WELCOME TO MY GALLERY

AWESOME SHOOTER SERIES: SAN FRANCISCO CHIC

This post is a salute to one of my fave photographers, Ryan Chua of San Francisco.  He wanted to do a stylized shoot with some of my gowns with San Francisco landmarks as a backdrop.  We could have gone forever chasing the gorgeous landscapes but ran out light--we did get as far as The Palace of Fine Arts,  Marina docks and Presidio.  A truly beautiful day and shoot . . . .




CREDITS
Photography by Ryan Chua
Gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
Makeup by Juliane Chai
Hair by Penny Do
Models: Dan and Becky
This post is a salute to one of my fave photographers, Ryan Chua of San Francisco.  He wanted to do a stylized shoot with some of my gowns with San Francisco landmarks as a backdrop.  We could have gone forever chasing the gorgeous landscapes but ran out light--we did get as far as The Palace of Fine Arts,  Marina docks and Presidio.  A truly beautiful day and shoot . . . .




CREDITS
Photography by Ryan Chua
Gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
Makeup by Juliane Chai
Hair by Penny Do
Models: Dan and Becky
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THE LITTLE WHITE DRESS BRIDE


My very first wedding was my aunt's. She was married in 1963 in a short but formal dress as all the grown-ups told me because the family couldn't afford a big to-do. Today I'm finding some brides simply love the short dresses and are going for them on their wedding day just because they are easy to wear and sexy . . . . Also 'the little white dress' is part of the new bridal wardrobe concept: a collection of dresses for the pre-post wedding activities like shower, rehearsal dinner, and reception. Oh, and I forgot, the engagement party. Any of these by The Little White Dress would rock and pop when you announce your upcoming nuptials to the world . . .


My very first wedding was my aunt's. She was married in 1963 in a short but formal dress as all the grown-ups told me because the family couldn't afford a big to-do. Today I'm finding some brides simply love the short dresses and are going for them on their wedding day just because they are easy to wear and sexy . . . . Also 'the little white dress' is part of the new bridal wardrobe concept: a collection of dresses for the pre-post wedding activities like shower, rehearsal dinner, and reception. Oh, and I forgot, the engagement party. Any of these by The Little White Dress would rock and pop when you announce your upcoming nuptials to the world . . .

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PART TWO . . .

Today you can catch me over on One Wed Blog  picking up where I left off last week sharing indie design trends for spring 2012. So much swoonwoorthy is happening in bridal fashion now I'm like the proverbial kid in a bakery full of whipped pouf and gossamer confections. Above is one of my favorite things going on in wedding fashion: Big princess dresses are scaling down to diaphanous little chiffon numbers. This dress by Pantora by Andrea is perfect for brides feeling romantic but wanting to keep it light.  READ MORE . . . . . .
Today you can catch me over on One Wed Blog  picking up where I left off last week sharing indie design trends for spring 2012. So much swoonwoorthy is happening in bridal fashion now I'm like the proverbial kid in a bakery full of whipped pouf and gossamer confections. Above is one of my favorite things going on in wedding fashion: Big princess dresses are scaling down to diaphanous little chiffon numbers. This dress by Pantora by Andrea is perfect for brides feeling romantic but wanting to keep it light.  READ MORE . . . . . .
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HAIL TO THE SHEATH!

The sheath is a fave of brides who work out and the eventual reward of of those who like to strut their stuff. I'm not referring to the evening gown or any variation with a flared skirt but the sheath Audrey made famous--that snug fitting, long columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images above and below--having waistline and skirt features that are usually as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.




