Is Black the New White?

You will never imagine my surprise when Vera Wang recently debuted her Fall 2012 Bridal Collection at New York’s Bridal Fashion Week and 9 of the gowns were BLACK.  Yep, you read correctly – black!  Seems Ms. Vera has yielded unto her dark side with a fascinating collection of her signature tulle, silk, organza and chiffon dresses in shades of jet black, nude and caramel.  Is it possible that the traditional innocence of ivory wedding gowns is being put to rest by its sinister sister?  She’s definitely just as beautiful and elegant but also mysterious.  Take a look at some of the dresses from the collection and then tell us, would you wear a black dress on your wedding day?

{all photos provided courtesy of onsugar.com}

Vera Wang Spring/Summer 2012 Wedding Gown Collection

Not too long ago I posted Fall 2011 White by Vera  Wang’s Collection which was an absolutely ethereal display of flowy fabrics by my favorite designer, Vera Wang (I’m sure you already knew that).  Well…my, my, my! I just got wind of the 2012 Signature Vera Wang Wedding Gown Collection and I. AM. SPEECHLESS.  Well, except to scream aloud…I WANT ONE!!!  Please.

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Photo credits: fashionesse.com

Introducing the Fall 2011 White by Vera Wang Collection!

If you’ve been following Behind the Veil, Beyond the Vows, then I don’t have to tell you that I am a TOTAL FAN of all things Vera!!  After Vera Wang’s very beautiful debut of White by Vera Wang earlier this spring, she’s back with the Fall 2011 Bridal Collection which has expanded to include not only seven new wedding gown styles but also bridesmaids dresses, shoes and delicate accessories.  Prices remain (more than) budget-friendly, with gowns ranging between $600-$1200, bridesmaids dresses priced under $200 and shoes priced under $100.

The White by Vera Wang Collection is available starting today at select David’s Bridal locations nationwide.  Be the first to make an appointment to see these beauties up close and personally!

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Photo credits: verawang.com

The Traditionalist Barbie by Vera Wang

Vera Wang elegantly designs wedding gowns that allow brides to express their individuality. Now, through a unique collaboration, that uniqueness goes even further – with a new personalization feature for Vera’s third and final Barbie® Collector bridal doll!

Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® Doll captures the luxury, impeccable detailing, and superior workmanship that define Vera Wang. Based on the celebrated Dovima gown, it features a flattering strapless bodice and mermaid-style waist, flowering into a full skirt. The watercolor pattern on the tulle overskirt is playful and sophisticated, reflecting the designer’s signature approach to bridal couture.

This Gold Label® doll is available for purchase beginning 4/14/11 at 11:00am CDT in the online shop* (details below), with delivery in July 2011. No more than 2,500 total dolls will be made worldwide, but only 1,000 of those will be available for purchase in the online shop** (details below).

To make this treasured gift even more special, BarbieCollector.com is proud to announce its first-ever personalization program! When you purchase Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® doll from the online shop, you can choose the Vera Wang monogram for the package, or you can personalize the package with one letter-pressed monogram initial applied to the front of the doll box, at no additional charge.

Like the bride or bride-to-be, this doll is the perfect reflection of a woman with effortless elegance, timeless beauty, and innate poise. For wedding or anniversary, Vera’s design makes for a timeless gift. Order now, and get Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® doll to the chapel on time!

* The opportunity to purchase Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® doll for $159.95 plus S&P for July 2011 delivery begins 4/14/11 at 11:00am CDT and ends 5/16/11 at 11:59pm CDT in the online shop.

** Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® doll is a Gold Label® doll, and no more than 2,500 dolls will be available worldwide. Of those, no more than 1,000 dolls will be available for purchase in the online shop, with your choice of Vera Wang monogram packaging or letter-press personalization packaging. Limit three (3) dolls per order.

{photos and information credit: barbiecollector.com}

Destination Decadence…Hawaii

I’m going to let you in on a little secret…I LOVE VERA WANG!  So much so that the very next time I am in Hawaii and feel like an unjustifiable splurge, I’m checking into the Vera Wang Suite at Halekulani.  Better yet…

Dear Future Husband,

I will love you even more if you surprise me with this as the destination for our honeymoon and/or anniversary.

Your loving future wife,

Me

Here’s why… this one bedroom suite features 2,135 sq. ft. of interior space, plus a 642 sq. ft. Oceanside lanai [a low-slung Hawaiian beach house with an open-sidedlanai to catch the tropical breezes], all of which is personally designed by Ms. Wang and adorned throughout with various décor hand-selected from her new home, gift, bath and accessories collections, as well as rare furnishings from Hawaii, the Pacific and Asia. Spectacular views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head are the focus of every room throughout the suite and from their luxurious master bedroom and expansive lanai overlooking the beach, guests may witness the moon rising over Diamond Head in the syrupy night sky.  Now…that’s sexy!

