Storyline by Camille Thiry Russeler

Behind The Shows: New York Bridal Market Spring 2013

On a unseasonably warm weekend in the concrete jungles of Manhattan, beautiful white dresses paraded down the runways at leading Fashion Houses, bringing us the stories of art as gowns with endings for a lifetime of Happily Ever Afters.

 

When one thinks of a Fashion Show, what comes to Mind?

 

Designers, models, lights, runways, observers, and gorgeous garments perhaps?

 

The Pre-Show and Post-Show is seldom seen by the outside world and is a time when people gather to say hello and talk shop while photographers capture the images of fashion insiders eagerly awaiting the first look to grace the runway.

 

Here are some of my favorite moments shared before and after the runway shows during this Bridal Market for Spring 2013:

Mingling before the Carolina Herrera 2013 Bridal Fashion Show with Rachel Johnson, Jenine Howard, and Savannah Brinson

 

Visiting with Mrs. Herrera, Herve Pierre, and Caroline Brown CEO of Carolina Herrera

 

On the runway at Reem Acra chatting with Preston Bailey, Sylvia Weinstock, and Mercy Blum

 

Backstage after the show with Reem Acra and my guest Bride-to-be Savannah Brinson

 

Before the Ines Di Santo Fashion Show myself and my guests Savannah, Rachel, and Jenine visited with Grace Ormonde from Wedding Style Magazine

 

Congratulations to Veronica & Ines Di Santo on a Gorgeous Collection!

 

Mark Ingram, Luvi of Casa de Novias & I awaiting the Vera Wang Spring 2013 Fashion Show

 

With Erika Ann Arkin VP of Vera Wang and her amazing girls after the show

 

From The Ever After Experience to Say Yes to the Dress and the Conde Nast Brides Magazine Team we mingled while Tony Giancola greeted us before the debut of Rivni Spring 2013

 

Post show review at Rivini with my old friend Monte Durham!

 

Pre-Show at Anna Maier!

 

Post show at Anna Maier, congratulations Charles Brunstine III

 

Pre-Show at ODLR with Rachel Johnson

 

 Post Show at Oscar de la Renta congratulating CEO Alex Bolen, and his team as well as chatting with Darcy Miller from Martha Stewart Magazine. Mark and I share favorites with Shanna Chaityn Global Sales Director at ODLR !

 

Backstage after the Oscar de la Renta Spring 2013 Fashion Show with my guest Savannah Brinson

 

That’s a Wrap on Bridal Market Spring 2013 !

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New York Bridal Market Spring 2013: The Looks

Breathtaking Embroideries and Lace at Carolina Herrera

 

Wardrobe for your Wedding Ensembles at Carolina Herrera

 

Stunning gowns from Reem Acra from the Red Carpet to the White Carpet Wedding Aisle

 

Lace, texture, and embroideries at Reem Acra. Her Spring 2013 collection is full of beautiful surprises!

 

Stunning silhouettes and artistry at Ines Di Santo Spring 2013 Bridal Fashion Show

Exquisite lace gowns at Ines Di Santo Spring 2013

 

The color red created the essence of love on the runway at Vera Wang

 

The contrast of black to white is tres chic at Vera Wang Spring 2013

 

Beauty was alive on the runway at Rivini 2013!

 

Beading adds a delicate feminine touch at Rivini Spring 2013

 

Timeless looks at Anna Maier- Ulla Maija Spring 2013

 

Duchess satin gowns at Anna Maier- Ulla Maija Spring 2013

 

Exquisitely designed lace gowns on the runway at Oscar de la Renta Spring 2013 Fashion Show

 

Floral feminine embroideries make for a romantic and timeless look at Oscar de la Renta Spring 2013

 

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Balance, Transparency, Authenticity

Hard to believe January, February and March have come and gone…. the winter season is over and spring is upon us and with that brings a fresher side to life.

 

 

 

Balance, authenticity, and transparency are words that are running through my mind daily this year.

 

 

 

The vibe at the EA has reached a new level of sophistication, the flow of traffic at Ever After Miami has truly gone global, my designers deliver gorgeous gowns and my customers receive a luxury experience in which they participate in the creation of their very personal vision.

 

 

 

 

On a very personal note those three words mean so much to the direction of my life and the lives of women embarking on the new chapter in their lives called marriage.

 

 

As women we fight for balance with the humanity in our lives, which need our attention everyday.

 

 

To be authentic to ourselves means we live our lives as a women following our dreams, which sometimes goes against the grain.

 

 

Transparency is the total ability as women to express ourselves on all levels and each face has a unifying voice and message for our world.