 
Photos courtesy Brides UK

The sheath is a fave of brides who work out and the eventual reward of of those who like to strut their stuff. I'm not referring to the evening gown or any variation with a flared skirt but the sheath Audrey made famous--that snug fitting, long columnar silhouette in a heavier fabric like Duchesse satin or peau. Defined, the classic sheath looks like the images above and below--having waistline and skirt features that are usually as snug up top as on bottom. This silhouette can work for the bride who wants a stylish, simple presence as well as one who wants to make a more powerful statement with her veil or accents of laces and a train added. On the right bride this silhouette is elegant and proffers the look of class and chic combined. Adding skirt to a sheath by way of a detachable train is traditional for bridal as well as evening wear reminiscent of 1950s.




 
Photos courtesy Brides UK

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MEET YOURS TRULY . . .


If you're lucky enough to live in the San Francisco Bay Area you won't want to miss Designer Spotlights hosted by Britex Fabrics in San Francisco.  I will be one of five designers making a personal appearance on Thursday night.  Here's their promo on the event, glitz and glam a promise . . . .

Designer Spotlights - Bridal & Evening Wear

Thursday, March 15 from 7 - 9 PM


Britex Fabrics celebrates its sixtieth anniversary with this special series of design community events. Beginning on March 15, we are hosting four Designer Spotlights, each of which showcases a particular design theme--from Bridal & Evening Wear in March to Wardrobe Essentials in May, to Costumes & Corsetry in July and Menswear & Shirtmaking in September.

Join us for festive evenings of mingling with some of the Bay Area's most innovative designers and dressmakers. Choose the perfect collaborator for your special project, from an array of top-notch talent--and bring your ideas to life.

Please RSVP to info@britexfabrics.com or by phone at (415) 392-2910.

Meet the Bridal & Evening Wear designers:

Karen Tierney of Studio Trousseau has been a design professional for over 25 years in the Bay Area. Her focus is on designing and producing custom-made wedding gowns and historic gowns, and the restoration and preservation of historic gowns—particularly the lacework. Her detailed work reflects her ability to blend history with fashion-forward style.

Amy-Jo Tatum produces extraordinary, one-of-a-kind dresses in her custom design studio, Bridal Alternatives. She has been a columnist for SF Art and Fashion News, has a weekly fashion gig on One Wed, and founded a networking organization called The Design Project of San Francisco. She is currently working on a book called 'Bride Chic', about that white gown and special designer/client relationship.

Helena Chenn is a wardrobe expert and image consultant. Her specialties include custom couture design, wedding gowns and tailoring and alterations for both men and women. Helena is co-author of the book Image Power: Top Image Experts Share What to Know to Look Your Best, and an active member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), the Association of Sewing & Design Professionals (ASDP), the American Sewing Guild (ASG) and The Textile Arts Council.

Hester Michael is a fabric artist specializing in custom sewing and pattern making. Hester studied fashion and costume design in San Francisco at FIDM and the Louise Salinger Academy of Fashion, earning her BFA. Since then she has been a Fashion Instructor at FIDM and the Art Institute of California and a designer for local couturiers. She continues to be creative with textile weaving, art to wear, painting and pastel drawing.

Monique Zhang is a principal designer, stylist, and trendsetter. Over the course of her diversified fashion career, she has brought her Asian heritage to American culture to showcase her artistry, from fashion design to image branding to entrepreneurship. Her high style custom design studio Cicada Couture (with a showroom in Union Square) features her signature line of special occasion apparel, which are also available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and boutiques in NYC, LA, Honolulu, Santa Fe and Shanghai.

Melissa Bolin of Kitty Andrews followed her heart into the art of millinery, and is passionate about its rich history. Her inspiration comes from costuming and haute couture, pin-up and punk rock, and years of traveling and living abroad in Japan. At Kitty Andrews, she combines traditional knowledge, techniques, and design precedents with a fresh, youthful approach drawing on modern materials and tastes. Each piece—meticulously crafted by hand, from the highest quality fabrics, felts and trimmings—is a unique adornment.

If you're lucky enough to live in the San Francisco Bay Area you won't want to miss Designer Spotlights hosted by Britex Fabrics in San Francisco.  I will be one of five designers making a personal appearance on Thursday night.  Here's their promo on the event, glitz and glam a promise . . . .

