Amazing Grace

Regarded as one of the most elegant and best remembered bridal gowns of all time, the timeless and classic wedding dress worn by the amazing Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier III to become Princess Grace, is still as influential today as it was back in April 1956.

When 26 year old Grace Kelly went from Hollywood starlet to real-life Princess it didn’t just change history but rewrote it by elevating bridal fashion to dizzying new heights. Her gown brought about the rebirth of extravagant wedding dresses by departing from traditional designs, chosen by the majority of brides of the time, to firmly plant its stake as one of the most celebrated designs in history.

The honour of creating the gown was given to Oscar-winning MGM costumier Helen Rose who, notably, was the costumier that dressed Kelly in the smash-hit film High Society. The dress took six weeks to create and was worked on by over 30 highly skilled seamstresses. In style and detail the dress was conceived to complement the “fairy-Princess” image of the bride-to-be. Miss Rose articulated that the gown should reflect the personality of the actress by being “simple but elegant, feminine and ladylike but not necessarily regal” adding that it should not “overpower her beauty”. Her vision was a triumph because, as history confirms, the union between gown and bride was a perfect harmony.

Grace requested that some detail remain traditional by stating her wish to include a high neckline and long sleeves. How right she was as these have become some of the most iconic details of the dress. Other well-known features included a high waist, fitted bodice, a full skirt, pleated cummerbund and a long, dramatic train. However, it was the superbly exquisite detailing of the gown which has made it a legend in its own right.

What seems to have inspired several generations of hopeless romantics, whilst melting the hearts of the rest of mankind, and still continues to do so to this day is the intricate, priceless, 125 year old delicate Brussels Rose point lace that features elaborate floral motifs. Cleverly designed to create a seamless lace bodice cascading into long delicate lace sleeves, which themselves were embroidered and accented with lustrous seed pearls, a true lace masterpiece was born.

The ivory skirt made of Peau de Soie- a soft silk fabric of satin weave with a dull finish- perfectly balanced and contrasted the Brussels lace with its heavy pleating and voluminous size.

At the time the fashion world’s media was in a frenzy and was as inquisitive and excited about the dress as the modern media were about Kate Middleton’s bridal gown. In the build-up to the unveiling of Grace Kelly’s gown seemingly every wedding dress manufacturer on the planet desperately wanted to get their hands on a copy of the sketch. A mere suggestion of what the designer was doing was headline news and pictures or details of the royal gown almost became an issue of national security.

Gossip columns, periodicals and newspapers alike abounded with articles on the dress which became so famous in its own right that their headlines did not even need to include the name of the bride!

Before the gown was even revealed to the public it had achieved legendary status and when it finally did make its dramatic appearance had an impact on the fashion scene like none that had gone before it.

When Miss Grace Kelly momentously presented herself to the world, ready to begin the new chapter of her life as a Princess, at the extravaganza dubbed the ‘Wedding of the Century’ the commentary on the triumph of Helen Rose’s gown ensued.

After months of gossip and speculation the revealing made headline news all over the world. The New York Times described it as the ‘loveliest example of the American product’ and it was even metaphorically portrayed as ‘flowing like a river of whipped cream among the plush red floor’. Some, however, weren’t as enamoured with the gown as most, even commenting on how it was a ‘charming dress not a superb one’, yet the general reaction to the gown was that it was magnificent.

When we look closer at the features of this majestic dress we start to realise just how much it has inspired a multitude of brides over the last 56 years. We should therefore ponder over such a wonderful creation, stop and ask why?

Maybe one reason is that Grace Kelly, from star of the silver screen to real-life Princess, was a captivating, demure and gentle human being possessed of an almost ethereal beauty who seemingly lived out our little girl dreams and fairy-tales albeit in a sadly ephemeral way. 

From her on-screen portrayals of leading-lady characters to her real-life relationship she seduced us to believe in true love, passion and romance and she still continues to do so 30 years after her death when we recount her poignant bitter-sweet story.

