April’s New York International Bridal Week (known amongst us in the industry simply as Bridal Market) wrapped up recently, and we are excited to share with you all the newest fashions and trends straight from the runways and showrooms of the best bridal designers. While these gowns won’t be available in stores until this fall and winter, we always have our eyes peeled for the latest and greatest looks to bring to our very stylish brides!

We noticed the continuation of several trends from recent seasons – the use of color, peplums, and intricate necklines; looks that are still fresh with each designer’s own signature style. But there are certainly some BIG new styles this season – Great Gatsby, anyone? – that are buzzing around the runways. The designers we carry at LWD are leading the pack (as usual – if we do say so ourselves!) and are right on point for the most up-to-date fashions.

Plunging Necklines

The “Deep-V” is a great way to add drama to an otherwise understated gown. Both Anne Barge and Jenny Packham showed new plunging neckline styles paired with soft and sophisticated draped gowns. We love how both designers added just a touch of sparkle to the shoulder or waist to accentuate the bold neckline.

‘Osmonde’ by Anne Barge

‘Molly’ by Jenny Packham

Backs that Make a Statement

The bold back is still going strong in bridal fashion, which makes us happy – it’s one of our favorite looks. The styles we are seeing from April Market are all about the intricacy. Rivini‘s sheer, metallic embroidery tastefully shows some skin and would leave an absolutely unforgettable impression while walking down the aisle. Claire Pettibone‘s gown frames the back like a piece of art in a halo of Swiss dots and delicate flowers. Gorgeous!

‘Avina’ by Rivini

‘Gladys’ by Claire Pettibone

Unique Laces

Lace gowns have been oh-so-popular in the past few years, but you haven’t seen lace quite like this. The classic strapless fit-and-flare style gets an update by Liancarlo with lace in a beautiful, Moroccan-esque Damask pattern. Unexpected takes on the classic material are a wonderful way to bring the wow factor to your gown while maintaining a timeless look.

Style 5852 by Liancarlo

Beaded Columns

As predicted, the Great Gatsby trend is showing no signs of slowing this season. The neck-to-toe beading reminiscent of the 1920s calls for a shape that doesn’t compete. Enter the Column gown. Jenny Packham and Rivini showed two different takes on this look, with a higher neckline and delicate belt by Jenny Packham and the all-out glamour of a thigh-high slit by Rivini.

‘Jean’ by Jenny Packham

‘Venice’ by Rivini

Textured Materials

It’s not just about how the gown looks, but also how the gown moves on your wedding day. After all, you won’t just be standing still on your big day (at least we hope not!). Gowns with textured fabrics and 3-D details are guaranteed to move beautifully, and they create a look that is certainly not for the meek. Both Anne Barge and Liancarlo showed textured gowns with materials that we just want to reach out and touch!

‘Acacia’ by Anne Barge

Style 5859 by Liancarlo

Sheer Straps and Sleeves

Barely-there straps and sleeves graced many runways and showrooms at April Market. Perfect for a spring wedding, it’s also style that works well for brides who want something between strapless and covered up. Claire Pettibone presented a full-sleeved yet unstuffy style. (And who needs bracelets when you have those cuffs?) Jenny Packham showed a version that combines a flattering sweetheart neckline with the delicate V-neck of the straps.

‘Delaney’ by Claire Pettibone

‘Kitty’ by Jenny Packham

Follow us on Facebook for more straight-from-the-runway looks from April Bridal Fashion Week! (Photos courtesy of Style Unveiled, and the designers.)

From April 25th until May 9th, Little White Dress is hosting an extended trunk show for the elegant and sophisticated Sassi Holford bridal collection. Little White Dress is one of only seven bridals boutiques in the United States that carries Sassi’s London-based collection.We are thrilled that brides will have the opportunity during our trunk show to see dresses in the Sassi Holford collection that are only available for a limited time in the United States! Sassi was kind enough to chat with us before the trunk show so we could share with our brides more about her as a designer.

Sassi Holford (image by David Bostock)

Tell us about yourself and your family.

I’ve been designing wedding dresses for over 30 years – I have a “less is more” approach with my designs. I am thrilled to say that earlier this year I won the Best Dress Designer Award with Wedding Ideas Magazine and then just two months later I picked up the Best British Bridal Designer Award with Bridal Buyer – the UK’s two most prestigious bridal designer awards!