Designer Spotlights - Bridal & Evening Wear

Thursday, March 15 from 7 - 9 PM


Britex Fabrics celebrates its sixtieth anniversary with this special series of design community events. Beginning on March 15, we are hosting four Designer Spotlights, each of which showcases a particular design theme--from Bridal & Evening Wear in March to Wardrobe Essentials in May, to Costumes & Corsetry in July and Menswear & Shirtmaking in September.

Join us for festive evenings of mingling with some of the Bay Area's most innovative designers and dressmakers. Choose the perfect collaborator for your special project, from an array of top-notch talent--and bring your ideas to life.

Please RSVP to info@britexfabrics.com or by phone at (415) 392-2910.

Meet the Bridal & Evening Wear designers:

Karen Tierney of Studio Trousseau has been a design professional for over 25 years in the Bay Area. Her focus is on designing and producing custom-made wedding gowns and historic gowns, and the restoration and preservation of historic gowns—particularly the lacework. Her detailed work reflects her ability to blend history with fashion-forward style.

Amy-Jo Tatum produces extraordinary, one-of-a-kind dresses in her custom design studio, Bridal Alternatives. She has been a columnist for SF Art and Fashion News, has a weekly fashion gig on One Wed, and founded a networking organization called The Design Project of San Francisco. She is currently working on a book called 'Bride Chic', about that white gown and special designer/client relationship.

Helena Chenn is a wardrobe expert and image consultant. Her specialties include custom couture design, wedding gowns and tailoring and alterations for both men and women. Helena is co-author of the book Image Power: Top Image Experts Share What to Know to Look Your Best, and an active member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), the Association of Sewing & Design Professionals (ASDP), the American Sewing Guild (ASG) and The Textile Arts Council.

Hester Michael is a fabric artist specializing in custom sewing and pattern making. Hester studied fashion and costume design in San Francisco at FIDM and the Louise Salinger Academy of Fashion, earning her BFA. Since then she has been a Fashion Instructor at FIDM and the Art Institute of California and a designer for local couturiers. She continues to be creative with textile weaving, art to wear, painting and pastel drawing.

Monique Zhang is a principal designer, stylist, and trendsetter. Over the course of her diversified fashion career, she has brought her Asian heritage to American culture to showcase her artistry, from fashion design to image branding to entrepreneurship. Her high style custom design studio Cicada Couture (with a showroom in Union Square) features her signature line of special occasion apparel, which are also available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and boutiques in NYC, LA, Honolulu, Santa Fe and Shanghai.

Melissa Bolin of Kitty Andrews followed her heart into the art of millinery, and is passionate about its rich history. Her inspiration comes from costuming and haute couture, pin-up and punk rock, and years of traveling and living abroad in Japan. At Kitty Andrews, she combines traditional knowledge, techniques, and design precedents with a fresh, youthful approach drawing on modern materials and tastes. Each piece—meticulously crafted by hand, from the highest quality fabrics, felts and trimmings—is a unique adornment.
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PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

Stay tuned!  You won't want to miss out on Oh La La! a stylized shoot inspired by Paris, the 50s, the Belle Epoch and a little bit of Toulouse-Lautrec thrown in.  All the creations you'll be seeing in this shoot are about pouf, frills and spun tulle. The shot here is one of  my faves with Natalie dancing it up in a lace and crinoline slip and corset . . . .


Stay tuned!  You won't want to miss out on Oh La La! a stylized shoot inspired by Paris, the 50s, the Belle Epoch and a little bit of Toulouse-Lautrec thrown in.  All the creations you'll be seeing in this shoot are about pouf, frills and spun tulle. The shot here is one of  my faves with Natalie dancing it up in a lace and crinoline slip and corset . . . .


