Brook Easton.com

Sunday, January 21, 2001
2001 Brings Twist in Traditional Gowns
by Brook Kropf (Easton)
Freelance Writer

Your wedding day – you’ve been dreaming about it since you were a little girl. You have the perfect guy, the perfect ring and now you need the perfect dress. Wedding dresses for 2001 will let you make a statement on your special day.

Medieval style dresses featuring flowing organza and empire waists offer “cleaner, simpler, lighter-weight fabrics, focusing on the woman” said Diane Niebuhr of Hope’s Bridal in Atkins.

Corset styles reminiscent of the Renaissance are also giving brides more options this year. Hope’s Bridal offers a beautiful two-piece corset style dress. The strapless bodice is heavily adorned with beading and laces up the back, and is paired with a simple skirt.

A Maggie Sottero design at Hope’s features an A-line gown with a line of crystals and tiny iridescent beads across the bodice. The placket at the back of the bodice plunges to a deep V with an inset of organza, allowing the bride to be revealing without showing too much.

A unique look by Bonnie, available at Heart to Heart in North Liberty, features an inverted peplum, or apron style, with delicate beading accenting the train.

The trend in dresses is unfussy, although Melissa Dennison from Weddings, Etc. in Marion says she is seeing more detail in dresses.

“ You can only get so simple before you have to revert back,” Dennison said.

Color is also making its way down the aisle, in metallic and ice hues. Platinum, which first appeared subtly in embroidery, is now coming center stage.

“ We are seeing entire dresses in platinum and gold,” Niebuhr said. “Designers are even going bolder, using bright red and royal blue.”

Subtle touches in color such as blues and blushes can still be seen in beading and embroidery.

If you opt for a more traditional white you will be astounded by the many choices.

“ There isn’t just a plain white anymore,” said Dennison. “Dresses are coming in Diamond White, silk white, pearl white and ivory.”

Color isn’t the only new trend popping up in bridal dresses. Sleeves are making a huge appearance. Although not in the form of the old heavily laced and beaded dresses of the past. Sleeves are more of an illusion this year: organza sleeves with delicate beading, or three-quarter-length sleeves with the same detailing.

A Maggie Sottero gown at Hope’s features angel-wing sleeves that are attached to the bodice of the dress at the shoulder. They flow down the arm, creating a winged effect and are detailed with subtle beading. Certain designers like Alfred Angelo give brides the option of removing the angel-sleeves during the reception and attaching them to the back of the dress at either the shoulder or waist.

Bell sleeves are also making a comeback. Reminiscent of the 70’s bohemian style, although more sophisticated, not as large and also with small beading details.

While price is an issue, remember it’s your wedding day and 2001 is the year to make a statement. Make sure it’s yours.

PDF Version