My husband, Martin, handles the marketing side of things -so it’s a real home away from home at the office! We have three beautiful children – Charlie is 16 whilst the twins, Missie and Hugo, are both 12 (we recently welcomed another addition into our home – a Shih Tzu-cross who’s almost 11 months old and called Monty – he too comes to the office on occasion!)

I have two boutiques: my flagship boutique in London exclusively offers my Couture Collection and I meet with clients every month there. My other boutique is based where I am in the South West of England and this is where the Signature Collection is available (in addition to selected bridal boutiques in the UK and North America).

Sassi after accepting her 2013 Bridal Buyer’s Award for Best Bridal Designer

 How did you get started as a bridal designer?

I had just finished school and a friend was due to get married but had no real budget for her dream dress. I offered to make the dress for her (overnight I might add!) and, whilst I had clearly underestimated the full extent of the task, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment –it was a success and things naturally progressed from there.

The Paola gown (with shrug)

How do you get your inspiration for each new collection?

Whilst I tend to draw on all areas of life and fashion I do find that my brides are a constant source of inspiration when I’m working with them in one of my boutiques. They share their opinions and ideas with me – their passion has always been hugely motivating and inspiring.

Describe your vision of a bride who wears your gowns. What is her personality and style?

My brides are brilliant – they’re savvy, independent career minded women who aren’t afraid to make a statement and show their romantic side.

The Thea gown

How do you come up with the names of your dresses?

They normally stem from brides and people that I’ve met in the past who I feel have characters that match my designs.

What are the differences between brides/weddings in the UK and the US?

I see a lot more brides in the US choosing to have bridesmaids at their wedding and the sheer size of the US, as a country, lends itself to offering so much more in terms of choice and variety – you can get married outside for a start (mind you – you generally have better weather for it…)!

What is your advice for brides looking for their wedding gown?

Try all the dress shapes first and you will just know when you find “the” dress – you’ll look and feel at your most beautiful …but you must never compromise on your comfort!

The Dominique gown (with illusion back)

The Phoebe gown

Thanks, Sassi, for telling us more about your life and inspirations!

Don’t miss the chance to see Sassi Holford gowns that are only available during our extended trunk show between April 25th and May 9th! Call us at 303-814-8972 for an appointment to find your perfect wedding dress!

Last weekend we welcomed the brilliant and talented Carlos Ramirez to our denver bridal shop for our exciting Liancarlo Trunk Show. Thanks to these photographs by Merrick Chase Weddings, we can relive the magical weekend through these beautiful images. Enjoy!

Liancarlo-inspired cake by Intricate Icings

Carlos Ramirez helping fit a bride with a stunning Liancarlo gown

Liancarlo eye candy!

It was a blustery, snowy day – but warm and fabulous inside with Carlos! Thanks for a great Liancarlo Trunk Show!

Little White Dress Bridal Shop is thrilled to be welcoming the one and only Claire Pettibone for our 2013 Claire Pettibone Trunk Show February 22-24!

Claire Pettibone has been designing her feminine, romantic, vintage-style wedding gowns for nearly a decade. But life changed for the wedding dress designer last May when the world learned that Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, got married, and that his bride, Priscilla Chan, wore Claire Pettibone’s “Sky Between the Branches” gown.

The excitement didn’t stop there. Claire Pettibone and the staff at Little White Dress Bridal Shop were surprised and ecstatic to learn after the wedding that the new Mrs. Zuckerberg, using a pseudonym, had actually visited Little White Dress and purchased her gown right here! The intricate, delicate dress that Priscilla Chan wore, as well as Claire Pettibone herself, were featured in worldwide news and style coverage, on television, in newspapers, and online in the days and weeks following the Zuckerberg wedding. We are honored to have been part of raising awareness of Claire Pettibone’s stunning designs to brides around the world.

Since the Facebook bride chose Claire Pettibone’s gown for her big day, life at Little White Dress has been different too. Brides travel from throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region specifically for Claire Pettibone wedding dresses, which are only available in Colorado at Little White Dress Bridal Shop.

