THOSE OPTICAL WHITES

  Who doesn't adore that pure, clean look of optical white? I'm talking the screaming Mimi kind, amped up to look like neon snow. Usually, optical white is made from synthetic fibers like polyester, but pure silk can be bleached. Some distributors bleach already high-sheen satins snow white to achieve this effect, but is that right for you?  Typically, this neon version of white looks stunning on darker skin tones--but not always. Believe me, there's nothing like actually stepping into the gown or draping the fabric next to you to find out. 

SATINS &  TAFFETAS

  Ideal fabrics for structured silhouettes are those that sculpt well. Some bouffant styles and ball gowns pair nicely with medium- to heavy-weight taffetas and satins. They come in high-sheen or matte finishes. I prefer working in the more suble mattes like the ones pictured here. There's a bit of sheen but not much. All are pure silks that have been bleached.

Above Left & Top Right: The TIFFANY and LORENA Dresses in gorgeous duchess satin. This is a fabric that has a soft, yummy iridescence and perfect weight for these pieces that demand an understructure of layers of crinoline. Duchesse satin holds these structured pieces beautifully. Above Bottom Right: White taffeta--a perfect fabric for a white A-line style. 

TULLES, CREPES & CHIFFONS

Lighter-weight fabrics such as tulle, chiffon, and organza are also available in optical white. They almost always have a matte surface. The whiter the chiffon or tulle, the more luxurious it will look, the more layers it has. 

Top Left: Bleached organza full skirt in many layers. Bottom Left: A many layered snow white tulle ballgown worn over an understructure of crinolines. Right: A piece of silk gauze forms a cowl neck flowing into a side and back drape over bleached matte crepe.

CREDITS

Photo 1: Strotz Photography

Photo 7: Jim Vetter Photography

All dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum