Poughkeepsie Journal -Latest bridal fashions can be seen at local wedding shows this fall

Jackie DiMarzo 12:03 a.m. EDT October 19, 2014 Recent events such as the Grandview’s Autumn Wedding Show in Poughkeepsie and Diamond Mills Fall Wedding Expo in Saugerties in September gave local brides a chance to shop for wedding-day vendors such as photographers, DJs and florists. As an added bonus, they had an opportunity to view the latest in wedding fashions. Both shows featured gowns from Chamonix Bride in Rhinebeck. Chamonix Bride owner Heather Graham, who at press time was planning to head to New York City the following weekend to see the latest dress designs, said new this coming season are a lot of different necklines (high neck styles, plunging V-necks, and off-the-shoulder) and also, capelets, which are small capes that cover the shoulders during the ceremony and are removable later. The capelets are often made of lace, which seems to be the standout feature for all things bridal this season. “Local brides are loving lace,” Graham said. “Almost everyone wants something either all lace or a little bit of lace at the hemline or incorporated somewhere into the gown.” Designer Wtoo, a featured collection at Chamonix Bride, offers many dresses in the fabric. David Lopez, communications director for the line, said for the Fall 2014-Spring 2015 season, the Wtoo design team was inspired by legendary actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. “The bridal collection is composed of effortless, elegant silhouettes, from lady-like lace with carefully hand-crafted appliques to opulent contrasting beadwork,” Lopez said.

Tina Pomarico, owner of Lady Gray Bridal of Beacon, agreed. “The look is very romantic, and lace is very popular. It’s just very old-time Hollywood. That’s the way I explain it — very Audrey Hepburn,” she said. As for styles of dress, Pomarico said slim silhouettes that really hug the body are very popular and low backs seem to be a big trend for 2015 as well. “We’re seeing very interesting back treatments; whether it be a very deep low “V” or a deep illusion back,” Pomarico said. “We do a lot of fitted and flared out gowns, which are not as tight as a mermaid or trumpet gown, but something that’s a little fitted around your hips and a little fuller at the bottom,” Graham said. The color of the gown is also a nod toward vintage glamour. “The most popular colors today are ivory, champagne, vintage gold or a little hint of pink,” Pomarico said. “We’re not doing a lot of pure white, but the ivories are very light and absolutely beautiful. That, and probably the light gold, would be our No. 1 colors,” she said, adding that the dresses are often worn with a matching sash. “Sashes are very popular — whether they be just a plain, satin sash, or a beaded sash that would complement their gown,” Pomarico said.

Graham agreed. “Everyone likes belts and sashes because they add a little bit of sparkle and a little bit of something else going on, because that really personalizes the dress,” she said.

Sleeves make a comeback “There have been a lot of strapless dresses in the past, and we are getting requests for some kind of a sleeve,” Graham said. “We do offer custom designs, so we can customize a lot of the strapless dresses and create something different with a strap or cap sleeve. Our seamstress is very talented and very special to us,” Graham said. Pomarico agreed on the popularity of sleeves. “They’re really making a nice comeback — little cap sleeves, three-quarter sleeves and a little bit of an illusion sleeve. We had strapless for so many years. It’s nice to see keyhole backs and sweetheart necklines. Really beautiful looks,” she said. In addition to Wtoo, Graham also carries the designers Alvina Valenta and Marissa, among others. Pomarico said her No. 1 designer is Maggie Sottero. She carries a large selection of Maggie Sottero gowns. Veils complete the fairy tale Pomarico said, “Cathedral veils are very popular with our girls. It just fits that beautiful, romantic look. It extends the silhouette, right down to the train, so the girls love that look.”

Graham said she often sees long, lace cathedral veils chosen by brides who are having large church weddings, but many of her brides opt for a fingertip veil, because it’s just long and special enough, and not too cumbersome. Bridesmaids in pale pink “Soft pink is going to be a very big color — again just that timeless, classic look,” said Pomarico, as well as other soft pastels and neutral shades like champagne and taupe. “We’re still continuing to do pewter gray. It’s a very popular shade for us.” Graham added, “Bridesmaids’ dresses come in so many different colors. The trend we’re really seeing is the neutral colors like blush or nude, or anything pale — pale pink or blue.” Graham included two bridesmaid’s dresses by Designer BariJay in the show at the Grandview — one in a soft, pale blue, the other in a very pale, neutral green.

Both shop owners agreed that flexibility is key when dealing with large bridal parties. “The continuity would be in the fabric and the color when you have a large party. Brides are letting the girls choose a silhouette that will complement their figure and allow them to be comfortable,” said Pomarico. “It really depends on the bride,” Graham said. “The bride will pick one color and let their girls choose styles. That’s just really nice and comfortable for everybody.”

Here comes the flower girl Junior bridesmaids and flower girls are also often an important part of the wedding party. Pomarico said, “We do a tremendous amount of junior bridesmaids dresses — which are a silhouette that would be age-appropriate for a junior bridesmaid, but also complements the rest of the girls. It’s a great look.” Bari Jay, one of the lines carried at Chamonix Bride, offers junior bridesmaid dresses, which Graham often includes in her fashion shows at bridal expos. For flower girls, she carries the Us Angels line, including the Petal Dress, which includes petals that can be sprinkled into one layer of the double tulle overlay.

“They come in different colors and sizes with different colored petals, as well. Just really fun and cute and adorable if you have a little girl in the wedding,” Graham said. Jackie DiMarzo is a freelance writer. Reach her at newsroom@poughkeepsiejournal.com Upcoming bridal expos and wedding shows If you’re a bride-to-be and are interested in attending an upcoming wedding show or expo, the following two shows are scheduled in Dutchess County in November: • The Links at Unionvale, 153 North Parliman Road, LaGrangeville: What Brides Want (and Grooms too!). 6-9 p.m. Nov. 7. • Dutchess Golf Club, 2628 South Road, Poughkeepsie: Hudson Valley’s Luxe Bridal Expo. Noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 30. • The Garrison, 2015 Route 9, Garrison: 2015 Bridal Show followed by Wedding Party at the Highlands Country Club, 955 Route 9D, Garrison. Noon to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Fall Bridal October 2014 Dugan Radwin Niche Content Coordinator For advertising information, call retail advertising at 845-437-4770.