GET THE LOOK...

– of LONDON - FALL RTW 2011

Well of course there are some beautiful pieces shown, tailored and great day wear, but not a great deal for weddings and in relation to wedding gowns.

So instead here is the pick of items I have added to me wardrobe wish list!!!

Temperley London

Temperley London did some beautiful evening pieces, this cape is stunning and a hot trend for Fall as well as the delicate opaque tights with the leather ankle boots. 

Temperley London

Temperley London, l love the neckline with the sleeves and cut out panels helps to break up the full-length gown with sleeves, another trend we have been seeing a lot on the red carpet.

Temperley London, I love the sheer with the panels and the appliqué work.

Temperley London 

The skirt with the tassels and the panel detail - is this the most beautiful jumper ever?

Sass & Bide

Our very own home grown Aussies showing in London.  This deep coral orange colour is great and the shoulder detailing creates a twist.

Marios Schwab

 I love the neutral shades and the paneling working with the belts, this look is effortless and easy to wear.

Temperley London

The embroidery work on this stunning and rather gothic which I like. It is pretty but edgy at the same time. 

Creating a waisted silhouette is again a highlight for fashion week, both Temperley London and Marios Schwab used classic black belts to define the waist.

 Emilio de la Morena

 Emilio de la Morena

The modern woman wants pieces that are classic, easy to wear but have a point of difference.  These two looks from Emilio de la Morena show how a refined use of colour and trim accent these lady like looks.  Add an awesome pair of platforms or boots for a killer look.

Emilio de la Morena 

The sheer layers and subtle ruffles, again reflects Emilio de le Morenas refined elegance - it has a pretty but not OTT look.

(p.s. how amazing are the shoes? A great way to add a pop of colour - even for your wedding day!)

Vivienne Westwood – Red label

I love her suits she is always reinventing and reworking this look with a signature twist and fantastic use of trims as the pink shown here.

White Magazine

Issue 11, 2011

You won’t be short of ideas with the new issue of WHITE Magazine – in stores now!

We are so glad to share with you that our ‘Sophia’ and ‘Estelle’ gowns take centre stage in the editorial ‘Leading Lady’.

The ‘Sophia’ Karen Willis Holmes strapless gown features French Chantilly lace detail and a full circle tulle skirt.  Complete the look with a modern belt (as pictured) or soften the look add tulle shoulder collar for an elegant look.

Karen Willis Holmes - Sophia

Look confident and sexy in the Karen Willis Holmes ‘Estelle’ gown.  The corseted bustier style features lace and ribbon top stitched detail with a half circle tulle skirt.  Add a complementing ivory waist tie to define the waist and statement necklace for an individual look.

Karen Willis Holmes - Estelle

What we love about WHITE Magazine is the great articles and artsy vibe of the mag. 

They have some great articles to help you personalise your day – why not make it a long weekend of celebrations with family and friends or their colour theme inspirations for your day. 

www.karenwillisholmes.com.au

www.whitemagazine.com.au

GET THE LOOK...

– of  NEW YORK - FALL RTW 2011

The whirlwind that is New York Fashion Week has just wrapped up for Fall RTW2011 and we want to share with you some of the looks we are loving and some Karen Willis Holmes gowns that will help you achieve these looks and silhouettes.

We are loving the look of the pleated bodice and cinched waist which is on trend at the moment.

 These stunning Marchesa gowns with slim skirts are a perfect example.

Marchesa Fall RTW 2011

The Karen Willis Holmes version with drama suitable for a wedding catwalk is our ‘Paige’ with overskirt.  With a sequin georgette bodice and organza skirt make a dramatic impact and define your waist by layering this beautifully, artistically draped overskirt.

Karen Willis Holmes – Paige with overskirt

Dreaming for a fishtail silhouette like this gown hot off the runway at Monique Lhuillier? Replace the animal print with delicate Chantilly lace and tulle fishtail skirt and go for the 'Allegra' gown from the Karen Willis Holmes collection.  Add an ivory or coloured sash again to define the waist and elongate the body for an elegant look.

