Kelly Faetanini Bridal Fall 2016

Kelly Faetanini looked to the magical world that C. S. Lewis created in his Narnia novels for her fall 2016 bridal collection. In Narnia there is a mystical relationship between talking animals and the humans who live there.

The Narnia fairytale world that informs this collection is expressed in details of intricate hand-beading that resembles evergreen forests, leaf-patterned appliques, layers and illusions of lace on the shoulders and down the back of the gown give that give a projection of vines, and glistening ice crystal embellishments. Also, the frothy, soft tulle overlays reference a Narnia that is covered in lieu of the absence of the lion Aslam.

Faetanini has evolved her bridal design aesthetic that in her early years reflected more fashion as art than what was commercially viable. However, in the past few years Faetanini has found that delicate balance between her own creative oeuvre and what the modern bride will wear on her very special day.

This particular collection was a testament to Faetanini learning how to temper throwing too many ideas in at one time, hoping that it all miraculously melds to make one seamless expression—which its what would happen in some earlier outings. In this collection Faetanini is cohesive in her design aesthetic and added touches of sophistication that elevates her collection without diminishing the youthful exuberance.

Though Faetanini started this fall 2016 bridal collection with some bridesmaids’ looks that were rather pedestrian; overall, the collection was quite beautiful with the detachable skirts being a nice, utilitarian element. That said: standout looks in the collection were Faetanini’s short one-shoulder pleated chiffon dress, silk Mikado strapless fit-to-flare with piped Alencon lace corset-style bodice, blush-beaded Alencon lace fit-to-flare with tulle pleated skirt, and tulle ball gown with pleated bodice and color transforming blush embroidery.

—William S. Gooch