 

 

All of this sounds easy and makes a lot of sense, although it is very difficult to find true happiness and achieve a complete person. Working with women from all over the globe on a daily basis, I see the pinnacle moments before the transition to becoming a wife. Enjoy the journey and create your message!!  Create a framework of yourself and your life with the man of your dreams. This is the most important plan you will ever make for your truest today, tomorrow, and yesterday in order to truly live as one forever.

 

 

I love the white dress and its historical reference in this moment in time, your wedding day,  but be sure to take the time to make your own history as you see your life unfolding!!

 

Freeze the moment and enjoy the ride!!

 

 

 

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Fall 2012 Ready To Wear

Fall Ready To Wear 2012 Collections:

The Fall ready-to-wear runway left me resurged with new energy and inspiration. Pops of color, floral and lace in fall, and futuristic details graced the runway with effortless style, leaving endless possibilities. Below I have some of the looks that caught my eye from the collections:

 

Burberry Prorsum

 

 

Straddling the line between the vintage feel from the pre-fall collection and the sumptuous colors and fabrics of Fall by cinching a rich quilted velvet coat at the waist with a delicate bow detail.

 

 

Lanvin

 

 

A laser like precision on the female body, curve hugging silhouettes and eye catching details to all the right places exalts the female form and gives the eye something to feast on.

 

 

Gucci

 

 

The mood was dark for the fall collection coupled with sleek lines and a plunging neckline this piece is true beauty with a confident edge.

 

 

Emporio Armani

 

 

 

The collection called for Winter Follies and Mr. Armani captured it pictured pairing low slung Bermuda Shorts with colored tights, skirts, and dresses. Beautifully playing between the lines of structured masculine lines and delicate female details.

 

 

Elie Saab

 


An emerald column dress cinched perfectly with a high-waisted belt gives the elegance of pure liquid magic as if the dress could walk the runway without the model.

 

 

Douglas Hannant

 

 

 

Amidst a collection teeming with classic Fall details, this dress blends soft femininity with the strength and sturdiness of the Fall season without batting a perfectly curled eyelash.

 

 

Dolce & Gabbana

 

 

 

Inspired by rich religious traditions of his native home of Sicily, Domenico Dolce paired soft detailed lace with an airy floral brought a surprisingly softer feel to Fall.

 

 

Fendi

 

 

 

A mix of classic elements with futuristic details, a peek of an accordion pleat with padded hips and futuristic turtleneck. The perfect blend of the timelessness of yesterday and the cutting edge of tomorrow.

 

 

Chloe

 

 

 

Chloe’s Claire Keller decided to make her two worlds one with the fall collection. A simultaneous nod to her birthplace of Great Britain and her current backdrop of Paris. Classic red knit sweatpants are the true embodiment of classic sportswear where the etherial lace blouse weaves the fancier chic way of Parisian life.

 

 

Chado Ralf Rucci

 

 

 

Simplicity with a twist rules this garment as the classic silhouette gets a breathe of fresh air as stunning crystal embroidery take it to a galactic level.

 

 

Carolina Herrera

 

 

 

Carolina stayed true to the timeless glamour that runs through all her collections but brought it to functional new heights this Fall with clever pockets on grand ball gowns and always keeping her finger on the pulse of what is up and coming Carolina had the pop collage print by designer Joe Duke seen throughout the collections.

 

 

Carlos Miele

 

 

 

The combination of the subtle gold shimmer on the column dress with stunning tulle overlay gives the impression that this garment as if this dress was made from spools of gold.

 

 

Balmain

 

 

 

Opulence is given as easier  spirit with a body hugging dress adorned with hand-worked crystal and pearl embroidery.

 

 

Alexander McQueen

 

 

 

There was no looking back for Sarah Burton. Bright futuristic looks ruled the collection with an array of fabrics used and a model uniform of sci-fi visors and clean white wigs. Exaggerated sleeves that seem to come to life on their own prove that the future is bright.

 

 

Chanel

 

 

 

Earth and all her splendor and design proved to be the greatest inspiration for Mr. Lagerfeld. His mineralogical pull showed with colors rivaling the earth’s own jewel deposits, shapes that stand the test of time, and a peek of a red lace legging to show his ever growing love of what is next.

 

 

 

 

 

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New York Fashion Week 2012

As I fly home from this last NY experience I am left with a bit of wonder… The electricity of New York is always real and alive but the city seemed a bit muted for my taste…

Not sure where the time has gone but this year has felt like a true marathon. Hard work and determination is the theme of my year. Stay focused on what is important and keep it real. As I look through them with new perspective, my rose colored glasses have a new realistic tint to them.