Monique Lhuillier Fall RTW 2011

Karen Willis Holmes - Allegra

Now everyone wants a princess moment on their wedding day, and gowns with fuller skirts are great at achieving this look.  We love the fabrication detail of the skirt of Monique Lhuillier’s gown but why not try another one of our new gowns – the ‘Madelyn’ with draped silk georgette bodice and full tulle skirt.  Add an embellished belt to complete your look.

Monique Lhuillier Fall RTW 2011

Karen Willis Holmes - Madelyn

  

For brides after a more relaxed silhouette Grecian inspired gowns focusing on draping and fluid fabrics are ideal. This Monique Lhuillier gown cause our eye with the jewelled brooch added on the neckline for a unique twist on a necklace detail.

Monique Lhuillier Fall RTW 2011

Karen Willis Holmes - Ashley

Mille Fleurs Lily brooch 

Our stores in Sydney and Melbourne have a fantastic range of jewellery and accessories to complete your look.  Add a large bejewelled brooch like this Mille Fleur Lily Brooch to achieve the same look.

Ralph Lauren Fall RTW 2011

Our ‘Caroline’ gown is a perfect choice for a bride (in Ivory!) or bridesmaids who want a sophisticated look.  ‘Caroline’ is available in selected colours and sizes at our Sydney and Melbourne stores. It does have a split at the front neckline but sits closed in this image, but of course not as revealing as gown from Ralph Lauren.

Karen Willis Holmes – Caroline

This Oscar de la Renta gown caught our eye with the layered tulle skirt.

Our ‘Felicity’ gown features a stunning embellished motif detail across the sweetheart bodice and a multi layered tulle skirt.

Oscar de la Renta Fall RTW 2011

Karen Willis Holmes – Felicity

Check back soon – London Fashion Week is just around the corner!

Instyle Magazine

March 2011 Issue

We regularly get calls and emails from Bridal Mags such as COSMO Bride and Bride to Be to borrow our gorgeous gowns for editorial shoots but we were so excited to hear from Instyle Magazine of their upcoming INSTYLE Wedding style guide in their latest March issue.

 While we were flipping through the wedding pages, we did ended up getting distracted with the rest of the magazine!

The wedding style guide brings together a fantastic range of wedding gowns, accessories and beauty for the fashionista bride.

Our ‘Alyssa’ and ‘Natalie’ wedding gowns are featured as part of the Wedding Special.

After a gown with embellished detail?  The Karen Willis Holmes ‘Natalie’ gown with its sweetheart neckline and corseted bodice is detailed with ruched raw edged bias strips. 

Teamed this gown with the ‘Natalie’ belt (below) with beaded motifs for a dazzling effect.

The Karen Willis Holmes ‘Alyssa’ wedding gown encapsulates the eternal romance that delicate fluttering organza tiers create.  To create a flattering silhouette, highlight and define the waist with an embellished belt (as pictured) or a coloured sash.

Our Diamante Belt is the perfect accessory to add detail and embellishment to your look. 

Visit our stores in Sydney and Melbourne to see the array of belts that will suit your style.

Instyle is out now!

For more information check out:

www.karenwillisholmes.com.au

www.instylemag.com.au

... with love

Gown Style...

Soft Bias Gowns

If you are inspired by Old Hollywood Glamour a soft bias gown, with delicate draping and luxurious fabric is the perfect choice to evoke this look.  Soft bias gowns are effortless and dramatic all at the same time, just add a diamante brooch of try a gown in sequin georgette.

Our ‘Tiffany’ is a slinky bias cut gown with a cowl neck falls elegantly and skims the body in all the right places.  The low back on this gown is a striking feature. Made in silk satin, the sash at the waist creates definition, leaving you with a gorgeous gown that is simply stunning, and exudes understated glamour. 

Add some sparkle to your day with our ‘Greta’ gown featuring shoulder and front diamante motif detailing. This V-neck slinky 30's silk satin bridal gown with bodice and front drape detail with a bias skirt flowing into a small train is a great gown for a modern sexy look!

Our brand new gown ‘Samantha’ is another stunning choice with embellished motifs on the shoulder and embellished belt at the waist.  This gown also features a delicately draped bodice and bias skirt for a fluid look.

