Alhambra Ballroom Proclaims Bridal Royalty

 Each year, Harlem's historic Alhambra Ballroom celebrates the start of the wedding season with a showcase of culinary delights in the opulence of their Grand Ballroom. Beneath the draped chandeliers, local wedding vendors joined in to display their specialties in bridal services for budding couples. For this years event the Alhambra welcomed a refreshing, new approach to their presentation lineup by showcasing ethnic bridal gowns created by TeKay Designs "Queen of the Brides" gown collection. The Queen of the Brides is a prestigious and award winning luxury brand with design and production in Houston Texas and Ghana, Africa. The Fashion Designer, Ms. Kimma Wreh is internationally recognized for her ethnic inspired, and Afrique-Chic fashion creations.

" Queen of the Brides introduces a re-imagination of the conventional wedding. When we saw photos of these dresses on the Internet we knew the Queen of the Brides gowns would be a great fit for our bridal showcase." explains Alhambra's CEO Tracey Dechabert. Harlem is a place of history, ethnic diversity and there exist a cultural pride about African aesthetic. Harlem's brides need to see that there is a cultural alternative to contemporary bridal fashions. The gown, just like cuisine can set a tone to your wedding day that intuitively shares your families heritage. The fusion between cultural fashions and cultural foods can be an experience that resonates throughout generations. " Says Dechabert. 
 
Queen of the Brides offers formal gown creations that includes quality pieces of jewelry that reference a historical time period. The collection exemplifies diverse cultures, as each gown represents a woman of royalty who has left an indelible mark on humanity. The collection includes gowns named after Queen Nefertiti, Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt, Queen Cleopatra Selene II, Queen Ankhesenamun of Egypt, Mumtaz Mahal - Mughal Queen of India, Queen Manta Tisi of South Africa, Queen Padmini of India, Queen Amina of Zaria Nigeria, Queen Nzingha Amazon of Matamba West Africa, Empress Candace of Ethiopia, Queen Consort Margherita of Italy, etc. The menswear line is culturally inspired  with aesthetic themes that ranges from historic to contemporary design.
 
"We are really honored to have been asked to present Queen of the Brides to the Harlem community. New York is a melting pot of ethnic cultures and that's what makes this city an ideal place to present gowns that represent queens from varied cultures. Now, anyone can express their heritage and be a royal bride." Explains Fashion Designer, Kimma Wreh.  

The bridal showcase was interactive, entertaining and offered a variety of food dishes for sampling. The fusion between fashion, food and music stimulated every sense to create an experience that offers couples unique cultural ideas for creating their special wedding day. Dechabert states, "Harlem is also growing more culturally diverse and we wish for this bridal showcase to be all-inclusive with vibrant cultures.  At the Alhambra, we take pride in delivering on request for many types of international cuisine from our ethnically diverse clients."

Visit the TeKay Designs website to view more.

QUEEN OF THE BRIDES

Launched in 2012, Queen of the Brides is a wholly owned subsidiary of TeKay Designs Inc. The Queen Of The Brides collection includes couture bridal and formal gowns accessorized with quality pieces of jewelry. The gowns and dresses we offer represent queens from various countries around the world where people held their royalty in high regard. We custom make accessories, statement necklaces and bracelets for themed weddings or occasions. Queen Of The Brides provides upscale designs for weddings, prom, pageant, evening, red carpet, galas and special occasions.

ABOUT ALHAMBRA BALLROOM

Willie Mae Scott-Daney is the current CEO of the Alhambra Ballroom, Inc. located in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, NY. The Alhambra originally opened in 1926 and played host to legendary performers such as Bessie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, Frank Manning and singing waitress, Billie Holiday. But with all good things, it came to an end. But now it's back! The ballroom fell into disrepair in the 1960s, but, was reopened in 2003 as the "Alhambra Ballroom, Inc." which hosts weddings, parties and other social events. The Alhambra Ballroom is proud to present its two extravagant ballrooms. The Alhambra Grand Ballroom" can accommodate up to 400 guests and "The Alhambra Crystal Ballroom" can accommodate up to 125 guests. No expense has been spared in the grand reconstruction of the Alhambra. For many years, the Alhambra Ballroom has provided quality service for all types of private events and weddings.

