RACHEL LEONARD ASKS HER 3 BIG QUESTIONS OF EVERY MARKET TO OUR TOP RETAILER MEMBERS.

LOVELY BRIDE

1)  What were some of your favorite collections?

We had the treat of our annual ‘Rue De Seine’ Market appointment and per usual, that design team breaks the mold of what bridal should be. It was incredible. They don’t share photos until the dresses are available for brides (which we think is brilliant), so you’ll have to trust me that it was brilliant. 

2) Did you find a shift in the bridal market trends this season?

I wouldn’t call it a shift, but more of an evolution to small details focused on the fit of a gown - such as square necklines or interesting sweetheart shapes. Designers are finding ways to make simplicity sexy. 

3)  What new trends do you plan to buy for your store?

We picked up Jenny by Jenny Yoo, which had beautiful takes on the cool girls ballgowns. The gowns were refined and effortless. It will be in all Lovely Bride shops this fall! 

KLEINFELD BRIDAL

1)  What were some of your favorite collections?

We weren’t seeing a lot of new designers until we stepped into the Australian world at “the one day at a time show.” We saw many refreshing new and young designers. One that stood out was a designer from Melbourne, Jane Hill. Her dresses were light, young and feminine. We are excited to add her to our existing brands.

2) What are your customers asking for?

Our brides have been asking us for dresses with sleeves.  To our surprise we saw lots of gowns with sleeves - not necessarily long sleeves, but tank tops, ballerina necklines with spaghetti straps and cap sleeves. We saw a lot less long illusion sleeves with appliqués and more clean lines. 

3)  What new trends do you plan to buy for your store?

The trends we plan to buy include dresses with simple, modern and clean lines made of mikado and faile and adorned with back details, such as bows and Watteau trains. Additionally we saw more embroideries and three-demential flowers, as opposed to all over lace.

BOCA RATON BRIDAL

1)  What were some of your favorite collections?

By far our two favorite collections were Mira Zwillinger and Peter Langner.  We are always getting requests for Mira Zwillinger gowns with beading and she finally delivered this season. The veils were fabulous as well and Peter Langner is always one of our favorites because his designs and attention to detail are like no other designers. He had some exquisite fabrications this season and fabulous details to his gowns.

2) What were the biggest shift in trends this season?

We saw a lot of metallics this season, which we love, as well as 3-D elements and bows of all sizes. The biggest shift we saw was to the grand ballgown and throwback looks to 10-15 years ago. They are shifting away from sheer backs with lots of details, which has been completely overdone at this point by everyone. Designs looked cleaner and more classic.

3)  What new trends do you plan to buy for your store?

We definitely plan to  buy a few of the grand ballgowns as well as gowns with 3-D elements and unique embroidery.

SPINA BRIDE

1)  What were some of your favorite collections?

During this years bridal market, we were able to meet with some exciting new talent. We are always looking for emerging designers who are not represented here in the tri-state area. One collection that really stood out is Eisen Stein from Israel, their dreamy gowns are delicate and ethereal with a great attention to detail. They are super light and absolutely beautiful!

2) What are your customers asking for?

Our customers are always wanting something new, styles that feel more fashion forward but timeless. Our brides always tend to look for something that feels really special and different.

3)  What new trends do you plan to buy for your store?

 We don't really follow trends. For us it's more about finding and supporting new talent, fostering that relationship, and helping them  build a successful brand.

JOAN PILLOW BRIDAL

1)  What were some of your favorite collections?

My favorite collection was Amsale.  I appreciated her return to what I had always loved and appreciated.  Her classic design and beautiful fabrication.  It was and is ageless.

2) What are your customers asking for?

Our customers are not asking for specific designers.  They look for the unique.  Gowns that they can personalize. All over Lace is not as strong as in the past.  A combination of lace and beautiful fabric is wanted.  Strapless is being replace with V-necklines or boleros that can be converted for a second look.

3)  What new trends do you plan to buy for your store?

Stretch illusion has made a comeback. I am very partial to it. It is opaque and is reminiscent of Vera Wang’s gown replicating her designs that she made for Nancy Kerrigan. I loved the look then and now.  It has been used by Amsale, Romona Keveza and Peter Langner.

BRIDAL REFLECTIONS

1)  What were some of your favorite collections?

Some of our favorite collections this market season are Galia Lahav, Stephen Yearick and Eve of Milady.

2) What are your customers asking for?

Our customers are asking for satin ballgowns and A-line gowns that feature clean and soft lines. They also are asking for V-necklines and off-the-shoulder straps.

3)  What new trends do you plan to buy for your store?

We are buying simple and sophisticated draped silk-satin gowns in fitted, A-line and ballgown silhouettes.

WEDDING SHOPPE

1)  What were some of your favorite collections?

I liked a lot from Reem Acra and Inbal Dror’s newest 'Pure Collection' was a great look for the value too.

2) What are your customers asking for?

Sleeves and more A-line and dropped torsos have been requested by our brides lately.

3)  What new trends do you plan to buy for your store?

Illusion seems to still be hot. There were a lot of silk flowered adornments and beading on gowns, along with hair accessories athat I will add for the upcoming season.