No detail is overlooked or untouched by Ms. Wang – she collaborated with Halekulani’s in-house master florist to create original arrangements of her favorite tropical flowers throughout the suite. The dining room, set with classic Vera Wang china and glassware produced exclusively by Wedgwood, accommodates an intimate dinner for two or a gala dinner for six. State-of-the-art SONY electronics, including a 50-inch plasma flatscreen television with DVD/CD entertainment center, are found throughout the living and bedroom areas.  And as if that isn’t enough, here’s just a taste of what else you can expect:

  • Vera Wang Suite guests will be chauffeured to and from the airport in a private limousine
  • Welcome amenity of French Champagne and amuses bouche
  • Selection of Vera Wang Fragrances, Body Lotion and Powder
  • Private Butler Service
  • Signature cocktail menu, designed by Dale DeGroff and Vera Wang
  • “Vera’s favorites” inspired movie library
  • VIP passes and services to the Honolulu Symphony, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum, The Contemporary Museum and Iolani Palace
  • In-bed, ‘Diamond Head Breakfast’ experience

This type of luxuriation can be yours for the low-low price of  $5000/night.  Hey, you only live once so shouldn’t it be about quality…not quantity?

AND, in my humble opinion, it doesn’t get much more quality than Vera!!

For a complete list of amenities, check out the fact sheet.

All images courtesy of http://www.halekulani.com/.

A Weekend of Celebrity Weddings

The last weekend of July went out with a bang with some of biggest names in entertainment finally saying I do and Vera Wang sweeping the “Most Brides Donning a Fabulous Gown” award!

courtesy of examiner.com

Chelsea Clinton says “I Do” to Marc Mezvinsky at the very historic Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, NY
Not only did Chelsea double-dress herself in Vera Wang, wearing an ivory strapless gown for the interfaith ceremony and a silk tulle cross-back Grecian gown for the reception, but Vera was also the creative inspiration and designer for the bridesmaids dresses.

  • Officiated by Rabbi James Ponet
  • Besides having the former President of the United States walk her down the aisle, her very high profile guest list included THE Vera Wang (Yes! We know she was not THE MOST high profile guest but sorry, we LOVE her…no one else really matters).
  • Estimated price tag: $5M dollars…now there’s a PLATINUM wedding.

courtesy of popeater.com

Alicia Keys says “I Do” to Kaseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean in Corsica, France
Grecian inspired dresses were predicted to be one of 2010’s wedding dress trends so it’s only apropos that Alicia decided to adorn her baby bump in a beautiful ivory gown designed by none other than…Vera Wang.

  • Officiated by Deepak Chopra
  • Guest List included Bono and Queen Latifah

courtesy of tmz.com

Tameka “Tiny” Cottle says “I Do” to Clifford “T.I” Harris on Star Island in Miami, FL

Because I was raised to just say nothing in situations where there’s nothing good to say, I am refraining from saying much about Tiny’s strapless ivory gown designed by Valentino. Okay, just one little comment/question…if she had a wedding planner WHY didn’t they recommend a different dress? Not that it’s bad but it’s not screaming “Here Comes the Beautiful Blushing Bride” to me. Moving on…

  • Officiated by former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young
  • All of the “A”; including Usher Raymond, Jermaine Dupri, TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, Bow Wow, Nelly, Ashanti, and Trina; descended upon Miami to help the couple celebrate their long-anticipated nuptials.

courtesy of popeater.com

Kimberly Brock says “I Do” to James Van der Beek in Tel Aviv
This wedding was probably the most overshadowed by the Clinton/Mezvinsky wedding as we couldn’t find one interesting detail, or picture, about it outside of news that Kimberly wore a Shareen Vintage dress. BOR-ING! Oh wait, like Key’s she’s pregnant!

So final tally:

  • VERA WANG:2 +all of Chelsea’s Bridesmaids dresses
  • VALENTINO: 1
  • New Wedding Accessory: Baby bump (Oh, how I hope this isn’t the new trend!!)

courtesy of eonline.com

Weddings to watch
Tamera Mowry, twin sister of Tia Mowry, is engaged (AGAIN) and this time she’s scheduled to wed Fox News correspondent Adam Housley in May 2011.

Congratulations to all of the Couples!! What wedding were you most anticipating? And now that the big day has passed, which one left you teary-eyed and awestruck?