Just IN! Just GENIUS!

We just received this dress in by Carolina Herrera and I simply had to feature it as the "Just In" gown of the week.

This past Spring, Herrera showed one of the most exciting and anticipated bridal runway shows I have ever seen. I don't use the term genius lightly, but I truly believe that the entire collection was simply GENIUS!





The show was presented at Tiffany's. Yes, THE Tiffany's on 5th Avenue and from the movie, "Breakfast at Tiffany's".


The models walked through a maze of glass cases filled with Tiffany's exquisite diamond jewelry. The audience sat in front of the cases, so everyone attending had a front row seat.

What makes this collection so genius is that every gown was inspired from a painting by a famous artist. This particular gown was inspired by the painting by Franz Xavier Winterhalter.


You can see how this painting which is a portrait of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria 1865, has been transformed into a gown for 2010. The strapless gown is made of tulle that has been hand painted, then hand embroidered and beaded on top of the painted tulle.



There are delicate flowers and buds made up of ribbons that scatter on the branches that sweep across the bodice and skirt. Then Herrera used stones in many shapes and sizes- round, teardrop, oval, and rectangular cut stones, tiny cut beads, tiny chalk sequins and even mother of pearl palettes are intricately dispersed throughout the design. It is done so delicately and tastefully that you wouldn't even notice until you look up close and take in the artistry.


Since this gown is made of tulle, it is light enough to be worn in the Summer. Because of the flowers, it would fit beautifully into a Spring or Fall themed wedding. And for a Winter wedding, a reception decorated with tall white branches and tons of twinkling lights is the perfect backdrop to this wearable art, making this a dress for all seasons.

With so much interest in one piece- a wedding dress, a work of art, a recreation of history- I am just dying to hear all of your perspectives!