New York Bridal Fashion Week, Spring 2019, Day 2

Good Morning from NYC! We are now coming up on day three of NYBFW – the days go so quickly here as we go from one end of the city to the other for the presentations and runway shows from bridal designers showing their newest SS 2020 collections. A few favorites were on the roster yesterday so I absolutely had to share!

First up was Francesca Miranda, who along with her two talented and beautiful daughters has a powerhouse of feminine, beautiful wedding and evening gowns. For this collection, Francesca was inspired by the old world whimsy and romance of masquerade, evident in the extravagant lashes included in the makeup looks and the bold colors, patterns and textures incorporated both in the evening wear and in the bridal collection.

Francesca did a really cool presentation versus a runway which means that models are in the gowns and in a setting that encourages photographs and allows you to spend some time really looking at the dresses.

Luckily for us, the first runway show immediately following Francesca Miranda was in the same building and so easy to get to! (Should out to Atelier PR for always producing such incredibly beautiful, organized and fluid presentations hour after hour here at NYBFW. Theirs is sort of my dream job for a day, and they do it so well.

Ok, back to the bridal – what was up next? BERTA! Arguably one of the most visually tantalizing brands within the bridal world, Berta is known for fearlessly, fiercely feminine looks that dare to plunge, slit, and sparkle unlike any other.

You can see from the photo of the media riser that this is one sought after show, I was really proud of my husband as he was the in house photographer for this legendary brand for two fashion weeks. His photos from this year are just spectacular! For an all-access look backstage at Berta, check out my personal blog.

After the incredible energy and sultry sparkle of Berta, we were off to another end of the city to catch up with the Vera Wang team. This is always such a treat for me – seeing these gowns up close and personal is always special, and this year I have tow incredibly special Vera Wang brides which made it even more personal this year. IT was such an incredible experience to walk into the studio and see Vera Wang herself sitting right in the middle of the presentations happening all around her. Such creativity, business sense and savvy. It was definitely a fangirl moment for me and one I won’t soon forget. We are not allowed to take any photos other than with phones, so I am attaching both what I took and their official photos as well.

After Vera and a quick coffee break, we headed to Amsale. Always so fresh clean and sweet this is a timeless collection of gowns. This year was inspired by the modern and effortless bride. The collection explores bold necklines with touches of floral feminine detailing. Clean, crisp faille and lustrous satin construct structured gowns with architectural lines. A stretch crepe creates breathtakingly simple gowns with signature illusion detailing. Modern laces add unexpected texture, while soft tulle skirts convey lightness. The collection is a true compliment for a fashion-forward bride.

Within the collection are a few specific lines worth noting – The Little White Dress collection creates a range of dressing options from trapeze silhouettes in faille, to off-the-shoulder tulle midi-dresses and draped long-sleeve crepe shifts for every occasion surrounding the bride’s wedding. Designed with signature sheer illusion detailing, graphic lace, clean crepe, and unexpected back details, the collection underlines the unmistakable Amsale aesthetic— classic but not ordinary.

Exploring modern sensuality, elegance and simplicity, the Spring 2020 collection plays with depth and dimension through unexpected volumes, layering and tiers. Dramatic draped faille ballgowns are presented alongside severe crepe sheaths. Highlighting Amsale’s signature interplay of opacity and sheerness, airy, textured skirts are anchored by clean tailored bodices. Luxurious textures are built with tonal embroideries, laser-cut petals and delicately hand-made organza flowers, creating a collection that is striking and couture.

And, my favorite – the Amsale x you, which come from the designer’s desire to collaborate with brides to create not just the perfect dress, but the perfect dress for her. The most celebrated couture dress designs from Amsale’s library are now accessible and have empowered brides to choose the elements that best reflect their personal style. Using a simple interactive tool, each bride will choose a bodice, skirt and optional belt from 3-D renderings and they have created a one of a kind piece from the archives of a fashion icon. Incredible!

Photo: Collin Pierson Photography

From Amsale, we headed towards the incredible Baccarat Hotel to enjoy a truly special experience that was a nod to how fashion houses premiered collections years ago; with a tea. The 2nd floor of the Baccarat holds the most magnificent cafe/restaurant and bar that are literally dripping with crystal, the reddest of roses always, and plus, decadent seating that welcomes you in and begs you never to leave. Believe me, I would be one happy girl hangin’ there forever!

Editors were treated to a formal tea complete with all the delicacies that come along with that while they waited for Ines Di Santo to premiere her newest collection. And there was the real treat. No one does feminine quite like Ines, she brings sultry confidence to the forefront of every one of her collections for the female who feels empowered by her curves and loves the skin she is in.

From Ines, “My inspiration this season lives in a fairytale dream. Our bride Ophelia spends time in a shimmering lunar garden filled with celestial wonder. She dances through branches with fluorescent blossoms. Ships sail in the clouds amongst the moon and the stars. Tiny woodland creatures and beautiful gold and silver twigs dance around her wrists and fingers…Sunrise brings with it gorgeous soft color and the dream leaves a trace of wonder she tucks in her memory.” – Ines Di Santo

Is there anything better than that? Stay tuned for more from NYBFW!