Despite her status as a celebrity wedding dress designer, Claire Pettibone is as focused as ever on making every bride look and feel her most beautiful. We are delighted that Claire will be helping LWD brides find their perfect dress in person during our trunk show February 22-24.

Meet the delightful and gifted Claire Pettibone and experience true paradise right here, right now, with her entire Spring 2013 “An Earthly Paradise” collection. Call us today to book an appointment at 303-814-8972.

Sneak Peak! “Olivia”gown from Claire Pettibone’s new “An Earthly Paradise” collection.

When Priscilla Chan bought her Claire Pettibone gown at Little White Dress Bridal Shop in Denver, LWD owner, Cate Malone, ended up in the Wall Street Journal!

Here’s the photograph (which ended up on the cover of People Magazine) that started it all. Priscilla Chan in her “Sky Between the Branches” gown by Claire Pettibone.

In conjunction with the Great Gatsby inspired ISES event at the newly opened Grand Highlands Ranch Mansion yesterday evening, local wedding vendors gathered for a fabulous photo shoot to showcase this new wedding venue and inspire brides to throw their own Gatsby-themed wedding.

The best of the official photos from Autumn Burke Photography will be shared ASAP, but until then, here’s a sneak peak at this charming new wedding venue, and models wearing some of our fabulous Jenny Packham gowns.

Models show of these beautiful Jenny Packham dresses during a “Great Gatsby themed” wedding shoot at the Grand Highlands Ranch Mansion.

Another photo of a model wearing a Jenny Packham gown at the Grand Highlands Ranch Mansion photo shoot.

Another stunning Jenny Packham gown that enables a bride make a “grand entrance.”

The newly opened Grand Highlands Ranch Mansion (Highlands Ranch, CO)

Gatsby inspired “flapper” cake by Intricate Icings. http://www.intricateicings.com/

Gatsby-themed wedding invitations by Julie Sandusky, JS Custom Designs http://www.jsdesigncustom.com/

Floral designs by Bella Fiori – http://bellafiori.com/

Photos by Little White Dress.

DAY THREE, Monday, April 16th

New Designer(s): I had meetings with three potential new designers today, and saw so many beautiful gowns. Am looking forward to more research, and discussing these designers, and the potential designer from DAY TWO with my daughter and my staff. In the midst of seeing all these gowns, I did get the “quote of the day” – “This dress has a really nice ‘take me away’ feeling.” God, I love what I hear sometimes.

Jenny Packham: Jenny Packham’s new showroom, her first in the US and in the super cool meat-packing district of NYC, is like being inside a treasure chest of jewels and gems – gowns and hair ornaments rich in detail, and conceived from an electic influence of past and present. One wall boasts dozens of photos of celebrities wearing Jenny Packham evening wear styles. The new collection of wedding gowns hangs against another wall, just as enchanting on the hanger as they are on the models. Flowers inspired the creation of Jenny’s fall 2012 collection (and each new gown is named after a flower), and it’s so easy to envision Colorado brides loving these gowns for their old Hollywood retro glamour, romance, and alternative styling.

Floral features at the waist - Jenny Packham "Hyacinth" and "Lily Rose" gowns

Want to see more Jenny Packham dresses?  Check out our full album on our Facebook page.

Did you know? I have been admiring the full page Jenny Packham ads in bridal magazines since 2007. So excited to be the first and only bridal shop to bring the Jenny Packham bridal collection to Colorado brides in 2012!

Simply Divine: Our four new Jenny Packham gowns arriving at LWD August/September, 2012.

From left to right, “Hyacinth”, “Lily Rose”, “Hibiscus”, and “Azalea”.

Cate Loves:  The variety of gown styles available to today’s bride, it was so limited just 5-10 years ago!   I also love designers who know their niche, style, and bride, and who do it so well that you know just by looking at the gown who the designer is.