Her unique style, timeless elegance and angelic beauty are as relevant now as they ever were and are an inspiration to every bride-to-be. Not only have brides of weddings past emulated Princess Grace’s style and choice of dress but modern brides still pay homage to the timeless creation worn by her and strikingly none more so than the Duchess of Cambridge. 

Her Sarah Burton gown respectfully incorporated many similar design features to the Helen Rose masterpiece and how fitting that such a dress was worn by a modern day Princess.

Other famed ladies who were heavily inspired by Helen Rose’s creation included Nicole Richie who wore an exquisite custom-designed Marchesa wedding dress when she married Joel Madden in 2010. 

Another was Ivanka Trump’s, Vera Wang designed wedding dress, that made a fresh statement to the wedding world in 2009, which had become so accustomed to strapless gowns, by incorporating the addition of lace sleeves

It is not just brides who have taken, and still do take, inspiration from this historic dress but designers also continue to do so. 

Sassi Holford's 2010 'Samantha' bridal gown

Rosa Clara 2012 'Adorno' bridal gown

Atelier Aimee bridal gown

A quote which sums it up succinctly is by fashion designer Oscar de la Renta who said: ‘On her wedding day, Grace Kelly gave new meaning to the word icon. Her whole look, from the regal veil to the feminine lace details and the conservative gown, made her an ageless bride’. 

Where is the dress now? Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, who was a native of the city of Philadelphia, gave her gown, Juliet cap, veil, shoes and prayer book to the Philadelphia museum shortly after her wedding. Although the wedding ensemble was superbly exhibited by the museum in 2006 sadly it is no longer on show. 

Nevertheless, her gown will continue to remain in our consciousness, will inspire future generations of brides-to-be and no doubt be at the heart of many a wedding design. Such designs are works of art, real manifestations of beauty and often brought to life by truly unique characters. Together they can be a perfect coupling, for both the wearer and the worn can create history, become a legend and reach the ultimate status reserved for only the very select few of being a truly genuine icon. 

Here at Vintage Rose Wedding Designs we have our sights firmly fixed on the future but we take our inspiration from the past, from the familiar imagery that pervades our senses and which give substance to what we call ‘Vintage’. 

We know that our brides want something special, that quintessential vintage feel but with a modern twist. If you are one of those brides-to-be and want a wedding design that is a perfect coupling of you and your wedding theme then contact one of our in-house design team at info@vintageroseweddingdesigns.co.uk and we will help you to make your vision become a reality.


Love, VR x

Blue Lace, New Grace

From the moment Kate Middleton stepped out of the black Rolls Royce Phantom and entered Westminster Abbey on 29th April 2011 to marry Prince William we knew that designers, with their pencil's poised at the ready, would soon be eagerly sketching lace into their future bridal collections.

In 2012 we have not been disappointed as Kate's wedding gown by Sarah Burton has influenced and inspired the wedding world this year. The gown, which finely balanced the juxtaposition of traditional and modern influences was almost symbolic of the way in which the tradition of the Royal Family is delicately counter-balanced against its need to modernise. The subtle statement made by this evocative dress has ensured that this trend will likely continue for years to come.

It isn't just the lace applique, featured on the bodice and skirt, that has inspired designers and brides-to-be alike but it is the opportunity that it has given us to make a departure from strapless wedding gowns to a more refined, classical gown reminiscent of bygone era's where arms and shoulders were covered with long, sheer or lace sleeves.

Lace has always been synonymous with weddings, epitomising beauty and elegance, and has made many memorable appearances on bridal gowns throughout history, notably, adorning the iconic Elizabeth Taylor's glamorous onscreen dress in Father of the Bride. 

It went on to become the most heavily copied dress of the post war era during the early 1950's. Then came one of the most exquisitely elegant lace masterpieces of all time - Grace Kelly's wedding gown to Prince Rainier III in 1956. So influential was the detail of this design that Kate Middleton's dress heavily mimics it making her, some would say, the New Grace.

