New York is celebrating International Bridal Week this week and designer Monique Lhuillier has something for every type of bride, including one who wants to wed in City Hall.
“I thought of that spontaneous bride who wants to get married on Saturday in the courthouse—there’s nothing that I could have for her because we special-order everything and it takes three to four months to get everything. So I said let’s do a ready-to-wear wedding package,” she told Inquirer.net at the April 20 media preview at the Cedar Lake studio in West Chelsea’s historic district.
Her ready-to-wear line considers “the needs of every type of bride, from the one who wants to get married in City Hall or the altar, whether there are hundreds of guests or just two.”
The bridal wear will be available in her New York and Los Angeles stores. “You can buy it and take it with you,” she said. “You don’t have to special-order.”
She added that the RTW dress may also cater to the women who prefer the more simple designs rather than the fantasy gown bridal wear is traditionally known for – the type that makes brides feel like royalty on her special day.
“Now that I have a retail store in New York City and also one in LA, I kind of wanted to see what’s new that I can offer in my stores that doesn’t exist,” she said.
For her latest collection, 30 models sported mini dresses with matching overcoats in jacquards and laces. Others wore full-length capes in silk crepe and lace that she’s also featured for the first time. She said, these reveal a “simpler shape and fabric felt new again.”
From dainty minis she moved into her signature dresses.
“I couldn’t resist the fantasy of a beautiful ball gown.” Classic Monique.
The clean lines, cuts in precision and colors: blush, cream and two-toned ombre. Monique is constantly evolving.
The bridal shoe collection was a stunning match. Shimmering metallics, asymmetrical pumps or lace shoes completed the look.
Monique also introduced her fine jewelry collection. “The story begins and ends with the ring,” she said.
Stylist—Tina Laakkonen
Hair—Nina Dimachki for Kerastase
Makeup—Romero Jennings and MAC Pro Team
Nails—Mayumi for Priti NYC
Jewelry—Monique Lhuillier Fine Jewelry exclusively sold at Blue Nile
Shoes—Monique Lhuillier Footwear