Thank you for taking the time to read this bridal fashion blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. 

Read more bridal fashion blog posts.  The bridal fashion posts contain information about dresses, accessories, intimates, etc.  If you wish to ready specifically about gowns, you can try the bridal gown blog page.

If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Isabelle Armstrong Making Waves on Bridal Scene

Luxury bridal designer Isabelle Armstrong presented the Fall 2015 collection during New York Bridal Week, October 10th 2014.  As a tribute to the eternally fabulous Grace Kelly, this collection showcases an array of timeless designs, beautifully draped silks, delicate laces and textured fabrics. Each design speaks to the splendor, passion and grace that define her enduring and distinguished persona.

This collection came to life during a visit to the majestic Hotel Metropole of Monte Carlo, a place where over casual conversation, one can conceptualize a princess, such as our favorite fashion icon, Grace Kelly, hosting a large gala attended by impeccably dressed men and women. “We envisioned Princess Grace captivating an audience of admiring guests while wearing a spectacular gown of waterfall pleats with whispers of tulle flowing down her back,” says Isabelle Armstrong President, Tara Nattini Fiore. “We are fascinated by the image of what she could have worn while maneuvering a crowd in such a regal setting.” This image became inspiration for the collection - Pleats cascading down the curve of her elegant shape, sheer flowing trains of lace or skirts that blossomed from her waist.

The Fall 2015 collection features thirty-two gown styles in lightweight fabrics including French laces, Spanish creponne, Italian silks, tulle, shantung, and organza. Ball gowns, trumpet, simple sheaths, modified A-lines and fit and flare silhouettes will all be represented in this new gorgeous collection. Intricate details such as layered embroideries and hidden laces blend together, creating seamless texture and beauty within each of the gowns.

Just over a year old, Isabelle Armstrong is making waves on the bridal scene with plans to soon launch an eveningwear collection. The bridal collection, retailing for $4,000- 12,000, is sold at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Read more about Isabella Armstrong bridal fashion by viewing our Isabelle Armstrong Bridal Fashion Spring 2015 blog post.

If you have some spare time, you may want to read more bridal fashion blog posts here on Apparel Search.  If you are specifically looking for gowns, you can check the bridal gown blog section.

Meghan Markle Wedding Dress Blog Post

Time to learn all about the gown.  Here comes the bride...

Are you kidding?  Do you really want to read another Meghan Markle wedding dress blog post?  To be honest, you can never have too many news articles about a royal wedding dress.  Fortunately, this is the best blog post about the dress.  After you read this one, you can officially be all done.

Isabelle Armstrong Bridal Fashion Winter 2015 & Spring 2016

Beautiful bridal gown options for Fall and Winter 2015 and Spring 2016, from Isabelle Armstrong.

 Isabelle Armstrong Bridal Fashion Fall/Winter 2015 

Spring 2016 

Isabelle Armstrong is a luxury bridal collection headquartered in New York City, creating beautifully crafted gowns that epitomize elegance, glamour, and allure. The exclusive design house is comprised of a select team, which combine their talent and experience to create beautiful, sophisticated pieces. Each gown is made with a precise attention to detail—from perfect pleats, delicate drapery, to the highest quality of fabrics and materials—which place the Isabelle Armstrong Collection on the highest tier of wedding gown designers. Less than 2 years old, Isabelle Armstrong is making waves on the bridal scene with features in Martha Stewart Weddings, Destination Wedding, LA Times, Classic Bride, Sophisticated Living Weddings, AOL style and Brides. For more information please visit www.isabellearmstrongny.com

Take a look back at the Isabella Armstrong Spring 2015 collection.