Of course too, how could we forget the signature gowns of the 1980's where lace became the choice of many a Royal wedding with the gowns heavily favouring a Victorian influence. 

At certain times though it has been regarded as outdated and even reminiscent of doilies or our grandmother's net curtains, but thanks to the resurgence of vintage now being back in vogue we have lovingly welcomed it back with open arms. This time around Lace has been modernised by adding it to simple, sleek and fitted gowns a la Kate Middleton.

Wedding themes which reflect the classiness of lace have evolved too. This has seen the often brash, but never dull, princess style wedding stepping aside to make way for a more intimate, traditional affair accompanied by a subtle palette of dusky, softened and almost subdued colour shades which compliment lace perfectly.

www.rosalindmillercakes.com

One of these colours is pale blue which promotes purity, elegance and romance. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85903211/something-blue-baby-blue-lacey-wedding

When combined with lace this truly brings vintage to life, especially when accompanied by the warmth and girliness of peach tones. 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KrumpetsDesigns

This was beautifully done recently when Dee Koppang married everyone's Saturday night X-Factor favourite, Dermot O'Leary, at an imitate affair. 

Mrs O'Leary opted to bring a delicately demure vintage feel to her wedding by wearing a fitted ivory satin gown designed by Aimee McWilliams, complete with lace appliques to the fishtail train and on-trend long lace sleeves. She completed the look with a delicate bouquet of baby blue hydrangeas, peach roses and royal blue blooms. 

The look was also echoed by her bridesmaids who wore pretty 60's style knee length dresses in baby blue lace, complete with matching vintage blue lace gloves and delicate peach shoes.

This is an effortlessly chic look for brides-to-be that want to capture a slightly different take on a traditional vintage theme.

At Vintage Rose Wedding Designs we know that balancing the traditional with the modern is a desire of most brides-to-be who are seeking individuality. We also know how difficult it can be to balance the two. With our expert input we can help you to achieve your dream and create a wedding theme that is a reflection of you are your personality and will be nothing short of a timeless classic in its own right.

If you want to discuss how we can bring your ideas to life please contact one of the team at info@vintageroseweddingdesigns.co.uk

Love VR, x

Just Peachy!

When we heard that the fashion conscious Blake Lively had used the colour peach at her wedding to handsome Ryan Reynolds we must admit that it conjured up flashbacks of the 80's and we had, err..,well,....a few reservations to say the least ! 

Using the words 'peach' and 'wedding' together in the same sentence seems to evoke a similar reaction from most people.

If you had the dubious pleasure of living through the 80's eclectic, adventurous and quite often not very coordinated 'fashion' scene (of course I was too young to remember very much) then for you there was really no escaping peach, from home decor to the ill-contrived clothes hanging in every set of pine wardrobes it seemed the world was viewed through peach tinted glasses. 

Most importantly peach was the uniform colour for the majority of bridesmaids in the 80's. These dresses, unaffectionately and dispassionately known as 'peach nightmares', generally were made from a selection of unflattering materials and featured either hideous huge puff sleeves or a not very sexy off-the-shoulder number.

Looking back through forlorn glossy magazines and well-hidden wedding photo albums gives a somewhat tainted reputation to this romantic colour but, and this is a huge but, thanks to many very brave fashion forward designers and self-assured brides peach is no longer the outdated, almost sepia pastel shade of long ago for it has made a bold and welcome return, making its way back into our hearts with, dare we say it , a familiarity and warmth that draws us to all things considered to be vintage. 

It is more than that though for it is not making a 'tail between its legs' return akin to the homecoming of the prodigal son but instead is heralding its dramatic return to the wedding scene with a celebrity backed fanfare.

Peach has taken on an exciting new life, no longer being teamed with the eighties palette of sea foam greens or uninspiring greys, peach is now being combined with bold tangerine splashes to add a modern twist, cool duck egg blues to take the sickly sugar and sweetness away and with whites and creams to add an invigorating freshness. This is the colour palette which the beautiful Mrs Reynolds, nee Lively, reportedly opted for.

