Fall 2011 | Houston Wedding Blog

Bridal Fall Preview 2011: Simone Carvalli

Va to the va to the voom. Maybe it’s the patent-pending “Magic Fit” construction (which takes 2 to 4 inches off the wearer’s waist), maybe it’s the brilliant crystal embellishments or luxurious fabrics. Whatever it is that makes Simone Carvalli gowns so darn glamorous, we are loving it. And the Simone Carvalli fall 2011 bridal collection is no exception…though it is utterly exceptional.

All the Simone Carvalli hallmarks—the incredible hourglass silhouettes, the show-stopping trains, the dazzling Swarovski details—show up in this fabulous collection, plus a few surprises, too, like a couple of sweet, sexy short styles, and a semi-sheer bodice. But really, the strength of the fall 2011 bridal collection lies in those hip-hugging, waist-nipping, figure-flattering trumpet and mermaid styles that have always been Simone Carvalli’s forte…and just happen to be on the fore of bridal fashion for 2011-2012 weddings.

For a closer look at Simone Carvalli gowns, check out Brickhouse Bridal in The Woodlands, and slip into something…spectacular.

Bridal Fall Preview 2011: Reem Acra

We can’t help but be captivated by Reem Acra’s fall 2011 “Picture Perfect” collection—another of our favorites from the recent New York bridal market. Inspired by “the leading ladies of iconic films … their strength of character stays with me,” as the designer told Weddings in Houston, speaking to us for an exclusive profile piece you’ll find in the upcoming January issue, Acra has created a filmography of bridal fashion with this collection.

Gowns include the deliriously romantic “Breakfast at Tiffanys,” with its contemporary fitted bodice and softly layered skirt, and the modern-mermaid-silhouetted “Pretty Woman,” featuring an exquisite halter neck and equally exquisite embroidery—a signature of Acra’s. Check out both gowns, on left and right above. We love how the designer accessorized models with cropped lace veils, some featuring oddly whimsical (but somehow sexy) animal ears. Along with sheer gloves and the palest-of-pink ribbon belts, the overall effect was mysterious and magical, and very, very beautiful.

Bridal Preview Fall 2011: Rivini

Whew. It’s been an exhilarating (read: kind of crazy) couple of months, what with working on soon-to-be-launched redesigns of the Weddings in Houston website and this here blog, not to mention putting together the big, beautiful, bursting-with-inspiration January print issue of Weddings in Houston.

Of course, in the midst of this delightful madness, the New York bridal market just wrapped, and we are so excited to treat you to a preview of our favorite fall 2011 collections, straight from the market runways.

So let’s just start with a bang shall we? Bridal couture darling Rivini staged its show at the Alvin Ailey Theater, home of the legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Which would have been cool enough. But then there were the gowns—oh, what gowns. Inspired by the French impressionist Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny, designer Rita Vinieris created a magnificently textured collection featuring extraordinary pleating, layering, tufting and draping—in other words, lots of working of fabric that somehow never looked overworked.

We checked in with Emily Sutton of Mia Bridal Couture for her take on the Rivini fall 2011 collection, and here’s what she told us: “Seeing these gowns on the runway whisks you away to [Monet’s gardens]. Rita manipulated the structural details to provide strong silhouettes with effortless movement.” Sutton says she loves how the collection’s bold lines “were softened by floral motifs and organic draping.”

Plus, we LOVE Rivini’s use of black and blingy belts, and chunky jewelry, as edgy counterpoints to these romantic gowns.

Check out our favorite designs from the Rivini collection—and check baclk over the next few weeks (or better yet subscribe to WIH and let US come to YOU) for more fall 2011 previews!