Musn’t Forget: To say thank you and I love you to my most tolerant husband for safely getting me from here, there, and everywhere throughout the city, holding my arm in particularly precarious walking conditions in those dang high heels, giving me his coat in the freezing cafeteria at the Pier during lunch on DAY ONE, and for being really involved throughout DAY ONE and DAY TWO, and for gracefully reaching his limit and not being involved at all by DAY THREE. : )

Summary of fall 2012 and preview 2013 bridal fashion trends:

• Lace, lace, lace
• Sashes, sashes, sashes
• Higher necklines, more front and back coverage
• More gowns with straps, or with sleeves of all lengths-cap, short, 3/4, and full
• 1-2 short tea/knee length dresses by each designer
• High slit in front of skirt on a few dresses (inspired by Angelina Jolie’s Oscar gown)
• Not a lot of bling/crystals/rhinestones on dresses this season, none at all by several designers
• The use of color – blush, nude, and gold in particular
• A few more hi-low skirts (inspired by trendsetter Claire Pettibone as presented in her new collection last October 2011).
• Low, open backs, some with sheer illusion lace, tulle, and/or embroidery and bead work designs (also inspired by Claire Pettibone’s past collections).

Enjoy more wonderful, beautiful, exciting adventures with me at bridal market in NYC in October!

Everything I’m experiencing in New York right now . . . Adventures at International Bridal Market, New York City, April 14-16, 2012

Presentation of Fall 2012 Collections

DAY ONE, Saturday, April 14th

For an outdoorsy born and raised in Colorado and Wyoming kinda gal, being in New York City twice a year for bridal market is similar to being in a different country. The excitement and energy of it all lessens my need for food or sleep, and I happily find myself at dinner at 9:30 p.m., and staying up until midnight or later, both things that could never happen at home in Colorado. It must be so many wonderful things, all combined in three days of sheer delight. Join me as I do my best to share all these wonderful, beautiful things.

Bridal gown designers are some of the most intelligent, creative, inspiring, hard working, interesting, passionate and fascinating people I have ever met. Rani Totman, the impeccably elegant designer of Sposa by St. Pucchi, Avine Perruci, and St. Pucchi Couture, and Claire Pettibone, the creative genius of the Claire Pettibone lingerie and bridal collections, are both women who continue to leave me speechless with the beauty of their creations year after year, market after market.

St. Pucchi: Raised in India and Bangkok, and fluent in four languages, Rani Totman’s personal class and elegance are clearly evident in her new fall 2012 collection. Rich details, combinations of different laces, and attached sashes are some of the details that impressed me the most. In addition to three new floor length gowns for Little White Dress that are absolutely exquisite in their unique composition, for those brides wanting a short wedding dress, or a different reception dress, we’ve got two beautiful options from this new collection.

Did you know? The name St. Pucchi come from Rani’s son – “Saint” is a common nickname in India for young boys, and “Pucchi” means playful.

St. Pucchi Designer Rani Totman at NY Bridal Market April 2012

Claire Pettibone: The magic continues in Claire’s presentation of eight new gowns for her “Windsor Rose China” Fall 2012 Collection. Inspired by her grandmother, apparently who was “quite the 1920′s bohemian,” you can see influences in her scalloped silk wedding dress, her intricate embroidered linens she made by hand, her gold rimmed China with delicate painted roses. . . And a good dose of free spirit as Claire Pettibone’s gowns are simply SO pretty. I was pleasantly surprised to see Claire’s “signature” guipure lace from the very first wedding gown she designed in 2004 “Kristene”, in trims on the sleeves and hem of “Grace” in her new collection. Claire’s use of beautifully muted shades of mauve, gold, blue, and platinum, combined with feminine and romantic silhouettes are the essence of her genius.

Did you know? Claire started drawing wedding gowns and veils when she was only 4 or 5 years old!

Claire Pettibone wedding dress unveiled at NY Bridal Market (April 2012)

Visit a full album of photos from our adventures at NY Bridal Market Week on the Little White Dress Facebook page.

Simply Divine: This Claire Pettibone dress (seen below) is simply divine! It has a sweetheart neckline with lace appliques.

Cate Loves:  Paris by Debra Moreland wins the best display of bridal accessories and jewelry hands down.  Miniature black trunks with glass display shelves filled with absolutely beautiful things.  LOVE.

Paris by Debra Moreland Bridal Accessories

Musn’t Forget: Like a kid in a candy store, I thoroughly enjoyed my visits with Malis Henderson, Paris by Debra Moreland, and J-Picone! I need to get another display case to hold everything at Little White Dress!  More to come on these designers…