24 Mar Spring Bridal Show 2014 {Charleston Fashion Week}
Whew. We are still reeling from the copious amounts of gorgeous gowns that walked down the runway for Charleston Weddings Magazine’s Spring Bridal Show this weekend. From modest necklines and long sleeves to dramatic statements—one super-short cropped top (scandalous!) paired with a full skirt, and a full-length gown that went shortie in seconds with a simple tug at the tulle overskirt—we were in awe of both the classic shapes and new trends displayed.
The show began with Emerging Bridal Designer Winner Kendra Barnes and her fun and flirty collection, Kendra Christine. From long gowns to shorties and separates, each piece the Dayton, Ohio resident sent down the runway was unique. If you love dimension and texture, then you’ll love what Kendra created.
Next, our local loves White, Modern Trousseau, LulaKate, and Gown Boutique of Charleston graced us with their newest treasures. White showed several new Jenny Packham beaded numbers along with ruffled Hayley Paige gowns, beauties from Anne Barge and some Amsale pieces as well. (One of our favorite parts of the White show was getting to see the models wearing headpieces by Treats for Tresses, one of our dearest TWR vendors.) Next, Modern Trousseau wowed us with their latest collection which designer Callie Tien said “will make brides feel beautiful, confident, and sexy.” French alençon lace, Thai silk, and Italian sequined fabric were just a few of the luxe materials she used to create her feminine and couture gowns— pure eye candy.
LulaKate, one of our locally based designers, showed off more of her signature shorties, perfect for rehearsal dinners and departure dresses. With hints of lavender, texture galore, and the preppy-vintage vibe that her gowns always exude, the LulaKate collection put smiles on every face in the tent. Last of the locals was Gown Boutique of Charleston who shared a stunning showcase of familiar favorites like Jim Hjelm and Pronovias, but also boasted an entirely new repertoire of designers such as Isabelle Armstrong and Liancarlo. Full of sensuous sheer backs, detailed bead work, and exquisite lace, the collection amazed—especially when the final dress switched from a full-length gown to a shortie as the model spun away from the photo pit.
Next came North Carolina’s Whitney Deal, the show’s Featured Up-and-Coming Designer (and former Ermering Bridal Designer Finalist) whose collection was inspired by “morning in the wilderness,” she says. Her soft, feminine, and delicate gowns filled the flower-strewn tent with a Midsummer Night’s Dream atmosphere.
The show wrapped with Featured Style Icon Mark Ingram (who has an Upper East Side address but Charleston roots) and a hand-picked selection of couture gowns from his New York boutique. Adorned with floral hair accessories handmade by the hair and makeup team that very morning, Mark’s models looked regal in gowns from master designers such as Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Naeem Khan, and more. Closing out his show—and the day—was “Tchaikovsky” by Peter Langner, a dusty pink gown with a jagged tulle ball gown skirt that inspired the crowd into applause.
Tomorrow, stop by for a peek at the stunning settings and more!
Photographer: Side Yard Studios
Presenters: Kendra Christine, White, Modern Trousseau, Gown Boutique of Charleston
LulaKate, Whitney Deal, and Mark Ingram
