Designer Anne Bowen, known for her stylized evening wear, premiered her bridal collection on April 5 at The Plaza Hotel during New York's Bridal Fashion Week. Each of the pieces in the 12-gown collection is named after a famous New York building (e.g., The Bloomberg Tower, Citigroup Center) and designed to represent the aesthetic of each.
I was lucky enough to see the collection unveiled in person. Twelve models, all wearing Vanessa Noel shoes and with sleek hairstyles by Warren-Tricomi, debuted the gowns. The styles are simple but dramatic, with silk taffeta, tulle and organza hand-sewn into structured pieces embellished with Swarovski crystals -- both large and small -- defined by clean lines, detachable trains, and shortened hemlines.
Bowen adorned some of the models with pieces from her first collection of fine jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and commitment rings featuring tourmaline, amethyst, and peridot. The jewelry was stunning and added a spot of color to the gowns, which were white or ivory.
As an aside, not only were the gowns and jewelry beautiful, but the room smelled great -- it was scented with Clive Christian's "The Most Expensive Fragrance." I have not worn fragrance since 1986 (really), but this smelled so delicately wonderful I wanted to take a bottle with me and scent my home and office.
Bowen's bridal collection is available in select retailers across the country. See the gallery for selected styles and more detail on each. Prices start at $2,500.