She is thought to have walked down the aisle cradling a delicate bouquet of white and peach roses accompanied by delectable peonies. The theme was carried through to their peach and white wedding cake.

http://www.maisiefantaisie.co.uk/

Such daring celebrity endorsements have definitely brought peach back into our consciousness and it is now set to be catapulted back into vogue but this time around will evoke a dreamy, enchanting and classical feel.   

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuroraBridal

So don't fear, and feel free to now breathe again, for long gone are bridesmaid dresses of satin and taffeta, instead to be replaced by an altogether softer and more romantic theme with flowing fabrics such as luxurious chiffon which adds warmth to the shade making it suitable to be worn by any bridesmaid and, especially in this case, Blake's. Her bridesmaids are reported to have worn delicate blush silk chiffon Marchesa gowns. No doubt many more brides will be following suit this year and we say why not!

http://lovinglyeverafter.co

For those brides seeking a contemporised vintage look they could opt to team peach with soft pinks and versatile mint to create a delicate colour palette. For brides that don't want to be overly girly peach can be used as an on-trend alternative to pink. 

www.etsy.com/shop/ZoeGraceBlooms

So there we have it, peach is back and packing a punch and is predicted to be big in 2013 when the wedding world be just peachy once again!

At Vintage Rose Wedding Designs we love the familiarity of all things vintage but specialise in adding a contemporary twist. That way you can have a classic and timeless wedding theme but which meets the requirement's of modern brides.

So if it is your wish to recreate an old classic theme with a modern twist then you need to get in touch with us at info@vintageroseweddingdesigns.co.uk

Love, VR x

Peaches and Dreams

Peaches Geldof wed Indie musician Thomas Cohen over the weekend at the picturesque St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence Church in the village of Davington, in Kent.

Their marriage was celebrated at her fathers country home, Davington Priory.

Peaches vision was "a country wedding meets Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream".

As we expected from this non-traditional young bride there was plenty of quirky details such as their eight-month-old golden retriever puppy playing the part of ring-bearer whilst wearing a flower garland. Peaches obsession with pigs was manifest in her choice of blue and cream iced wedding cake which featured edible porcine decorations. 

Peaches designed her ceremony gown herself and it was brought to life by Italian designer Alberta Ferretti who is best known for dressing the cocktail crowd, made from a delicate, fairytale lace embellished with pearls and gems it was beautifully accented by the floral crown of daisies she wore. An ethereal beauty. 

Now girls, we know just how hard it can be to find one dress for that special occasion but Peaches managed to find three! 

Her second gown worn at her reception was  a little piece of history as it is the very first custom made wedding gown by fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. In a delicate shade of grey the exquisite lace sheath dress with trumpet inspired hem and cap sleeves oozes subtle glamour. Completed by a matching lace edged Mantilla style veil which gives a hint of tradition with a slight Spanish feel.

Peaches party dress was a white embellished Marchesa gown.

Peaches was accompanied by no less than seven bridesmaids which included her sisters Fifi, Pixie and Tiger. 

The location the couple chose for their wedding had a bittersweet tinge to it as it was in the same spot where Peaches mother, Paula Yates, married her father, Sir Bob Geldof, 25 years ago but was also where her funeral took place in 2000. 

Peaches said, "I have... opted for a very romantic and delicate look, fitting in with the aesthetic of the wedding, which is old fashioned, pared down and vintage".

Peaches had a dream and brought it to life marvellously. At Vintage Rose we would love to work with you to bring your dream to life for your special day.  

We would be happy to give you guidance and direction or manage your complete wedding design. Whatever your requirements are we would love to discuss them with you do why not get in touch with us at info@vintageroseweddingdesigns.co.uk

Love, VR x

Rush Wedding for Olivia Wilde and Chris Hemsworth

Don't they make a beautiful couple!