11th Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest

If you can use toilet paper to make a beautiful wedding dress you just might win $10,000 and have your entry made into a real gown!

Everyone likes to save money here and there. And for some, saving money on weddings is more than a hobby, and a little less than an obsession. Laura Gawne and Susan Bain operate the popular website www.Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com.

The Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest presented by Cheap Chic Weddings and Charmin begins March 12, 2015 for the eleventh year in a row.

For the first time ever, Kleinfeld Bridal will create a wearable gown inspired by the Grand Prize Winner’s Entry! Contestants have until May 12, 2015 to submit their paper masterpieces. Top ten entries will be chosen then online voting will be open to the public.

The top ten dresses and their designers will be flown to New York City to participate in a live fashion show finale event at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City on June 17, 2015 where the top three winners will be chosen.

At the Finale Event, the dress entries will be judged by members of Cheap Chic Weddings, Charmin, Co-Owner of Kleinfeld, Mara Urshel and Celebrity Judge Mikie Russo, event planner and host of “Mikie Saves the Date” on FYI Network.

“The contest has grown immensely over the last ten years and we are always in awe of the beautiful gowns created by the contestants.” says Susan Bain, Co-Founder of Cheap Chic Weddings. “We specialize in making weddings chic on a budget but these designs often surpass even our imaginations.” added Laura Gawne, Co-Founder of Cheap Chic Weddings.

The Grand Prize winner will see their design created into a beautiful gown and receive $10,000, the second place winner will receive $5000 and the third place winner will receive $2500.

Here’s How to Enter:

First: Plan your design.

Second: Grab some Charmin Toilet Paper (Ultra Strong, Ultra Soft or Basic), tape and/or glue and/or needle and thread (that’s all you can use)! To help offset the cost of designing these memorable creations; Charmin is providing coupons by request at TPDresscontest@gmail.com

Third: Make the dress and headpiece on your model or mannequin and take some clear, unaltered digital photos (front, back and side). The dress must be able to be worn by a human!

All photos and an Official Entry form are to be submitted to Cheap Chic Weddings at TPDresscontest@gmail.com by May 12, 2015 at 11:00 PM EST. There is no entry fee. The Judging Panel at Cheap Chic Weddings will judge the digital photo entries.

View top and winning entries: http://www.cheap-chic-weddings.com/wedding-contest-2015.html 

2014 Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winner Susan Brennan’s Entry she calls Romance on a Roll

Official contest rules along with lots of other wedding cost saving tips and information can be found at www.Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com.

Apparel Search reported on this wedding dress contest in 2013 & 2013.  We are very glad to have the opportunity to share the news with you again this year.

Toilet Paper Wedding Dress 2013

Toilet Paper Wedding Dress 2012

Thank you for taking the time to read our unique dress blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. 

If you would like to read more news about bridal fashion you can visit the bridal gown blog section here on Apparel Search.

Trunk Show for Vera Wang’s Fall 2015 Bridal

Vera Wang’s Fall 2015 Bridal Collection will be at our flagship salon in Chicago for a special trunk show, Thursday, March 5th through Saturday, March 13, 2015. To make an appointment, call 312.379.5355 or visit their site to learn more.

If you are not sure what a trunk show is, you can read the trunk show fashion term here on Apparel Search.

View more bridal gown blog posts.

Spring 2015 Bridal Fashion

Vera Wang stuns us again.

This past Sunday, Vera Wang debuted a film of the Vera Wang Spring 2015 Bridal Collection. The film features four young women searching for the elusive and astonishing Madame Gres. From a fallow forrest to the inner sanctum of an old, abandoned mansion on the Gold Coast, they inhabit a private world of mystery, romance, and dark seduction. You can watch Chasing Alix at Vera Unveiled.

Vera describes her Spring 2015 Bridal Collection as "Lightness of Being: Delicate and Disciplined. Sensual and Seductive."