How can I express my passion for this craft we call fashion. I enjoy playing with style and bringing identities and expression to life. My showroom is a place to come to be dressed in garments that deliver your message. It can be a story that you tell which expresses who you long to be or who you are right now. I do not see clothing as a standard garment it must be manipulated and styled and made your own. Pushing the envelope and creating new trends for others to admire. Wearable art!

 

NYFW has brought us collections that can be wearable fashion as well as street fashion. Luxury garments must be enjoyable and make you feel pleasure. Clothing is a necessity in life but what we select to wear makes a statement about you. I attended shows selecting looks that tell stories. Day wear, cocktail, evening, pieces that can be paired blended and finishings that define ladies in today’s world. The theater of fashion was given to us as  a show which is created  and directed.

Fashion is entertainment and as we watch red carpets through the awards season one can identify iconic looks that can be translated to a bridal gown or evening gown for your next event. As women today we are posting and pinning images of what speaks to us and it is fun picking and choosing and reporting on our on point of view. This has brought the fashion conversation on a much larger scale and with a lot more points of view.

Information is everywhere but be careful to be educating yourself properly  and if you do the rewards will be ten fold. Today, so many tweeters and bloggers are reporting on various fashion moments in  real time with some many different points of view. Media has become a real life human component reporting and delivering a true public opinion. The new Information highway allows us to self educate and fashion teaches us lessons about many avenues in the world today.

 

Education is power and with that a true women’s style can be carefully created and sculpted to perfection. Now fashion becomes a true expression of style, it is a tool or a painters palette and brush to create a piece of art to be recognized. A perfect kiss at a perfect place in the  perfect movement  creates a memory which will last a lifetime. This passion is alive and real now as Paris, the city of fashion,  ignites ones soul from it’s slumber.

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2012 Couture Fashion Week

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the Couture Shows of Fashion Week in Paris.
These stunning pieces lend themselves as inspiration to what we may be seeing
on the runway for the upcoming Bridal Fashion Week. These eye catching themes
and silhouettes would be amazing translations into The White Dress.
Alexis Mabille Couture 2012
Alexis Mabille
His show was bold with vibrant colors each models face painted
with the same shade as the tissue flower placed on her head.
Armani Prive Couture 2012
Armani Prive
An impressive couture show theme of metamorphosis with an emphasis on the snake
and the butterfly both their natural processes infused into the collection.
Also, there was a sense of casualness with jackets on one shoulder and simply tousled..
Channel Couture 2012
Chanel
One hundred fifty shades of blue. The vision presented by the Chanel show was
streamlined, upbeat, and forward-looking. The key point in the presentation was
a new fashion attitude. The youthful slouchiness of the attitude was a counterpoint
to the byzantine complexity of the techniques that created the clothes.
Christian Dior Couture 2012
Christian Dior
Gaytten’s second couture collection for the house. He x-rayed the craftsmanship
of the Dior ateliers, and the riveting result was a show that dared to inject
an unfinished quality into the most polished fashion arena of them all. Sheer layers
exposed the underlying construction of garments. In its charmingly unfinished
tentativeness, this felt like the sort of collection a designer might offer if he was
laying out a blueprint for the future.
Giambattista Valli Couture 2012
Giambattista Valli
A hint of old Hollywood glamour in his evening wear. An Eye catching floral print
and silhouette.
Versace Couture 2012
Versace
Dresses designed strictly for the pop and flash of the red carpet, second-skin tight and cut
to accentuate the hourglass curves of a woman’s body, only encrusted top to bottom
in beads and plastic paillettes. Donatella’s “Warrior Women”: the expertly realized
results evoked Thierry Mugler’s eighties glory days on the one hand and the
movie Metropolis on the other.
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Adrienne and Chris Bosh featured in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine

I had the absolute pleasure to work with Adrienne Bosh along side her celebrity stylist, Rachel Johnson, for her stunning wedding. Chris and Adrienne were the picture of happiness, true love, and perfection. It was dream to dress Adrienne and assist her in achieving her perfect vision for her special day.  The Bosh Wedding was featured in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine, below are some of my favorite photos from the evening

 

 

 

 

As an Ever After stunning bride, I dressed her in a Oscar De La Renta gown and belt along with a cathedral length Chantilly Lace Mantilla veil designed by Romanian designer Homa. Adrienne’s headpiece was designed by Maria Elena Headpieces. She is the epitome of classic beauty and elegance.

 

 

 

And now the Pièce de résistance, her custom crystal embellished Daffodill platform pump Christian Louboutin shoes with a custom “something blue” sole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. & Mrs. Bosh

 

 

 

 

 

Adrienne later changed into a gorgeous Ines Di Santo cocktail dress for the reception

 

 

 

 

So happy and blessed to have been in the presence of true love, congratulations Adrienne and Chris!