However, the glamorous pair aren't really getting hitched but instead were filming scenes on the set of upcoming Formula 1 film biopic, Rush, recreating the wedding of British racing driver, hell-raiser and playboy James Hunt and his beautiful 1970's supermodel bride, Suzy Miller, one of the most famous couples in the world of their day!

Set against the glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing in the seventies and directed by Ron Howard, the film tells the story of the great sporting rivalry between handsome Hunt, played by Chris Hemsworth and his methodical opponent Niki Lauder and focuses its lens on his relationship with Miller played by Olivia Wilde. The film is due for release in US cinemas in 2013.

Charming, charismatic and unruly, Hunt proposed to Miller only a few weeks after their first meeting and married soon after in 1974. If you don't know the story we won't spoil it for you except to say these happy scenes didn't last long for the racing legend and his bride.

Wilde effortlessly fell into character by wearing a long, ivory satin empire gown with a beautiful lace bodice and cap sleeves, completing the look with a veil edged in lace. Although the gown is different to the original worn by Miller we are sure you will agree Wilde holds more than a passing resemblance to the Supermodel both in her looks and by the way her hair has been styled.

Hemsworth, however, wore almost the same attire as James Hunt did on their big day and ladies doesn't he look handsome! 

Re-creating the past and making it authentic requires great attention to detail and an understanding of what makes something truly vintage.

At Vintage Rose bringing classic looks and unforgettable images back to life is our passion. If it is your desire to have an authentic wedding theme reminiscent of style icons from times gone by then we would love to discuss your ideas and work with you to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Just drop us a line at info@vintageroseweddingdesigns.co.uk and we will get straight back to 
you. 

Love, VR x

What's the gossip about Gossip Girl?

Sshhhh......Is it really possible to keep a secret in Hollywood?

Well we have some lively gossip for you about a secret Hollywood wedding ceremony that sees Tinseltown's notoriously private couple, Gossip Girl's Blake Lively and hunky actor Ryan Reynolds, reportedly tying the knot on Sunday night at Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina. 

The hall has been the setting for a romantic liaison once before as it was used as the summer home of Allie, the character played by Rachel McAdams, in the 2004 film The Notebook. 

The intimate ceremony is thought to have taken place inside of an authentic rustic barn in front of 60 close family and friends whilst the reception was held in a chic white tent on the grounds of the plantation.  

Martha Stewart Weddings had exclusive coverage of the event and according to the magazine there was a "fun-filled carnival hour and elegant reception" which was "a truly enchanting celebration." The magazine promises more details in its December issue. 

Blake and her bridesmaids are thought to have worn custom Marchesa gowns designed by Lively's friends, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig.

Blake's Marchesa one of a kind couture bridal ballgown had a hand draped silk tulle bodice adorned with custom crystal and rose gold embroidery.

The bridal party each wore a unique custom made blush silk chiffon Marchesa gown, with crystal embroidered detail.

Ryan looked elegantly sartorial in a Burberry tuxedo.

Christian Louboutin (who else) designed the bride's shoes whilst the couple's fabulous rings were designed by jeweller Lorraine Schwartz.

Many famous faces were amongst the guests, with names from both ends of the musical spectrum such as Florence Welch and Bette Midler, both of whom are said to have sung at the ceremony.

But in keeping with Lively's style, everyone is keeping tight lipped about the whole affair! After all if there is going to be any gossip who better to hear it from than the Gossip Girl herself!

We will keep you posted with some pics as we find out more!

Love, VR x

Lady Gaga Marries the Night

Lady Gaga was out and about in London last night and, in her inimitable style, was snapped wearing an extravagant ivory floor length wedding gown designed by Ulyana Sergeenko.

The brocade dress had a super-stylish peplum with a corset back and plunging neckline and featured a full layered train.

She teamed the gown with cream platform boots and looked resplendent in satin gloves with a veil styled into a turban headpiece and, of course, as is only fitting for the Queen of Pop, a gold crown studded with jewels. 