Comprised of 20 ivory gowns in a range of silhouettes such as ball gown, mermaid, A-line and a myriad of details such as hand appliqué, floral beading, and embroidery.  The collection has looks for every type of bride: Minimalist, Traditionalist, Romanticist, Sensualist, Modernist, Exhibitionist, and Individualist. Intrigued?  We are...

Learn more about the bridal collection at VeraWang.com

If you missed our previous article about the video, here was our introduction post.

For those of you that are interested, you can read more blog posts about bridal fashion and bridal gown posts here on Apparel Search.

Spring 2019 Bridal Collection by Julie Vino

Israeli bridal designer Julie Vino presented her Spring 2019 collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week in New York City on Saturday, October 6th. The runway show, which took place at Metropolitan West (639 W 46th St), was styled by Gili Algabi and featured accessories by bridal jewelry designer Ravit Avital.

Isabelle Armstrong Bridal Collection 2016

Luxury bridal design house Isabelle Armstrong and their 2016 collection. Classically elegant and naturally beautiful, Isabelle Armstrong kept timeless design in mind while using beautifully draped silks, hand beaded fabrics, delicate laces and textured fabrics this season. Looking for WOW? Check out their gorgeous red showstopper perfect for Valentine ’s Day and every day in between! 

Trends from left to right:

Pantone Colors: From pale pinks to beautiful blues, Isabelle Armstrong delivers the most important colors of the season

Bye Bye Blush: It is all about new colors, Blush is old news, but Icy Blue and Peach are reigning supreme.

The Cold Shoulder: This spring’s most important body part is the shoulder, and they are being dressed to the nines this season.

All in the Details: Brides are going gaga over special details, beading, sequins, laser cut leather and embellishments.

Are you ready for Valentines Day?

If you’re getting married over Valentine’s Day you’re not afraid of the bold romantic statement. Not for the wallflower, there’s no better way to make an entrance on your big day than in the color of love.  Isabelle Armstrong’s dramatic ruby ball gown is perfect for any Valentine’s Day adventure.

Isabelle Armstrong is a luxury bridal collection headquartered in New York City, creating beautifully crafted gowns that epitomize elegance, glamour, and allure. The exclusive design house is comprised of a select team, which combine their talent and experience to create beautiful, sophisticated pieces. Each gown is made with a precise attention to detail—from perfect pleats, delicate drapery, to the highest quality of fabrics and materials—which place the Isabelle Armstrong Collection on the highest tier of wedding gown designers. Less than 2 years old, Isabelle Armstrong is making waves on the bridal scene with features in Martha Stewart Weddings, Destination Wedding, LA Times, ClassicBride, Sophisticated Living Weddings, AOL style and Brides. For more information please visit www.isabellearmstrongny.com 

Vera Wang Bridal Collection Spring 2016

Spring 2016 Bridal Fashion

You can see the Vera Wang bridal collection for Spring 2016 at the following page:
Vera Wang Spring 2016 Bridal

Make sure that you also view the Hotel Madrid video (which is amazing).

View more bridal fashion blog posts here on Apparel Search.  The bridal fashion posts contain information about dresses, accessories, intimates, etc.  If you wish to ready specifically about gowns, you can try the bridal gown blog page.

Sofia Vergara Wearing Vera Wang in Wedding Mag

You may know that the glamorous & talented Modern Family star Sofia Vergara is featured in Martha Stewart Weddings' Fall 2015 issue.  But did you know what designer brand she was wearing?  

Vergara wore a custom pink tulle gown by Vera Wang in the fashion feature set in a garden in Southern California. In the story she shares her plans for the big day to come. 

