Dispatch from the Designer:  Aimeé Lauren

Aimeé Lauren, a former New York fashion stylist and a couture wedding dress designer based in Woodbridge, VA, gives us her take on what today’s chic bride is looking for in a wedding dress. In addition to a simpler, more architectural line to the dress, here are her other tips for high-style:

Strapless is not the Only Choice
Necklines and Backs – I always tell my clients to keep an open mind when they are out there looking for a dress or starting with a custom design. There is so much out there other than strapless.  I’ve designed gowns for brides with an off-the shoulder neckline, a scoop back, a modified racer back, and many different necklines–some plunging, some halters. Many women gravitate toward strapless for the traditional elegance factor but your body type, muscle tone, posture, and personal style should dictate your choice, and what you want the gown to say about you. Elegance is the aura you bring to the gown.

Color Me Beautiful
Colors: There is more color in wedding dresses now and I think it is wonderful. Whether its a subtle pink underlay of silk or a colored sash, color can personalize as well as symbolize this special day that so many will be sharing with you. We live in color and it triggers emotions and memories, don’t be afraid to embrace a dash of it (or more). There are many shades of white and don’t be afraid to ask the shop or designer which is best for your skin tone and if the gown is available in other shades of white.

Save it for Later
Extras: I can’t tell you how many times I have had girls tell me “I did not want to take my dress off EVER” or ask me “Can we cut the bottom off, so I can at least wear it again?” Well, the answers are as follows: you have to take your dress off at some point, and no, I will not butcher it so you may wear it again.   In my new collection, I’ve included many extras that can be worn again and again. Modified obi sashes, mini “corselettes” as well as reversible shrugs and hoodies. That beautiful hand-embroidered shrug you wore with your wedding gown paired with those jeans that cost you way too much (but were worth every penny), and fabulous Manolos is just one way to celebrate your first anniversary.

Love your Mother
Organic and eco-conscious fabrics: Just like in life, today’s girl is conscious of the environment and on her influence as a consumer. Brides ask their wedding planners to use recycled paper for their invitations, ask their caterers to include organic produce and chocolate in their menus, and design favors that are not harmful to the environment. This translates in the dress design with requests for peace silk (luxurious silk that doesn’t harm the silk worm) to organic and natural stones and crystals in the bead work in lieu of plastics.  All of the gowns in the Aimee Lauren collection use Fair Trade fabrics and whenever possible, peace silk is used as well. None of the bead work or embellishments are made with work from tiny hands (child labor), and I never use plastic beads or sequins, which can yellow over time.

The most important thing about great style is to be confident. You will be beautiful on this day no matter what because love is what got you here. So don’t stress too much about the dress. Work with a good designer or an experienced salon with excellent personal service and attention to detail and enjoy this amazing time.

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