If you want to break away from the tradition try the ‘Seiran’ gown exudes glamour with the sequined georgette overlay gown with little effort. Sequin and crystal details are great for brides that want to stand out on their big day by showing off their personal style.

For more drama, simply add the Madonna silk satin train.

Image from Bride Magazine

Soft Bias gowns offer a fluid, chic look and are a great style for brides wanting easy elegance.  Do not be worried about these gowns being too simple – it is all in the design and the detail whether it be a striking backs or embellished detailing.

Bride to Be

February – April 2011

Bride to Be Magazine has just released its latest issue and there are some great features.

Check out their ‘Hot List’ for 2011 for the 20 hottest trends they have identified for 2011 from surprise celebrations, to short hemlines and even shorter guest lists!

The issue is also jam packed with great travel locations, perfect for those that want an overseas wedding or for a unique honeymoon!  They also have a detailed ring guide with the latest trends and buying guide.

Our ‘Dakota’ gown is featured in the editorial ‘Sunny Daze’ featuring feminine gowns with empire lines detailed lace overlays and charming beadwork with antique inspired accessories.  ‘Dakota’ is a perfect match with its flattering v-neck corded lace slim line gown with delicate georgette frill sleeves and waist tie.

 Our real bride Brianna Kate Lenders shared her day with Bride to Be.  Brianna wore the elegant ‘Natalie’ gown with sweetheart neckline, corseted bodice ruched with raw edge bias strips.  Brianna chose our ‘Natalie Belt’ with stunning beaded motifs to finish her look.

"I really wanted something classic, flowing and romantic.  The dress fitted beautifully and was soft and floaty, but it had an edge to it with the frayed fabric around the bodice, which I loved."

  

Bride to Be Magazine new issue is out now!

Real Weddings... Jeannie and John

Jeannie and John’s meeting is that of fate – being at the right place and the right time!  Jeannie says, “I really believe our meeting was meant to be. I attended the last ever desperate and dateless ball in Melbourne some six years ago. I have never been to any such event and on my way out I met John.”  Since then they have been inseparable and after asking Jeannie’s parents for their blessing - which meant so much to her parents, they were married on October 9^th, 2010.

Their wedding ceremony was held at St Eufthasios Greek Orthodox Church in South Melbourne with the reception at The Mansion Hotel and Spa at Werribee.

The Orthodox wedding ceremony was full or meaningful rituals and was performs in English and Greek. “Outside we were greeted with cheers and rose petals being thrown in the air. For me, seeing the smiles on the faces of family and friends made this part truly unforgettable.”  For the day, Jeannie drew inspiration from look of old Hollywood glamour with the soft romance of pastel colours.

Like many of our brides, Jeannie’s friend had previously purchased her wedding dress from Karen Willis Holmes and it was when she was helping her friend Basia, that she first fell in love with the Melbourne store and the dresses.  Jeannie looks stunning in the ‘Roberta’ gown featuring a ruched strapless corset bodice with a bias skirt with three ruffles on the hem.

“If it had not been for one very helpful staff remember at the Melbourne store I would not have tried on the Roberta gown. Ruffles weren’t my thing. Boy was I wrong. Ruffles were definitely me.”, says Jeannie.

She completed her look with the ‘Natalie’ Belt, which added some jewelled detailing reminiscent of the old Hollywood theme, as well as accented her silhouette. Accessories from Stephanie Browne, headpiece from Sassy Millinery, cathedral veil from Australian Wedding Veils and shoes by Alan Pinkus finished Jeannie’s gorgeous look.

Jeannie’s bridesmaids were dressed in gowns by Stellini’s while Godwin Charlie of Chapel Street made the groom’s suits.

It was a family affair with Jeannie’s best friends, brother-in-law, Jun Sawa capturing the day in these stunning pictures, while Basia created the beautiful bouquets and centerpieces for the wedding. The couple used stationery by Chic Creative and their wedding cake featuring three layers – chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate macadamia was made by Jenny Brown of JBees.

The couple used the band - Hollywood Zoo for their entertainment and ‘Dream a Little Dream’ by Doris Day was played for the couple’s first dance.

Congratulations Jeannie and John

Karen x