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THE CHERRY BLOSSOM WEDDING


 
 
Perusing through Etsy I ran across too many variations of cherry blossoms (amongst apple, Magnolia, plum, etc) that I couldn't leave without sharing one of the most magnificent shows of spring there is.  Here each designer shares a bit of blossoming magic from dress, to head wear to invites. 

Top 2 photos: Cherry Bomb Silk Organza Wedding Dress by Claire La Faye; Cherry Blossom Wedding Bouquet with Dusty Miller and Twigs-- By Lovelee Flowers
Row 1: Pink cherry blossom hair wreath by The Honey Comb; Cherry Blossom Pink Briolettes by Anatolian Tale Design; 
Row2: Heirloom Filigree Polaroid Photo Brooch by Jersey Maids; Cherry Blossom Hairband by Two Pearls in a Pod
Cherry Blossom favor cake boxes and centerpiece by LMK Gifts
Row 3:  Cherry Blossom Wedding Bouquet & Matching Boutonniere by Natas Do Ceu; Cherry Blossom Double Petal pendant by Hapa Girls
Cherry Blossom Wedding Table Decoration by A Bespoke Touch;  Cherry blossom wedding invitation by Archaic Ink

 
 
Perusing through Etsy I ran across too many variations of cherry blossoms (amongst apple, Magnolia, plum, etc) that I couldn't leave without sharing one of the most magnificent shows of spring there is.  Here each designer shares a bit of blossoming magic from dress, to head wear to invites. 

Top 2 photos: Cherry Bomb Silk Organza Wedding Dress by Claire La Faye; Cherry Blossom Wedding Bouquet with Dusty Miller and Twigs-- By Lovelee Flowers
Row 1: Pink cherry blossom hair wreath by The Honey Comb; Cherry Blossom Pink Briolettes by Anatolian Tale Design; 
Row2: Heirloom Filigree Polaroid Photo Brooch by Jersey Maids; Cherry Blossom Hairband by Two Pearls in a Pod
Cherry Blossom favor cake boxes and centerpiece by LMK Gifts
Row 3:  Cherry Blossom Wedding Bouquet & Matching Boutonniere by Natas Do Ceu; Cherry Blossom Double Petal pendant by Hapa Girls
Cherry Blossom Wedding Table Decoration by A Bespoke Touch;  Cherry blossom wedding invitation by Archaic Ink
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TODAY YOU'LL FIND ME. . . .

 . . . On One Wed Blog talking about some incredible finds for spring 2012.  If you're curious about where me and my fellow indies are finding all that inspiration to create those ahead-of-the-curve dresses and accessories hop on over . . . The preview above and below are two of my faves from designer Erica Elizabeth Design .  I'm feeling so much retro this season being fine-tuned to look like it really came out of an era gone by . . . . 
 . . . On One Wed Blog talking about some incredible finds for spring 2012.  If you're curious about where me and my fellow indies are finding all that inspiration to create those ahead-of-the-curve dresses and accessories hop on over . . . The preview above and below are two of my faves from designer Erica Elizabeth Design .  I'm feeling so much retro this season being fine-tuned to look like it really came out of an era gone by . . . . 
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TULLE-ING AROUND

