Cicily Daniels Reports from Amsale Bridal Spring 2014

It’s Bridal Week 2014! I am so excited because Fashion Reverie Editor-in-chief William Gooch has brought me on as a bridal correspondent. This is the perfect time in my life to take on such a task because I am getting married to a wonderful guy, Brett Macias, in October. And this will be my first time attending New York International Bridal Week. So much to see and so much to learn; and maybe I will find a bridal gown for myself, as well.

As I was getting ready for my first bridal show, I wondered what I should wear. I didn’t want to look out of place by dressing too formal. William Gooch helped me out a lot. “Just be yourself, look nice, but not too dressy,” he said. I took his advice and chose NYDJ jeans, a Cynthia Steffe blouse, Pour La Victoire shoes, and a patent leather bag. Incidentally, my fiancé calls my bag “Mary Poppins,” implying that you never know what I am going to pull out of it.

William and I have great seats, which makes me feel a little famous because there are many people standing. The audience is a well-dressed set of fashion editors, industry professionals, photographers, buyers, wedding planners, fashion magazine interns, invited guests, and a few lucky brides.

My first bridal show coverage for Fashion Reverie was well-known bridal designer Amsale! And not to my surprise, Amsale did not disappoint. To me, the best designers are also fashion psychics, able to create the wedding dress of your dreams without even meeting you. Whether you are looking for ready-to-wear or demi-couture—see I did my homework and read up on the difference between ready-to-wear, couture, and demi-couture—there is something in all three Amsale Aberra‒designed collections for everyone, and that also includes me. For some of us (me), this could be the most expensive garment that we will ever own. That said, most brides-to-be are not about spending unnecessary money. I just want to be as beautiful on my wedding day as my fiancé always makes me feel (He’s a good ’un)!

There were actually three shows from designer Amsale Aberra, including her eponymous collection, Amsale, as well as Christos, and Kenneth Pool. Each collection has its own unique style. I am most interested in the connective design elements of each collection, as well as the special details that really make the dresses come to life. I especially enjoyed the use of feminine cap sleeves, modern trains and waist-cinching belts (very Audrey Hepburn). The more I understand what I like, the more discriminating I can be during my search for my special gown. I would characterize the Christos collection as delicate and ethereal; Kenneth Pool as more sparkly and dramatic, and Amsale as sophisticated and luxe. They were all pretty darn marvelous.

Below you will find my favorite looks from each collection. Fortunately, Fashion Reverie photo editor Ernest Green was on the risers and took some great images. Enjoy!!

—Cicily Daniels