Drop dead gorgeous and Eco-conscious? Yes, please!
When Marcus and I decided to get married we wanted to challenge ourselves by taking the ‘Eco’ thing a step further. Could we pull off a ‘waste-free’ wedding? We were sure as heck going to try! So, when it came to finding a dress that meant much more than buying recycled. I had to think about everything from fabric choice, where the dress would be made, how long it would have to travel to reach me, how many times could it be worn, to whether it would it be new, pre-owned, or vintage. What would create the least amount of waste? A dress made from hemp silk that would need to be shipped halfway around the world? Or a dress made of organic cotton that was picked up locally and could be worn again and again? These were the things I took into consideration when I began the hunt for my dress.
I have to admit when I started my search I did not expect to find so many to-die for gowns. I was sooo wrong. There are loads of beautiful, and affordable dresses that are also ethical.
Some of my favorites….
Sanyukta Shrestha
Her dresses are made in England using wild hemp, wild nettle, bamboo, organic and fair trade cotton, hemp silk, soya, straw, organic silk, and recycled fabrics.
Her dresses are handcrafted using sustainable fabrics in the United States, and 5% of profits are donated to environmental causes.
Her dresses are made in Canada using organic hemp/silk, remnant fabrics, and vegetable dyed silks.
Olivia Luca
She does things a little differently. One just goes to her website and chooses the bodice, skirt and embellishments that suits them best. There are loads of Eco-conscious fabrics to pick from like, organic bamboo/cotton, organic printed cotton and linen, Hempcel* and hemp/silk charmeuse, and Fair-trade handwoven silks. Once the elements are all chosen, Olivia constructs your perfect Eco-beautiful dress!
Up next: To letterpress or not?
-Melani Rae
* 100% SBP® (Sustainable Biodegradable Product). 55% Hemp, 45% Tencel.
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More from Abbey + Richie’s Wedding
When Jacob + Christin from We Heart Photography contacted us about Abbey + Richie’s wedding, we were blown away. It was as if they planned their wedding just to be featured in our magazine. We really had a difficult time choosing the final photos for the editorial, but glad we have the blog to show you more! Take a look at the fabulous extras here - but be sure to take a look at the spread on pages 84-87 of the Winter 2011 issue!
Congrats to Abbey + Richie!
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Spring 2011 Bridal Market, Pt 2
Almost every collection we saw exuded a graciousness and joyful spirit that left us smiling. There was also a definite effortlessness, from modern to vintage-inspired designs, that we can’t wait to see on real women on their wedding day!
Many of the trends we saw at NYC Bridal Market often found their way onto one dress. The overall effect was a relaxed, layered elegance easily tailored to suit any woman’s style.
Straps:
Though strapless will always be a favorite for many, for ladies looking for an alternative, 2011 just might be your year! Fabulous necklines such as V, surplice, and halter were everywhere, from Adele Wechsler and Elizabeth St. John to Vera Wang.
Gowns (clockwise from upper left): Beth Ellis, Amy Kuschel, Adele Wechsler, Elizabeth St. John
Organic Style:
As much as we’d like to say that every designer has gone green, that wasn’t the case, but it seemed everyone was taking their cue from Mother Nature this year. Swirling, draped fabric and soft, natural details like clusters of flowers all reminded us of the natural world.
gowns (clockwise from upper left) by: Lindee Daniel, Adele Wechsler, Claire Pettibone, Lela Rose, Amy Kuschel
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Spring 2011 Bridal Market Recap, Pt I
NYC Bridal Market was such a fabulous, fun whirlwind! Visiting designers, seeing the collections, and meeting such great people - we wish you all could have been there!
So, we’re bringing some of Spring 2011 NYC Bridal Market to you, sharing the (eco) trends and bridal gown beauty we saw.
We’re thrilled to report that, overall, with each passing season, eco-friendly in bridal is evolving from niche to mainstream, with many designers incorporating green business and production processes into their designs.
Full and Flowy
From fitted figure highlighting gowns to graceful, fuller skirts, movement and gossamer textiles were on the runway! The fluttering, floating movement and classic shapes combined for breathtaking, buoyant style.
Gowns (clockwise from upper left): Elizabeth St. John, Lindee Daniel, Lela Rose, Adele Wechsler, Amy Kuschel
Gowns by (clockwise from upper left) Claire Pettibone, Lindee Daniel, Adele Wechsler (images source)
Shimmer!
Almost every collection we saw had gowns with sparkle – some bedazzling, others subtle, but without a doubt dazzling. The sparkle made its way into accent belts, fabric, and broaches, making it a very versatile trend.
Gowns (clockwise from upper left): Lela Rose, Beth Ellis, Amy Kuschel
More bridal market gorgeousness tomorrow!
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Eco-Friendly Bridal Gowns!
In honor of this weekend’s Bridal Market in New York, and since we never, ever get tired of wedding gowns, we couldn’t resist sharing some of our favorite eco-marvelous bridal dresses from designers we can’t wait to see!
When choosing your eco-friendly bridal gown, remember that the green is not in the fabric alone. Think local! Wedding gowns manufactured in the States and Canada have less distance to travel. If you’re lucky enough to live near a bridal designer whose style you love, stop by and have a look!
Between these gowns and what you find in your neighborhood, you’re sure to find a wedding gown that is fabulously green.
image credits clockwise from upper left
Punk Rock Bride
Cotton Bride
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Spring 2011 Issue