In my experience working with brides I find they either totally love tulle or absolutely can't stand it.  I ask you though, what could be more bridal than a cloud of soft tulle?  Defined, tulle is that fine mesh netting with a hexagonal pattern that comes in silk, cotton, nylon or acrylic silk for power netting.  Tulle, aka illusion, is familiar because its the standard material for bridal veils.  Did you know it also comes in lighter versions and is used in bouffant skirts?  The ones here give off that romantic look evoking ballerinas and Boho princesses.
 Above the skirt is made of silk tulle with a Chantilly lace bodice.  A matching pouf of tulle is worn to the side of the head . . .
 Ahhhhhh! The many uses of tulle.  Above is a tulle A-line strapless dappled in organza roses with a matching tulle wrap.  Below: Perfect for spring! A tulle picture hat dappled with silk florals
All gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
Photos copyright by Bride Chic
Models: Jocelyn, Tracey, Natalie and Brooke
In my experience working with brides I find they either totally love tulle or absolutely can't stand it.  I ask you though, what could be more bridal than a cloud of soft tulle?  Defined, tulle is that fine mesh netting with a hexagonal pattern that comes in silk, cotton, nylon or acrylic silk for power netting.  Tulle, aka illusion, is familiar because its the standard material for bridal veils.  Did you know it also comes in lighter versions and is used in bouffant skirts?  The ones here give off that romantic look evoking ballerinas and Boho princesses.
 Above the skirt is made of silk tulle with a Chantilly lace bodice.  A matching pouf of tulle is worn to the side of the head . . .
 Ahhhhhh! The many uses of tulle.  Above is a tulle A-line strapless dappled in organza roses with a matching tulle wrap.  Below: Perfect for spring! A tulle picture hat dappled with silk florals
All gowns and headpieces by Amy-Jo Tatum Bride
Photos copyright by Bride Chic
Models: Jocelyn, Tracey, Natalie and Brooke
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VINTAGE SPRING

Something about vintage and spring pairs up so nicely.  Here are some creations-- dresses and head chic inspired by the best parts of nature.  Add silhouettes evocative of Christian Dior who revolutionized fashion with his hourglass silhouette, showing off a cinched waist atop skirts flowing in yards of silks and layers of crinoline. Recently this defined waist has made a come back and brides are loving it. . . .  Directly above and below is a dress in tulle dappled with rose petals on the skirt.  The headpiece is an organza rose with leaves forming a silk dupioni cap . . . .
 Headpiece of Point d'spirit.  Directly above: Tea-dyed tulle and Chantilly lace dress with a square neckline. Bodice is shirred and pleated with motifs of Chantilly lace underneath. skirt is five layers of tulle with China silk rose-beige skirt lining.
White cotton eyelet A-line dress with Sabrina neckline paired up with picture hat adorned in Daisies . . . .
Marilyn-style halter dress in all over Chantilly lace.  Head pouf of French netting and hand-rolled organza flower . . . .
Tulle dress with close fitted bodice covered in Chantilly lace appliques with an overlay of shirred tulle. The rosy tint of the tulle is the result of a tea dye. Cinched waist with a gray satin belt.

 Cotton eyelet dress with bateau neck and floppy brimmed sisal hat with striped bow and Daisy.  White cotton vintage gloves . . . .

Model: Jessica Farwell
Photos copyright Bride Chic


Something about vintage and spring pairs up so nicely.  Here are some creations-- dresses and head chic inspired by the best parts of nature.  Add silhouettes evocative of Christian Dior who revolutionized fashion with his hourglass silhouette, showing off a cinched waist atop skirts flowing in yards of silks and layers of crinoline. Recently this defined waist has made a come back and brides are loving it. . . .  Directly above and below is a dress in tulle dappled with rose petals on the skirt.  The headpiece is an organza rose with leaves forming a silk dupioni cap . . . .
 Headpiece of Point d'spirit.  Directly above: Tea-dyed tulle and Chantilly lace dress with a square neckline. Bodice is shirred and pleated with motifs of Chantilly lace underneath. skirt is five layers of tulle with China silk rose-beige skirt lining.
White cotton eyelet A-line dress with Sabrina neckline paired up with picture hat adorned in Daisies . . . .
Marilyn-style halter dress in all over Chantilly lace.  Head pouf of French netting and hand-rolled organza flower . . . .
Tulle dress with close fitted bodice covered in Chantilly lace appliques with an overlay of shirred tulle. The rosy tint of the tulle is the result of a tea dye. Cinched waist with a gray satin belt.

 Cotton eyelet dress with bateau neck and floppy brimmed sisal hat with striped bow and Daisy.  White cotton vintage gloves . . . .

Model: Jessica Farwell
Photos copyright Bride Chic


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