Monday, August 21, 2017

BEHIND THE SCENES

I can't believe it's taken me a week to post these behind the scenes pics of our absolutely incredible shoot out at the beautiful Shell Dance Orchid Gardens in Pacifica, California.  These are the behind the scenes shots from Fashion Through the Ages, an up and coming editorial focusing on the varied eras of 20th-Century fashion.   When I thought about the ideal backdrop I saw flowers everywhere because of the romanticism and wedding theme.  I ask you, what better place for having nups and a bash than in a conservatory of exotic  flowers and greenery?  Believe me, this space of interconnecting greenhouses and enclosed patios is a showcase of the pure splendor of where an indoor garden can go when properly nurtured.  
Above: Model Funn Fisher wearing the a la 1950s AUDREYESQUE Dress and photographer extraordinaire Sean Sato shooting in The Ivy Garden.  Below: Highlights of the Shell Dance gardens
 
Above:  Two rustic bouquets fashioned by the photographer, Sean Sato from twigs, branches and wild flowers found on the Shell Dance property, part of a state preserve . . . .
Above and Below: Make up and hair artist Zita Zalai of Zita Zalai Beauty works with Devon on hair for 1930s Hollywood glam.

  Above: Devon and Photographer, Sean Sato amid the gorg flora and foilage. Devon is wearing a dress called, Salute to Frida Kalo. Below: Zita working on Funn's hair and make up for shots of The INNA Dress reminiscent of the early Downton Abbey episodes 

Above and Below: Sean setting up and capturing a double mirror shot with Funn.
Below: Last minute hair prep for shots of Funn in The PICCALIJNA Wedding Kimono

Thursday, August 17, 2017

UP AND COMING

Another Behind the Scenes gemmie I took with my phone from the recent Fashion through the Ages editorial shoot out at  Shell Dance Gardens in Pacifica.  This is the INNA Dress evocative of the early episodes of Downton Abbey.  A mix of Chantilly laces on silk chiffon and lined in crepe backed satin. Easy to wear and oh so feminine . . .

Monday, August 14, 2017

PIC OF THE WEEK

Just wanted to share one of my own pics from yesterday's shoot out at the lovely and scenic Shell Dance Orchid Gardens in Pacifica, California.  Devon looks absolutely lovely in The VALERIE Dress.  Makeup and hair by Zita Zalai.

Monday, August 7, 2017

CARING FOR YOUR DRESS: BEFORE AND AFTER THE WEDDING

Delivering a client's dress yesterday I bombarded her with directions on how to get her beloved home safe and sound, unwrinkled, clean and intact.  Albeit designing wedding dresses from the ground up has been my life’s work.  Keeping  those dresses white and spotless before the wedding has been as much a challenge as the design itself.  Once delivered though, the dress is all yours, to have and to hold in a real world rampant with dust, blood and household pets—all potential accidents just waiting to happen.

PROTECTING YOUR DRESS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Getting your gown home safely is the first step.  You’re going to have to treat it with all the love and care of a newborn.  No, you won’t need an infant seat but just about any size back seat of a car will do.  In all probability once delivered your gown will be packed in plastic.  Hang it on the hook above the back door draped across the back seat.  Once home, remove the dress from the bag and make sure to put it on a padded hanger.  An alternative to the padded hanger is my hanging dress form below.  This is a display hanger I use in the studio to show off my designs.  They have another function: keeping your gown shaped and taking the stress off the shoulders or from whatever point your dress hangs. 


Next find a hook.  A chandelier would be great if you have one.  So would hooking it to an armoire or highboy.  Cover the floor below your gown with a clean sheet and let the train fall.  This will prevent wrinkles. Ideally the room you hang your gown in is low on traffic.
No spare room?  Okay, find an empty closet or one with enough room to accommodate the volume of your gown.  Actually, hanging your gown on a dress form that is dialed to match your own measurements would be optimal.  I know, I know, you don’t sew but if you can borrow one from a friend or if you find one cheap in a thrift store, grab it!  

Here’s another option for storing your dress especially if your wedding is more than three months off.  Lay your gown on a spare bed or sofa and spread it out.  This will ease stress caused from hanging. 

YOUR WEDDING DAY
 Some suggestions about pressing.  If your gown is made out of tulle, don’t you dare press it!  Steam it instead.   The same goes for your veil; ironing scorches tulle. 
Pressing wrinkles out of your gown is done with a cool, dry iron over a piece of broadcloth or muslin, called a press mitt.  Forget worrying too much about wrinkling your gown going to and from the ceremony.  Just push the bulk of your skirt aside once you’re in the car. 

AFTER THE BALL IS OVER
 Did you know Victorian brides have us beat when it comes to going green?  Tradition was, they not only wore their gown to exchange vows in, a bride of yesteryear was expected to wear her gown out and about.  That’s right, she wore it to the opera and dining at Delmonico’s for about a year till everyone knew her status.  In other words, a bride could revel in her bridaldom while putting some mileage on her gown.  I say, let’s reinvent this trend.  The gown in this post is certainly worthy f rewear.  Whether you’re preserving or consigning your gown after the wedding you’re going to need to find a cleaner that specializes in wedding gowns.  Expect common wear and tear after your wedding day to be dirt and grass stains along the hem and train, makeup stains inside the bodice, a torn seam, bustle hooks missing.  Oh, and the proverbial splash of red wine on the skirt. After cleaning your gown should be professionally pressed even if it will be stored away in a box.  Remember to ask it be packed in acid-free tissue in an acid-free box to prevent any staining.  Remove any dress shields or bra cups, otherwise they’ll fragment through the years, soiling arms and bodice.


Photographer: Nathan Larimer of Winter Tree Studios | | Bride’s Dress: Amy-Jo Tatum | Makeup Artist: Kat Louis Makeup Artist  Venue: Asti Winery

Friday, August 4, 2017

AWESOME SHOOTER SERIES: JESS PALATUCCI PHOTOGRAPHY

This bright and whimsical styled shoot was captured by Philly-based photographer, Jess Palatucci and a very talented group of wedding pros bringing the best they have to this amazing project.  Bright and bold, the elements brought together of black and white stripes with deep pinks, purples and mixed berries of the florals blend pure romanticism with a certain vitality.  Absolutely stunning work on the makeup and hair and oh la la! that dress!  Thank you Jess for capturing this incredible series of images . . . .






Photographer:  Jess Palatucci Photography//Floral Designer: Bloom flower co.//Cinema and Video: From Here I Stand//Calligrapher: Golden Hour Paper//Equipment Rentals:Party Rental Ltd//Invitation Designer: Pretty Ink Press,LLC //
Cake: Snacky French Cakes//Dress and Tux: Darianna Bridal///Hair and Makeup: Anna Sky Beauty///Event Planning Design: Hanna Bee Events//Jewelry: Marnie Lewis Jewelry//Venue: Meyers Farm Bakery

Submitted via Two Bright Lights