique, and the full-length sleeves, v-neck and classic silhouette create a timeless style while the cut-out illusion back and button detail adds a little sensuality to the gown.
To make an appointment to try on the dress, click here.
{Twilight Wedding Inspiration}
Clockwise from top left: Christina Brosnan | Braedon Photography | We are the Mastersons Make-up by Glamour by Dawn, glamourbydawn.com | DecoModWalls at Etsy.com | Photo by We are the Mastersons, bouquet by The French Touch | Hair image via WantthatWedding.co.uk -
How to: Accessorise your Bridesmaid's Red Dress
It's Bridesmaid Week on WeddingsOnline.ie and we're picking some of our favourite looks for a winter wedding! On Tuesday we featured our favourite red and cranberry bridesmaid dresses, both designer and high street, and now we're showing you how to style the colour!
The gals in WeddingsOnline HQ are mad for a bit of leopard print, not to mention faux fur, so we've added a touch of animal to accessorize our fave red dress this season. FIERCE. Leopard print really compliments bright red, but don't go overboard if you're not into the Cat Slater look, a clutch (below, Karen Millen) is a great way to add a hint while keeping it classy. Diamont�s (bracelet from Coast) and fur (cropped jacket, Karen Millen) are Christmas staples, so it would be an awful shame not to bling your bridesmaids up with a little of both!
Finish the look off with a red lip, some Louboutins (or similar!) and a gorgeous brooch bouquet. Divine.
PS Will work as well for guests or for a party outfit, just maybe give the bouquet a miss.
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The English Department by Elizabeth Dye 2012
The English Department is a boutique based in Oregon which showcases the oh-so-sweet creations of acclaimed designer and owner Elizabeth Dye (it also houses dresses and accessories from Jenny Yoo, Nicole Miller and Twigs & Honey to name but a few). However you don't have to fly across the waters to get your hands on one of Elizabeth's gowns, as she is housed in the homemade-lovers dream website Etsy.com.
Where is The English Department available from?
The English Department is available fromEtsy,com/shop/Englishdept
What is the price range of Elizabeth Dye at The English Department?
Dresses range from $900-$2000
Left: Oyster & Pearls Short, $1,350 | Right: Ghost, $1,000
Left: Circa, $1,650 | Right: Tempest, $1,500
Left: Emily, $1,550 | Right: Honeychurch, $1,200
Left: Giselle, $900 | Right: Beatrix, $1,250
Left: Tea/Blush, $2,400 | Right: Alabaster $1,250
Left: Miss Bianca, $1,800 | Right: Oyster & Pearls Long, $1,650 -
Blue Wedding Shoes
Blue wedding shoes are a sassy way of adding some colour to your wedding attire, and are a perfect way to include your 'something blue'. Check out some of our favourite blue shoes from The Brown Thomas Shoe Rooms, Schuh and Topshop. Would you wear blue shoes on your wedding day? Tell us by leaving a comment below!
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Covering up with Cardigans
Cardigans are a pretty way of keeping out the cold during the autumn/winter months. Try a bold colour to make a fun and feminine statement on your big day, matching the colour to your bouquet and his buttonhole. By Karen Birney
Clockwise from top left: Photo by Adrienne Gunde via PerfectBoundBlog.com | Photo by Rebecca Hansen via InspiredbyThis.com | Photo by Christina Brosnan, Brosnan Photographic | Photo by Anne Hamilton
Wearing a short, waist-legth cardigan over the shoulders is very 50s, and very lady-like (coowee!). To go the full hog wear a diamond or pearl clasp to hold the collar together. If you're going for a colourful cardie however, keep the detail to a minimum, you don't want the cardigan to overshadow your dress! Some pearl buttons would give it a glamorous edge but keep it simple!
Left: Photo by Braedon Photography | Right: Photo via FortheLoveofSkinny
If you are wearing a sheath dress, your cardigan can be a little longer, but your best option is to keep it to the waist if you are wearing a traditional dress. If your dress is a-line you could get away with ballerina-style wrap around (see above).Get the look -Brides in Cardigans
Top row, l-r: Topshop �38 | Savida at Dunnes | AWear €26.25 | Bottom row, l-r Topshop �42 | Topshop �46
Green Cardigan, AWear €16.50 | Yellow Cardigan, Penneys €14 | Purple Cardigan, Dunnes | Pink Cardigan, Topshop €20 | Blue Cardigan, People Tree �125Related Content
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Mismatching Bridesmaids: How to
Clockwise from top left: Erin Heart Court Photography | Elizabeth Anne Designs | Todd Pellowe via Weddingbeauty.com | Jose VillaBy Karen Birney
We love any wedding where you can see and feel the personality of individuals shine through. And that doesn't just go for the bride and groom! Sometimes dressing your bridesmaids feels like more hassle than it's worth; if they don't like the colour of the dress, they don't like the style, or if in fact you just can't get them to even look at one to choose! That's why mismatching bridesmaids is such a welcome trend in the wedding world -anything that hacks off a little bit of stress is, in our opinion, a good thing.
Now, you may get a bit panicky about letting your bridesmaids loose and them turning up in a purple PVC bustier and skirt (if that's not the look you're going for of course) but the trick is too give them a bit of guidance, whether that be through pictures, swatches, or by leaving recordings of your voice saying 'below the knee, below the knee' over and over under their pillow (maybe don't try that last one).
Decide on whether you want to go: casual, semi-casual, or dressy. Pick a colour scheme: nudes, pastels, or strong vibrant colours, browns and creams, navies and yellows. See below for a few of our ideas.
Get the Look
1 Asos.com, €78.27 2 Asos.com, €26.09 3 Asos.com, €84.79
1 Oasis, €75 2 Oasis €81 3 Coast, €250 4 Coast, €235
1 Coast, €230 2 Coast, €188 3 Coast, €175 4 Jim Hjelm available from Marie McElheron Designs (Please check for availabilty)Related Content
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Bring me some Bling
Photo by Elizabeth Messina for Twigs and Honey
By Karen BirneyIt's no secret that we love our bling here in WeddingsOnline HQ, and sure what would a wedding be without a bit of it? There are plenty of ways to add some sparkle to your wedding wear, whether it comes from rhinestones or diamontes, sequins or Swarovski. And it doesn't just have to be on your bodice. Headpieces, cuffs, shoes, bouquets and even your candles could don some extra bling, just have a look at a few of our selections below! And stay tuned this week because we have a blingtastic DIY project coming up!
Headpieces
Left-Right: Top image Vintage Vine Royal by Harmione Harbutt | Bottom Image Twings & Honey, Myrakim on Etsy | Jenny Packham Acaica III | Johanna JohnsonShoe Clips
Main image by Shaun FlaniganClockwise from left: Finkshop | Kirsten Kuehn Designs | Past Splendors
Bridal Sashes
All from Kirsten Kuehn DesignsCuffs
From left: Johanna Johnson | Jenny Packham | Lovely Ever After via EtsyAccessories
Kirsten Kuehn Designs{Get the look}
All from JewelleryShopOnline
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