Behind the Scenes With Bride-to-Be Sofia Vergara!  "She’s a beautiful bombshell, a brainy business woman—and funny to boot. Now Sofía Vergara is warming up for her next major role: bride. In preparation for her big day, she met up with us to talk wedding planning and try on some of the season’s most spectacular new gowns in a spectrum of shades. Here, a sneak peek at the photo shoot for our Fall Style issue".  Check the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine to get a copy of the mag that has featured Sofia.

Martha Stewart Weddings Issue: Fall 2015 Story: Sofia in Love Editor: Carrie Goldberg Features: Custom pink tulle gown

Modern Family star Sofia Vergara is Martha Stewart Weddings‘ Fall 2015 cover girl. The engaged actress is featured in one of the issue’s fashion features, where she tells readers about some of her big-day plans. Vergara wore a custom pink tulle gown by Vera Wang, and told the editors, “It would be so fun to wear as a bride.”   Visit the Vera Wang website to learn more about Vera and the bridal gown collection.

Sofia Vergara was widely known for co-hosting two television shows for Spanish-language television network Univisión in the late 1990s. Her first notable acting job in English was in the film Chasing Papi (2003). Subsequently, she appeared in other films, including Four Brothers (2005) and two Tyler Perry films—Meet the Browns (2008) and Madea Goes to Jail (2009), receiving an ALMA Award nomination for the latter. Vergara's success on television has earned her roles in recent films The Smurfs (2011), New Year's Eve (2011), Happy Feet Two (2011), The Three Stooges (2012), Escape from Planet Earth (2013), Machete Kills (2013), Chef (2014), and Hot Pursuit (2015). In 2012 and 2013, she was the top-earning actress on US television.[4] Vergara stars on the ABC series Modern Family as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, for which she has been nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and seven Screen Actors Guild Awards.  In 2014, she was ranked as the 32nd most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

You may also have interest in viewing our fashion blog post about from back in January of this year regarding Sofia Vergara Wearing an Eyelet Swimsuit.  Not really bridal, but it was all white like many traditional wedding gowns.

Ninth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winners

The Official Ninth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winners are Mimoza Haska from Surfside Beach, SC (First Place), Susan Brennan, Orchard Lake MI (Second Place), and Carol Touchstone, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Third Place).  These women and their dresses are absolutely gorgeous... Simply amazing.

Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com announced the winner of their Ninth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest sponsored by Charmin today. Celebrity judge Kate Pankoke, bridal designer and season 11 Project Runway contestant, helped with the final judging which took place at RK Bridal New York City, NY.

Grand Prize Winner

Grand Prize winner Mimoza Haska is an Albanian born hairdresser and designer now living in Surfside Beach, SC with her family.

She calls her dress "Beautiful Swan" and created it to fit her model. The dress features a cutaway bustier, hi-lo skirt, lilies and a crown style headpiece.

She used 16 Rolls of Charmin Ultra Soft, Glitter Glue, Glow in the dark glitter glue, Elmer's glue, paper tape and needle and thread.

Second Place Winner

This year’s second place winner is Susan Brennan, a designer, professional cheerleader for the Detroit Pistons and yoga enthusiast. She is from Orchard Lake, MI and was the grand prize winner in 2011 and 2012.  

Her dress is name "City in Bloom". She wanted to create an entry that is chic, yet whimsical with an interesting balance of hard and soft. She used 11 rolls of Charmin Ultra Soft, Packing Tape, Scotch Tape, Hot Glue and Needle and Thread. The dress features large roses on a removable skirt with a halter style top. The dress converts to a short party dress.

Third Place Winner

This year’s third place winner is Carol Touchstone, owner and creative force behind "Bohemian Style, an upscale consignment boutique in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She is an interior designer and fashion stylist as well as a published author.

Her dress is named "Coastal Wave". She drew inspiration from her love of the ocean and wanted to create movement on the piece. Her dress features a support hoop under the dress, asymmetrical accordion pleats and appliques.

She used 30 total rolls of Charmin including Charmin Basic, Charmin Ultra Soft, Vintage pink Charmin from etsy.com, Mod Podge glue, Scotch tape, Clear packing tape, double sided tape, white glue and needle and thread. She receives a $500 prize for her submittal.

