Painting | Rachel Ruysch, Still life with flowers in glass vase, 1716, oil on canvas
Raven was the first black wedding dress that I designed. The centerpiece of the Still Life Collection, I wanted to pay homage to the Dutch Master paintings that inspired the whole collection, so I had this stunning floral embroidery created for Raven. In order to convey the light that seems to glow from this masterpiece, I layered ivory sequins underneath to shimmer and reflect the light.Raven Wedding Dress | Photographer Anais Possamai
The Eden gown, part of my Gothic Angel collection a few years later, definitely leans to the Angel side with heavenly blue silk and iridescent floral embroidery work, but we took inspiration from dramatic turn-of-the-century (the 19th, not our most recent!) portraits, and photographed this beauty with a slight edge of darkness.Eden Wedding Dress | Photographer Emily Soto
Most recently, I created Phoenix for my Evolution collection. A perfect blend of romantic roses printed on silk velvet inlaid with dramatic black Guipure lace. That high regal collar is contrasted with a "never in the Victorian Age" open low back...a contrast of sexy and demure, the utterly romantic and a hint of mystery...all of those contradictions and complexities that we women share, because no one can be all sugar and sweetness all the time.Phoenix Wedding Dress | Photographer This Modern Romance
Another nod to the old world is a veil. This bridal accessory can definitely add some drama and mystery whether your look is light and airy or a touch dramatic like our Casablanca beaded style here. My brides are unique and diverse, and whether you're a garden fairy or a Gothic queen, I am here for it! But since it is October, I do want to wish a very Happy Halloween to all of my Gothic Angels!
Casablanca Veil | Photographer Emily Soto
