The brainchild of Parsons grad and Vera Wang veteran Mark Brower, VINEYARD was launched by Priscilla of Boston in 2006 with Brower at the helm.
“I feel bridal fashion is moving towards a softer and more relaxed look,” says Mark Brower who has included the use of lighter fabrics and surprising details like the pockets in a shirtdress gown or a jeweled belt to add a little sparkle and define the waist as part of Vineyard’s DNA.
Inspired by the designer’s travels, Vineyard evokes an international sophistication as seen in the sleek and modern silhouettes that range from a fun and flirty short satin dress to a silk organza ball gown to long and lean columns.
The Vineyard Collection, designed by Mark Brower, is quite simply the most enchanting line of wedding gowns that has hit the runway in years. Designed for the modern bride, Brower combines meticulous attention to detail with a flair for the whimsical and dramatic to create a line of wedding gowns that dazzles with intricate beadwork and flowing lines.
Brower is a graduate of Parson School of Design, and has worked with both Vera Wang and Finesse Embroideries. His pedigree shows in the Vineyard Collection, which features playful touches like jeweled belts and pockets, a la Vera Wang's whimsical sense of design for the modern bride. The pieces in the Vineyard Collection include bridal gowns, party dresses and formal wear and bridesmaid gowns. They range in style from sophisticated punk, (yes, the two work beautifully together in the Drew wedding dress) to the elegant simplicity of the Tasha wedding gown, a sleek silk charmeuse gown with a very sophisticated flounced V back that becomes a soft train.
The Drew wedding dress and the Tasha wedding gown are only two highlights from the Vineyard collection, which features several dozen pieces in all. Other highlights from the collection include:
Vineyard Collection Bridal Gowns
Kelsey from the Vineyard Collection - This deceptively simple silk and chiffon wedding gown is reminiscent of Greek goddesses. It features a softly draped bodice and back framing a V-neck front and a deep V-back that shows off your sexy back. The A-line style is flattering to most figures and the flowing layers of chiffon and silk accent every move with their graceful flow. The lovely, simple style is set off by a beaded belt at the waist, a surprisingly deft accent that one seldom sees in traditional wedding gowns.
Drew from the Vineyard Collection - As mentioned above, the Drew marries punk and sophistication in a wedding gown that's the ideal choice for a sassy bride who still gives a nod to tradition. The silk taffeta dress features a vertically seamed strapless bodice with corset styling, and a bouffant tea-length skirt with a net petticoat peeking from beneath the taffeta skirt. This look is very chic, very punk princess and totally modern.
Blythe from the Vineyard Collection - For the dramatic bride with a modern flair, the Blythe wedding gown features a drop waist satin bodice and a tiered net skirt accented with wide satin banded hems. The hourglass seaming of the drop-waist bodice ensures a smooth, sleek fit that hugs every curve without clinging.
Jules from the Vineyard Collection - A daringly different look for the modern bride, the Jules wedding gown features casual shirtwaist styling in a full length flare-to-fit ball gown, a trend that fits Brower's liking for reinterpreting modern classics with a twist, very Vera Wang. The wrap front styling and oversized off-center bow at the waist combine with the standup collar to create a distinctive and sophisticated profile.
Gwen from the Vineyard Collection - Delightfully sophisticated and sleek, the Gwen wedding gown plays with the asymmetrical look. The fitted satin gown flows smoothly from a slightly slanted bodice that's held up by a single slim shoulder strap. The crystal beading at the bodice adds sparkle and interest, calling attention to the unique styling. The slim lines flow into a soft train, giving the gown an entirely different profile from the back.
Bridesmaid Dresses from the Vineyard Collection - One of the loveliest features of the Vineyard Bridal Party dresses is that they really truly are dresses that your bridal attendants will wear again. Many of the bridesmaid dresses are designed to complement bridal designs from the collection, but they all stand alone beautifully as party and event dresses.
What do you choose for your bridesmaids if you've opted for the sophisticated punk princess look? Vineyard Style 1509 is the ideal choice. The knee-length skirt is taffeta over a net skirt that plays peek-a-boo while you walk, and the vertical ruching of the bodice is the ideal complement to the Drew's vertical seaming. It's a surprisingly sophisticated baby-doll dress that's available in eight different colors.
The Vineyard Collection has been widely featured in bridal magazines. Look for more designs from the Vineyard Collection in Modern Bride, Bride and New Jersey Bride, or you can find the collection online.
Vineyard Spring 2010 Collection
Vineyard 2009 Bridal Collection-3
STYLE TRISH
English Net with Lace layered over a Satin bodice bateau neck dress with full, soft skirt. Available in Ivory.
Vineyard 2009 Bridal Collection-2
STYLE AUBREY
English Net and lace applique strapless ball gown with sculpted drop-waist bodice and sweetheart neckline. Available in Ivory.
Vineyard 2009 Bridal Collection
STYLE LINDSEY
Silk Taffeta cap seelve ball gown with ruched bodice, deep and rich pleating in the skirt and side seam pockets. Available in Ivory and White.
Lindsey from the Vineyard Collection - At first glance, the Lindsey wedding gown is a delightfully traditional wedding gown featuring cap sleeves and V-neckline, but a second look shows off the modern details that define Mark Brower's Vineyard Collection. The ruched bodice gathers at the center to accent the curve of your waist, and the deep pleats of the skirt conceal side seam pockets, a feature seldom found on wedding gowns.
Indian stile bridal fashion trends 2009
Fashion designer Rachna Bhagchandka, who owns label Kashiish says, "Tunics and salwar kameezes are very much in vogue right now. And they are reasonably priced too. For jewellery, I find kadas are very popular these days."
While red is the quintessential bridal colour, the trend for this year is to experiment with royal hues like purple, cream, gold and peacock blue. Crystal embellishments are also 'in' right now.
Misbah, a fashion designer whose brand name is Zebashish says, "The trends this year are varied. People are wearing everything from lehengas to saris that are pre-draped and stitched. All you have to do is pull them on! Bling is also big this year. Prepare to see lots of gold, silver and shiny stuff."
Prajakta Pitkar, a jewellery designer who sells under the label Jaipur Jewels says, "Polki diamonds are very fashionable this year. So are jadav pieces. Big traditional jewellery is also doing very well this season -- the royal look is in."
Whether you opt for a sari or lehenga on your wedding day, pay close attention to the back of the blouse.
The choli is the focal point of the ensemble this season -- backless ones are in fashion right now and the styles are many. Choose from tie-up blouses, low-backed ones or halter-necked ones, amongst others.javascript:void(0)
And finally, here's an important piece of advice -- be comfortable! You won't be able to carry off any trend if you're constantly scratching an itch at the waist or adjusting the too-tight straps of your blouse.
Happy shopping!
