Market Report from Sposa Italia

Mara and I just returned from a long weekend in Milan, Italy to see the Sposa Italia collections. Every June in Milan, retail stores and bridal press from all around the world visit the Sposa Italia show to see the latest and greatest designer fashions from all over the world. Here are some of our industry friends...fashion editor from Elegant Bride and Modern Bride publisher. And of course my new friend the Mime in Manza...





From the moment we touched down to the time we had to board the plane back to New York it was a whirlwind of exciting collections from so many designers. A highlight that stuck out in my mind was David Fielden. His runway show was a blast from the past of futuristic models walking down smoked filled runways, showing goddess gowns with flowing chiffon angel sleeves and flowers to large tulle ball gowns with contrasting beaded accents. (see below)







Another designer, Chiarade, who has been featured at Kleinfeld for the past year, that we carried came out with a new line called Chiarade Suite. It is haute couture and fabulous. We chose three dresses from the collection. They are not for everyone but definitely for the bride who is not afraid to make a statement. The fashion show was in a tightly secured government building. Their dresses are over the top and quite sexy. They are red carpet glamour with a capitol G!!





I would say my favorite collection this year was Spose DI Giò. We drove about 40min away from Milan to Manza to see the collection in one of their three shops in the town. The collection was modern, sexy and very wearable. In this collection, there is something for everyone. The dresses are made so beautifully, inside and out, that our fitters and seamstresses at our store love to work on them.







I cannot end this note without putting in a mention for Ian Stuart. He never disappoints. His collection also was one of his best collections yet. I was able to have Ian design at least four gowns for the plus size bride that I think would be fabulous. He continues to design the over the top bridal dresses made of very unique fabrics of taffeta with metal.







Accessories were rampant as well, with high gladiator sandals adorned with jewels and butterflies, and Hats... which by the way is my personal fav!! I'm just waiting for the day that hats take off here in the states.

Anyhow it was a fun and fabulous trip with lots of beautiful and exclusive wedding gowns for our brides. Here are a few more pictures of exciting gowns from Peter Langner, RS Couture, and Vanitas:






I can't wait for you all to see them...they should arrive in a few months!

-Dorothy and Mara

PS - We are on our way next week for a first-time trip to Dusseldorf, Germany to see the bridal collections. We will keep you posted...