Laura Gawne and partner Susan Bain who operate the website on saving money on weddings, base the contest on the popular bridal shower game. Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com asked their readers to create wedding gowns using toilet paper, tape and/or glue. Entrants were allowed to sew as well.

“The top dresses this year showed incredible attention to detail.” Said Laura Gawne. Susan Bain added, “Our contestants amaze us year after year, and this year is no exception!”

The Ninth Annual Cheap Chic Weddings “Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest” was sponsored by Charmin. They also welcomed new sponsors Idoweddingrunners.com and Womengettingfit.com. The winners were announced at an event hosted by RK Bridal in New York City. Dresses were judged on Creativity, Originality, Beauty and the use of Toilet Paper.

Photos from the contest and money saving ideas for planning your wedding can be found at http://www.cheap-chic-weddings.com/wedding-contest-2013.html.

For more information visit www.Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com

If you did not enter this contest, you can not blame Apparel Search.  We tried to inform you about this interest contest on our Runway Fashion blog back in April.  The article was called "Cheap Chic Weddings 2013 Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest".  Fortunately, they will possibly have the contest again next year.  Actually, we also reported on the 8th annual contest back in April 2012.

Congrats to this years winners.

By the way, if you like toilet paper dresses, you may also like to see a dress made of duck tape.  If you do, you can check out the duck tape fashion blog post from Apparel1 at the Fashion Industry Network.

Read more bridal fashion blog posts.  The bridal fashion posts contain information about dresses, accessories, intimates, etc.  If you wish to ready specifically about gowns, you can try the bridal gown blog page.

Isabelle Armstrong Bridal Spring 2015

On Friday, April 11th, 2014  Isabelle Armstrong Bridal revealed their newest collection of bridal couture during New York Bridal Fashion Week.  Isabelle Armstrong is a luxury bridal collection headquartered in New York City, creating beautifully crafted gowns that epitomize elegance, glamour, and allure. From hand beaded gowns, to lace fit and flares to fun “shorties” and kids gowns, Isabelle Armstrong’s newest couture collection embodies the perfect mix of modern and classic styles. The Spring 2015 collection is comprised of fabulous fit and flares, French lace trumpet dresses, ruched organza and lace mermaid dresses, and gorgeous ombre gowns.

Above is only a small sampling of the bridal collection.  View the Isabelle Armstrong Bridal fashion website for more information and to view more of the Spring 2015 gown collection.

If you are interested, you can read more blog posts about bridal fashion here on Apparel Search.

Vera Wang Ebony Bridal Collection

WHITE by Vera Wang Ebony Bridal Collection

You are among the first to see the WHITE by Vera Wang limited edition Ebony Collection featuring five top bridal gowns available in the color Ebony (the above link will take you to David's Bridal).

Learn more about Vera Wang at their website.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion blog post about wedding gowns.  Those of you that would like to continue reading about this subject, you are welcome to try the wedding fashion blog post page for additional resources.  If you are specifically looking for dresses, you can review the bridal gown blog posts.

We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Sarah Janks Bridal Collection Fall 2014

South African designer Sarah Janks recently launched her Fall 2014 collection at New York International Bridal Market. The Forget Me Not collection, inspired by the flower for which it is named, utilizes delicate laces, beading, and floral appliqués to effortlessly portray femininity and poise.  The delicate juxtaposition of materials creates a collection with a sophisticated yet whimsical aesthetic.  Sarah Janks, known for her beautiful body-hugging silhouettes, continues to impress this season with the romantic Forget Me Not collection.

