THE TRUTH ABOUT TRUNK SHOWS
Let’s say you're in love with one particular designer's collection. Unfortunately, due to space and overhead issues, your salon can only stock one or two of her samples, not the entire collection. Still, you want to actually get a real, live look at those ten other gowns you saw online. In that case, keep an eye out for her trunk show. A trunk show is when a designer like Claire Pettibone makes a personal appearance at a nearby salon, typically on Friday and Saturday only. What's great about this is she or her representative will be there along with the entire (yes entire) collection. So all those gowns the salon doesn't carry in sample form you can finally get a look at. In addition, you can actually meet and pick your favorite designer's brain, ask about any changes in fabric, lace, color, etc. The result: your best opportunity to get your dress customized.
Keep in mind, just like Cinderella's ball, trunk shows have a timeline. You pretty much have to know what you want and make your choice before the weekend is over. Therefore, trunk shows are not ideal for the browsing phase of your search. Hopefully you've shopped prior and at length so you know for sure this is it--The Dress.
If you'll be placing an order at the trunk show, be ready. Bring along the shoes and undergarments you'll be wearing on your wedding day so measurements can be taken correctly. And do make an appointment. Just imagine if Vera Wang showed up at Saks this Saturday. Enough said.
FYI: Though this is an in-store event, gowns at trunk shows are rarely reduced and typically go full retail price.
FYI: Miss that trunk show last week? Or does no salon in your area carry the designer you want? If you absolutely love a particular designer, consider traveling to her flagship store. There you can see her complete collection. Also, if you want something custom-designed, think about becoming one of her private clients. True, you'd have to invest much more time and money, traveling to New York or LA. But if you are in the metro area of your favorite star, check into this. Although you won't hear it publicized much, most top designers have a flagship store as well as a custom clientele they cater to.
