The Second Act
From demure princess to reception siren, Orange County brides are morphing their wedding day look
Pretty in pink for her ceremony and a sophisticate in black come the reception, actress Selma Blair made the most of her wedding as only a fashion-obsessed A-lister can: she ordered her Karl Lagerfeld-designed gown in two colors, in order for her wedding day to have the benefit of a mini makeover.
Once considered the ultimate Hollywood luxury, the trend toward multiple wedding day looks is gaining a foothold among O.C.’s bridal elite. Like the Newport Beach bride whose trio of Monique Lhuillier gowns (a lilac cocktail dress, an A-line ivory ball gown and a fitted red sheath) saw her elegantly outfitted from the rehearsal dinner through to the reception at the Montage Resort & Spa.
While little girls still dream of the perfect wedding, big girls are wising up to the notion of making the most of their Big Day. “Brides so often come in wishing they could have more than one wedding dress, and now people realize that they can,” says Marlis Porter, owner of The White Dress in Corona del Mar. “It’s just another way of showing more attention to detail.”
Porter says clients may choose to split their gown budget across two choices – say, a US$4000 satin gown with full skirt and veil for the ceremony, along with a less expensive, slim-line dress for kicking up heels at the reception. (Some high maintenance brides will change hair and bouquets to match.)
It’s also a chance to introduce color into the equation. “For a second dress, pistachio is a huge seller,” Porter says. “We also see women choosing pinks and soft blues.”
And by taking an individual approach, brides can avoid the ultimate wedding fashion faux pas – being seen in the same dress. “I went to three weddings this year and at each one the bride was wearing the same Vera Wang gown. People accustomed to going to weddings want to see something different.”
But carrying off more than one look doesn’t have to mean searching for more than one gown. At L’ezu Atelier, brides fall in love with convertible dressed that offer two styles in one. Erin Cole Couture Bridal Salon, meanwhile, relies on accessories that serve double duty: a jewelled brooch that adds a glam touch to a satin bodice during the ceremony is used to create a bustle in full gowns once the bride hits the dance floor.
“It’s about a simple gown and then changing accessories,” Erin Cole says from her sleek Costa Mesa boutique. Beaded veils are transformed into shawls once the ceremony is complete, while glam tiaras are exchanged for amazing feathered and floral hair pieces. Even a wrap may be introduced to take a bride from virginal to sultry in one swoop.
The increasing popularity of destination and outdoor weddings has heralded a demand all its own – one L’ezu is striving to meet.
Opening a brand new Newport Beach locale following success in Beverly Hills, lovers of L’ezu fall for the stunning drama of their convertible gowns: floor-length jackets with attached trains are unbuttoned to reveal slinky, bias-cut sheaths; full skirts transform into daring minis with the pull of a zip, and narrow skirts hide beneath removable organza layers.
“Girls now want the beauty of looking like a bride for the ceremony and then being more comfortable, particularly when considering tropical destination weddings,” L’ezu owner Patricia Nevil explains. “And by having a gown that converts you can still buy that one special dress but achieve two very different looks.”
The Newport bride at the Montage with a wedding wardrobe full of Monique Lhuillier is increasingly common, says L.A. store manager Jeff Diller. A variety of bridal styles means more interesting video and photography. Along with a chance to flaunt sleek shoulders and buff biceps.
“A lot of girls have worked hard and, for the reception, they want to show off their figures,” Diller says. “And while that beautiful dress looked fabulous in the cathedral, you just can’t have as much fun in a big dress as you can in a sleeker silhouette.”
And, after all, women have been known to change their minds…
L’ezu Atelier, Newport Beach, 949.650.0055
The Goods: Convertible designer gowns that can be transformed from princess-style to sleekly modern are among the selection from this Beverly Hills import.
The Skinny: The store’s motto – one special dress that can be worn two ways. A lace dress with built-in train unbuttons to reveal a low-back satin sheath, while full skirts transform into mini’s with the pull of a zip.
Erin Cole, Costa Mesa, 949.642.5552
The Goods: Gowns from international designers share the stage with original bridal accessories that can transform bridal style; a beaded veil, for example, becomes a shawl
The Skinny: “I love architecture in hair,” Erin Cole says. Choose two styles that suit the feel of the night. A tiara can be exchanged for glittering pins to move the look from ceremony to reception.
Monique Lhuillier, Beverly Hills, 310.550.3388
The Goods: A masterful mix for the classic bride who prizes sex appeal as much as elegant style. Think updated princess gowns to Oscar-worthy sheaths for a grand reception entrance.
The Skinny: Options have expanded when it comes to choosing a slim-line reception dress, they say. Look beyond traditional mermaid silhouettes for a sleeker look.
The White Dress, Corona del Mar, 949.723.0121
The Goods: An edgier selection includes mod dresses from French designers along with pistachio-hued gowns for fashion-forward brides. Look for platinum jewelry by Jayson Hanson.
The Skinny: Those considering two gowns may also want to throw in a shoe change. “I have brides ditching heels for Swarovski crystal flip-flops,” Marlis Porter says. Perfect for dancing.