Motivated by a passion for couture, Sarah immersed herself in the technical aspects of construction, draping and patternmaking at the London International School of Fashion (South Africa). Following graduation, Sarah left home for London and a tailoring apprenticeship at Kashkets.  Steeped in the city’s culture, Sarah thrived, honing her aesthetic with fashion luminaries including Jenny Packham, Jonathan Saunders and Hamish Morrow.  However, it was while working with Roland Mouret as a creative design assistant and pattern cutter that Sarah’s meticulous approach found its muse.  Recalling Marlene Dietrich’s glamour gowns, Sarah devised a design marrying fit, cut, imagination and Roland’s draping genius. The collaboration produced one of the decade’s most iconic shapes – the Galaxy dress.  In 2006, Sarah moved to Sydney, Australia to raise her family.  Seeking to produce a collection of effortle ss, fashion-influenced bridal gowns, Sarah launched Tempus, her first collection, in 2011 to critical acclaim. 



Visit the Sarah Janks website at http://www.sarahjanks.com

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. 

If you have enjoyed this article, you may want to read additional blog posts about bridal fashions here on Apparel Search.  You can also try the bridal gown posts if you are specifically looking to read about dresses.

2016 Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winners

Yes, these bridal dresses are made out of toilet paper.

The Official Twelfth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winners

First  Place - Van Tran of Brooklyn NY

Second Place - Judith Henry of Woodland Hills, Utah

Third Place - Donna Vincler of Brentwood, TN. 

Fan Favorite - Ronaldo Cruz of Chesapeake, VA

The creators are remarkable – men and women designers with extraordinary skills -- their dresses are absolutely gorgeous... Simply amazing.

Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com announced the winners of the Twelfth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest Presented by Cheap Chic Weddings and Charmin on June 16, 2016. Celebrity judge Mikie Russo, event planner to the stars and member of OK! TV entertaining team, helped with the final judging which took place on Haven Rooftop at The Sanctuary Hotel in Manhattan. VIP judge Vicky Schooler, of Charmin, Edward Meyer of Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and The Sanctuary’s Hank Freid were also on hand as a VIP Judge.

This year, for the first time in contest history, the contest was live streamed via the Internet.

Grand Prize Winner – Van Tran of Brooklyn, NY - $10,000 

Van Tran is 25. She is a part time designer who works at a restaurant as a hostess, operates an online store and teaches sewing classes. She was born in Viet Nam and went to college in San Francisco. She has been Brooklyn for two years. 

Second Place Winner, Judith Henry of Woodland Hills, Utah - $5,000 

Third Place Winner,  Donna Vincler of Brentwood, TN - $2500

Laura Gawne and partner Susan Bain who operate the website on saving money on weddings, base the contest on the popular bridal shower game. Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com asked their readers to create wedding gowns using toilet paper, tape and/or glue. Entrants were allowed to sew as well.

“Even after 12 years, our contestants still manage to challenge our expectations,” Said Laura Gawne. Susan Bain added, “They genuinely surprise us and make choosing winners harder every year!”

The Twelfth Annual Cheap Chic Weddings “Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest” was presented by both Cheap Chic Weddings and Charmin. This year marks the sixth time Charmin has partnered in the contest. 

The winners were announced at an event hosted by the Sanctuary Hotel on Haven Rooftop in New York City. Dresses were judged on Creativity, Originality, Beauty, Workmanship and the use of Toilet Paper.

Learn more about wedding dresses in general (not just beautiful toilet paper wedding dresses).

If you are interested you can take a look back at previous contest winners.

Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winners 2015

Thirteenth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winners

The Official Thirteenth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest Winners are: 

• Kari Curletto from Las Vegas, NV (First Place) 
• Susan Brennan from Detroit, Michigan (Second Place);  
• Mimoza Haska, from Surfside Beach, SC (Third Place) 
• Ronaldo Cruz Chesapeake, VA (Fan Favorite).

Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com has announced the winners of the Thirteenth Annual Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest, presented by Cheap Chic Weddings and Quilted Northern® .

