The 10th Annual Bridal Extravaganza Sunday, February 27, 2000

Sunday, February 27, 2000

Y Gowns
Bride’s attire taking on new looks
By AMY PRATHER
Special Sections Editor

“In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked as something shocking. Now, heaven knows, anything goes” — Cole Porter

Whether it is a glimpse of stocking or bare shoulders, anything goes is an apt description of bridal attire.

While Abilene may not be swimming with Bohemian brides, bridal attire is taking on a fresh look, according to Angie Clark of Angie’s Bridal. Brides are showing some shoulder, adding color and getting rid of ostentation.

“We are getting many calls about strapless dresses,” said Clark, who is a seven-year veteran of the bridal attire business. “I only ordered a few from market because I thought no one in Abilene would wear them. But, I’ve had to call my suppliers and get them shipped here quick.”

Ruth Rios also has seen a large influx of brides wanting strapless gowns for their special day.

“Strapless gowns are big,” said Rios, who along with her four sisters owns Rios Bridal. “In the past, it’s been the traditional, long-sleeve gown with a lot of beading. But now, even in the winter, brides want short-sleeve or sleeveless gowns.”

For brides who are reluctant to go strapless, Clark suggests gowns with spaghetti straps or halters.

“Most of those gowns come with shawls or jackets to make you feel more comfortable,” she said.

Strapless or spaghetti strap gowns can be found in waisted or A-line styles.

While some brides see traditional gowns — long trains, heavy beading and long sleeves — as a piece de resistance, many prefer simpler designs, reminiscent of gowns designed by Vera Wang.

The Wang look is characterized by clean, simple lines, scooped necklines and sleeveless designs.

“The Vera Wang look is extremely popular right now. The gowns are simple and elegant and the fabric is fabulous,” Clark said.

Rios said brides are going for a softer look.

“The gowns are feminine and delicate,” she said. “They just want something to make them look lady-like.”

Another new twist added to wedding gowns is the addition of color. Clark sold three gowns, which she called “The Millennium Gown,” before the holidays. The strapless gown has silver satin accents at the top of the neckline as well as flowing around the bottom of the gown and down the train.

Both wedding gown sales veterans agreed that color is all the rage.

No longer are white and candlelight the only choices for brides. Added to the list are rum pink, a dusky beige; diamond white, a soft, almost cream color; café, a very light brown; silver and ivory. Brides can purchase entire gowns in the different colors or just have a touch of color added through lace and beading accents.

In addition to gowns changing colors, accessories are also putting on a new face. A bride can match colors in her gown to veils, shoes and gloves. The look of the moment for veils, said both Clark and Rios, is a tiara.

“Everybody wants to feel like a princess,” Clark said, explaining the popularity of tiaras.

Informal affair

For brides getting married in a more informal setting, Clark suggests a dress without a train.

“We have had many people come in who are getting married in Las Vegas or Jamaica or they are taking a cruise and they want something more informal,” she said. “The gowns are still very elegant, just informal.”

Always a bridesmaid

While strapless looks are hot with many brides, the look is not carrying over to the bridesmaids. Rios and Clark said brides are sticking to more traditional looks for their maids, but the gowns are designed along simple lines. Possible the biggest change in bridesmaids’ gowns is the change of colors.

“A few years ago, no one would have thought of having their bridesmaids wear pastels. The jewel tones were really big,” Rios said. “But now, very few brides choose dark gowns for their bridesmaids. Pastels are really big — yellow, mint green, blues.”

Amy Prather can be reached at 676-6724 or prathera@abinews.com