The Bold and the Beautiful: The Latest Looks in Bridal Fashion by Diana Estigarribia

   Today's trends in bridal gowns are all about you — your personal style, what kind of wedding you want to have. Whether it be ballgown, the ever-flattering A-line, or bias cut, today's designer's have a dress for you.

   Show Some Skin. At this year's runway shows, many designers decided to go bare. Some of the biggest names in gowns, such as Jessica McClintock, Amsale, and Galina debuted styles that were decidedly bare-iffic, with shoulders and arms on beautiful display. There were strapless dresses, with a full skirt for that Cinderalla look, or cut sexily close to the body for a more modern form. If you're thinking of a strapless or halter, then consider Diamond Collection. Designer Ada Athanassiou's creations feature mostly strapless gowns that place the emphasis on the bodice: gently weaved, beaded, or simple with demure jeweled straps.

   Body-Conscious. Designers are very body-conscious these days, with shape taking precedence. This is good news for any bride: most of these dresses have a slimming effect. The ever-popular A-line (also known as princess) is a long cut that draws the eye downwards, and often has a built-in train. This doesn't mean designers have abandoned the flowing, classic ingredients of traditional gowns — they still offer that "floating" full skirt, but cut to flatter the body. These gowns give an hourglass shape without sacrificing any of the full gown's romance.

   Embroidery and Lace. The two mainstays of bridal fashion never go out of style. Amsale, Eden Bridals, and Alfred Angelo were just a few examples of embroidery and beading in their 1999 shows. Alfred Angelo featured delicate beading on the bodice and backs of gowns, while Lazaro skipped the top part of the dress altogether and put the embroidery to work on the bottom half to create interest.

   Instant Gown Info. Magazines are the traditional way a bride begins her gown search, but why not look for a gown online? Most designers now have webpages, and a collection of name gowns can be found at the Bridal Showroom.com. And if you're wondering, "Will the gown of my dreams fit me right?" there's help to be found at Non Stop New York Weddings, which determines your body type and then suggests the dress type that is best for your figure.

   Hit the Runways! The latest fashions needn't remain a trade secret: bridal shows, which feature live runway presentations of the the current trends and designers, are the best way to view a variety of gowns. One of the biggest national events is The Great Bridal Expo (800-422-3976) which will travel to about 35 cities beginning in August. Spring collections will make their debuts in October 1999, so plan accordingly to your date.

SOURCES:

The Great Bridal Expo
www.greatbridalexpo.com
800-422-3976