The delightfully diminutive Gaga who stands at 5 feet 1 looked every inch a superstar in this voluminous gown! 

She proved that no matter what your height you can still carry off that show-stopping dress if you wear it with confidence. Oh, and a pair of sky high killer heels too!

Love VR, x  

From One Lady to Another

Most brides choose a traditional bridal gown but we didnt ever expect aristocratic model and stylist Lady Mary Charteris to follow suit. Lady Charteris did not let us down when she married last weekend and chose a wedding dress designed by Pam Hogg who is known more for her sheer catsuits then bridal gowns and has dressed none other than Lady Gaga herself.

 Lady Mary Charteris with designer Pam Hogg

The design was an eye-catching cut away gown with sheer sleeves, satin triangle panels, skirt made of layers and layers of silk tulle, a floral headpiece and was finished with a long veil and a chunky necklace.The show-stopping look was made complete by the addition of vertiginous satin heels designed by Nicholas Kirkwood.

Her bridesmaids wore white dresses with blue sashes and delicate floral headpieces. The ensemble was completed by the addition of pretty blue capes.

Her rock star groom, Robbie Furze, was dressed in less adventurous attire donning a dark pinstripe suit with a dark blue tie but nevertheless was a perfect compliment to his First Lady.

The couple, who were married at her father's estate in Gloucestershire, were joined by many famous faces Including Lily Allen, Florence Welch, Jerry Hall, Poppy Delevingne and the brides Aunt, eccentric heiress and fashion collector, Daphne Guinness and these were to name but a few. 

Rumours are circulating that Lady Charteris gave Hogg complete creative control over the gown and didn't see the dress until the eve of her big day! 

It's quite possible that many brides-to-be will not be copying this dress but we absolutely love that Lady Mary did it exactly to suit her style. 

Making your wedding reflect exactly just who and what you are is what we at Vintage Rose strive to achieve with our bespoke designs.

So if you want a wedding design that is all about you and truly unique why not get in touch with us at info@vintageroseweddingdesigns.co.uk

Love, VR x

Flower Power Head Dresses

The hottest wedding trend is to be in bloom and adorn your flowing locks with an utterly feminine, ethereal botanical crown or hair wreath. These floral hair pieces are the new ‘It' hair fashion accessory for weddings and any occasion.

These wonderful Greco-Roman, nymph-like, Pre-Raphaelite floral additions go with any wedding theme. They fit especially well with a Bohemian or vintage style but are also perfect for outdoor or garden-party themed weddings and add that Midsummer Night’s Dream enchanted feel to any occasion. 

If you are planning your wedding (floral headpieces can be worn all year round) and want to add that extra touch of femininity then why not take some tips from celebs that have recently tied the knot.

Kate Moss' young bridesmaids were all bedecked with floral headbands at her wedding in July.

Kate Middleton's cute young attendants wore Lily-of-the-valley and ivy hair-wreaths inspired by the headdress worn by Kate's mother when she was married in 1981 and we were lovingly reminded of Princess Diana's flower girls too.

Natalie Portman accessorised her modest tea length dress at her recent wedding by wearing a delicate string of white blossoms around her forehead.

Katie Melua wore an earthy floral headband with her feminine lace gown.

Lady Mary Charteris wore a delicate floral headpiece whilst her bridesmaids were adorned with pretty pink wreaths. 

Margherita Missoni’s bridesmaids wore pretty Daisy chain headdresses at her June wedding in Italy.

The latest addition to the celebrity floral head dress clique is Peaches Geldof, who looked stunning in her enchanting daisy garland.

Wearing a floral crown is now not restricted just to those under the age of seven and participating in a wedding thanks to Dolce & Gabbana and many celebs including Lana Del Rey, Keira Knightley, Emma Stone and Kirsten Dunst to name but a few, as well as hordes of musical festival goers.

Although balmy summer days haven't exactly been plentiful this year by incorporating these floral accessories into your wedding day you can be sure that it will add that final magical touch not matter what the weather.

Love, VR, x