CREATING DIOR's 'NEW LOOK' ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
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Design in the 1950s was fabulous! Christian Dior revolutionized fashion in 1947 with his “New Look” which sported cinched waists atop skirts flowing in yards of fabric over layers of crinoline. It marked a turning point in Twentieth-Century fashion--the hourglass, the most defined female silhouette, was back. It wasn't until around 1950 that this look we associate with Mid-Century really took form (strapless bodice with sweetheart neckline and yards of tulle skirt).
The dresses here are modeled by women young enough to be granddaughters or great-granddaughters of the women who originally wore them. There was an unwritten code for dressing as a bride back then: Arms were preferably covered, backs and decolletage could be seen only through sheer lace, nets, and organzas. The length of your gown dictated the formality of the wedding. To the floor meant you went formal; above the ankles was considered cocktail length or semi-formal. Today, we see reproductions of 1950s bridal chic everywhere, only updated. Gone are the restrictions. Those repros by indie designers are primarily inspired off evening gowns and cocktail dresses of the era, in white, ivory, blush, or pastel. Chances are, that evening gown or cocktail dress of the 1950s has most of the elements you're looking for in your 21st-century wedding dress, as opposed to the actual wedding gowns of the day (but they were lovely, weren't they?)
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* Whether you're going with authentic vintage or reproducing a look, the hourglass silhouettes in any color work beautifully.
*Try to keep your hair as timeless and classic as possible via chignons, buns, etc. Hairstyling in the fifties was the dark ages of coiffure as far as I'm concerned, and you don't see too many folks trying to bring these hairdos back unless they're doing a spoof on June Cleaver. Fashion icons Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn sported classic tresses rather than the hair chic of the day. . . .
*Cage veils have gone fashion viral in the past couple of years. Did you know these wisps of nose veil or netting covering the eyes weren't called cages back then, simply net? Topped off with some sort of hair ornament or floral, they were mostly worn for city hall weddings or elopements. Today, you can marry in a cage anywhere.
*A cocktail hat with or without a wisp of veil is classic 1950s and would be perfect.
*Adding gloves really makes for a great Dior look. Long opera length says formal--short ones proffer a more dainty and ladylike daytime look.
Head Chic: Batcakes Couture
Make-up: Teena Hoffstetter
Hair: Kyle Rich
Flowers by JLDesigns
Venue: Mission San Juan Capistrano