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Love is in the Air

The champagne bottles have been popped at the EA, as gorgeous newly engaged brides find their gown!

The white dress is a necessity to wear on your wedding day. The experience of finding ‘the dress’ should provide entertainment for family and friends and leave you feeling like the princess of the production.

Below are some important things to keep in mind while planning your shopping experience:

1. Entourage: Who will accompany you? Keep it to 4 or less, as parties bigger than that tend to lose focus on the bride. Keep it intimate, not a crowd. Your gown selection should be personal.

2. Designer and silhouette: Treat the bridal gown as a valued piece of art. Recognize its true couture elements; appreciate it as a creative innovation and design

3. Quality: At one time value only referred to as price, today it refers to quality and service. Become empowered by the difference. Make the right choice for you and your dream dress.

4. Visit: Plan your shopping days, boutiques, and price points. Have an idea of who and what you are attracted to, do research online, and be financially prepared to place a deposit in case it is love at first sight with your dress.

Just a couple of tips to all you lovely ladies in search of your dream dress! The Ever After team can take you on an amazing journey to find your special white dream dress!! Make sure Ever After is on your shopping list, check out our winter trunk show line up and schedule your appointment today!

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Moving into the Horizon on a Journey through 2012

Every night this new year I have finished off my day with a cup of tea. It is one of those simple pleasures in life: a quite moment in which to review your day and thoughts and take the time to reflect.  In 2012 make it about the passion from within. Find enjoyment in little things that bring peace and happiness to your soul. Free your mind to explore and build for the future.

As I look back on 2011 the year was one of exploration, passion, expansion and discovery. I tuned out the noise and taught myself to feel rather than just think. In doing so I looked inside myself, my brand, the experience and defined its very personal and real voice.

Through the journey of creating a brand, I developed relationships, which speak a language of luxury, value, and service to a specific sense of a woman. The discipline of the bridal category in fashion is dependent on the human spirit and the traditions, culture, style, passion, and individuality, which define the look of this special woman. The success of this journey represents an experience of a right of passage coming full circle.

Humans create iconic movements in the world. Without special significant individuals cannot continue to create the innovations which marry science and art. When the world loses a human spirit we morn. The passing of Steve Jobs moved me this past year; he is a talent the world will recognize through time as a great innovator. The MET honored an incredible artist Alexander McQueen. The archival exhibit showcased the talents of an individual we lost too soon in the world of the arts. The passing of my grandfather was more of a personal understanding of life and death. Through 2011 I found myself reflecting on people who have passed. Their relevance in the world teaches others invaluable principles and ideals. In understanding the defining qualities of all great men through time one finds the belief that anything is possible through hard work, determination, vision, and a will to survive.

I feel that a powerful understanding of the ability to listen to your inner voice is a message Steve Jobs & McQueen exhibited in their contributions to the world: one as a scientist and the other as an artist. My grandfather as a common man shared with me when I was a young girl a similar notion that a voice in the back of your head will guide you down the right path! Successful individuals at all levels have common ideas through time. We must look up to talented individuals and be humbled in our thoughts and movements.

Steve jobs said it best in the Stanford  commencement speech:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

This year, 2012, listen to the voice inside your head. Keep the rocks of the foundation of your life; let the sand fall where it may and keep your eye on the ball. Expect a lot from yourself and others. Make each day better than the last! We all have hopes and dreams, make them a reality. Write your new book and make it a best seller!!

I leave you with a most impressionable statement from the late Alexander McQueen, “There is no way back for me now. I am going to take you on journeys you’ve never dreamed were possible….”

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My Ever After Team

Through the years the determination to deliver luxury has defined the core values of the Ever After Experience. As a team our mission is to achieve a stunning look that creates an iconic image to last a lifetime!

Over the years amazing, creative, like-minded fashion connoisseurs have contributed to my Ever After brand!

My new guard of EA Girls has an air of sophistication, pedigree, and Refinement.

The old guard created the EAGirl and are truly the pioneers of the brand. Through the understanding of determination, perseverance, and etiquette we created the profile of what it means to be an EA Girl.

Through the years at the EA we have seen amazing women enter as young girls and leave as women.

The experience of being an EA Girl teaches one to appreciate success and the understanding of how hard it is to achieve.  Fashion is by all means a business but the passion you must have to stay relevant in the business demands you love your work. The personal connection to fashion each EA Girl has gives them the creative tools to deliver the experience of the EA brand

My journey through ten years in luxury brings me to my reflection on how my EA got to this very place and the special people who helped build the dream!

Happy holidays!!! Thank you to all those who have given to the Ever After Experience!! xx, Camille

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