Grand Prize Winner -Kari Curletto, Las Vegas, Nevada - $10,000

Vera Wang Fall 2016 Bridal Collection

Vera Wang debuted her Fall 2016 Bridal Collection at New York's Bridal Fashion Week last weekend.  The collection, described by WWD as "playfully romantic," features a mix of voluminous ball gowns, fitted sheaths and hi-low wedding gowns.  You can be one of the first brides to try the gowns on at an upcoming trunk show at one of Vera's global flagship salons. 

Learn more about Vera Wang Fall 2016 Bridal Collection Trunk Shows.

The Heathcoat 1808 Flare-Free Fabric Technology

A British textile manufacturer has launched its new range of flame retardant dress fabrics at the prestigious Première Vision Fabrics show in Paris this week. The Heathcoat 1808® brand of dress nets, tulles and costume fabrics incorporates their unique ‘Flare-Free’ technology.

The Flare-Free fabrics are independently tested to conform to EN71 part 2, but they go a stage further and comply with the company’s own stringent internal standard. This specifies that no residual flame should be present after the fabric is exposed to a gas flame for a specified time. This meets and exceeds the much tougher flammability requirements of the nightwear standard BS5722.

In a powerful demonstration of the products’ fire retardant properties a video has been released comparing the burn time of a child’s tutu purchased in the UK with a similar tutu in Flare-Free dress net. The video starkly shows that a typical child’s costume offers no protection to flame and will fully combust in a matter of seconds, while the Flare-Free equivalent will not burn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeczfYk1K6U

Philip Wignall, Business Manager for Heathcoat Fabrics, believes the current European EN71 regulations for safety requirements in toys which covers flammability are not adequate to protect people’s safety, especially children. He said: “The video demonstrates that there is a definite need for more stringent controls over flame spread. Other than our Flare-Free fabrics, all alternative dress nets available for children’s costumes will simply combust in seconds, offering no protection.

“The Federation of British Retailers has proposed recommendations to modify EN71, but it would be good to see more stringent legislation specifically relating to apparel, similar to BS5722.”

Flare-Free with no detectable formaldehyde.

Heathcoat 1808 has gone a step further with ‘Flare-Free’ and is also making a range of these fabrics available under their Zero4 brand. This technology has been eight years in development to create fabrics with less than 20 parts per million of formaldehyde, which is a non-detectable level.

Philip Wignall explains: “While formaldehyde has been used for decades in washing powders and clothing, it is flammable, emits carbon monoxide when heated, and has been found to be toxic and corrosive. In 2014 it was classified as a Carcinogen Category 1B in the European REACH framework. While the risks from apparel are low we have invested in developing our Zero4 brand, giving consumers more choice in what they wear.”

Heathcoat 1808 is typically purchased by wholesalers and made available to fabric retailers or haberdashers. Consumers are advised to ask for fabric that carries the ‘Flare-Free’ logo for peace of mind that their dress net is truly flame retardant. This will also be of interest to fashion designers following its debut at the Paris Première Vision Fabrics show.

The Heathcoat 1808® range of dress net and tulle fabrics is developed and manufactured in Tiverton, Devon, UK by Heathcoat Fabrics Ltd.

Heathcoat Fabrics is showcasing its trend colours for Spring/Summer 17 at the Première Vision Fabrics show, alongside existing colour inspirations for Autumn/Winter. Included in the new product offering, all of which are designed and manufactured within their own UK plant, are the totally new zero formaldehyde soft dress net for children's clothes; stiffer Flare-Free tulles for bridal gown, prom dresses and tutu; dance and fashion dress nets; locknits, textures and technical fabrics, including their own-brand 3D spacetec® fabrics in a range of new colour and surface combinations.

The company provides a wide range of own-branded, patented high performance product solutions. It operates a total end-to-end high competency service with in-house research & development, design, testing and on-site manufacturing facilities that include quality-controlled yarn texturising, warping weaving and knitting plant and the latest advanced specialist dyeing, textile enhancement treatments and finishing.

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