The bridal gown world got quite the shock for the second year in a row from iconic fashion designer Vera Wang. The designer's nude & black colored wedding gowns graced the runway last season - and she has turned it up a notch with bold red dresses dominating the runway this year.With this new collection, which took the bridal world by storm this past week in the press, the designer pays homage to her heritage. In China, brides wear the color red to reflect love, romance and joy. The color red is also used the day of the wedding in the decorations of the bride & groom's homes, and even in the gift boxes/envelopes given out at the wedding. And although the color may be bold, Vera's subtle elegant details still shine through in the designs.
This new collection of 15 gowns celebrates the color of love and passion. A definite stray from the traditional white and ivory gowns that made her one of the go-to designers for future brides.
Vera says of the new collection, "Beautiful dream. The symbolism of Red. Boldly romantic, charming, protective, grand, seductive, sexy. From dahlia to scarlet, crimson and vermillion. A celebration of love."
"Vera always likes to wow and show a somewhat rebellious, anti-traditionalist approach in her shows, and I think that definitely came through," said Brittany Robins, Bridal Guide's Assistant Fashion & Beauty Editor. "She never ceases to amaze!"
Need more ideas on how to incorporate red into your special day? Check out our Pinterest boards & custom stationary at our Etsy Shop here.
It has been a tradition since the Victorian era - and is practiced by most brides on their wedding day.
Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.
Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. The belief is that if she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy.
"Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past.
"Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead.
"Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family.
As for the blue, the color has been connected to love, purity & weddings for centuries. Before the late 19th century, blue was actually a very popular color for wedding dresses.
And finally, a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted, and many companies sell keepsake sixpences for weddings.
There are many ways to interpret an old tradition and make it modern. Some trends we here at DIYva Designs have seen include taking a family members wedding gown and either reconstructing it in a way that suits the new bride - or taking pieces of it to incorporate into a new gown. Then there is the something blue... many brides have gone the blue shoes route, or merely painting the soles of their shoes blue for good luck.
via Chic Wedding Blog
Or get some more ideas from our Pinterest boards here.
