The Delicate Powerhouse: Monique Lhuillier

Sounds like an oxymoron, right? But Monique Lhuillier bridal, world renowned for her alluring and glamorous signature designs, has harnessed a strong following that continually expands as her new lines blossom each season. Her Fall 2015 Bridal Collections are no exception. Each handcrafted wedding gown is what dreams are made of. Ethereal, lightweight, and “frothy,” they’re always timeless and elegant.

“Moonlit,” lavender embellished tulle illusion sleeveless ballgown. Featured on the cover of InStyle Magazine

The Monique Lhuillier Fall 2015 Bridal Collections incorporate soft colors such as mist, primrose, and blush, along with the standard white and ivory. The gowns are light and graceful, almost angelic. But the lace on the dresses are the real kicker—hand-sewn by several women seated around the upheld gown, it takes approximately 20 hours or more for them to stitch by hand the appliqués and elaborate embroidery.

     “Anouk,” ivory/blush iridescent Chantilly and re-embroidered lace gown, using metallic    thread, with full tulle skirt

 

 “Liza,” ivory/nude re-embroidered paisley lace strapless trumpet gown

The “Liza” gown is lightweight despite the amount of embroidery. It looks spectacular on any woman, but fits particularly well on a petite woman given its fit to flare design.

“Stella” is another favorite with its ornate embroidery and illusion cap sleeves, and was recently featured on the cover of Brides magazine.

"Stella" ivory/nude embroidered lace illusion cap sleeve sheath
   

"Stella" gown featured on current issue of Brides magazine

           

                     “Frost,” mist-colored embroidered tulle illusions with ¾ sleeve trumpet gown

“Primrose,” is the name and color of this new dress, and is an exciting and very popular gown this year.

                   

   “Primrose”- primrose embellished tulle and point d’esprit illusion neckline ballgown

Horsehair in wedding gowns? Sounds strange, but true. Monique used to embed the horsehair strands in the hems of her gowns to hold its shape without adding excess weight to the dress. Typically tucked under, she decided to flip it to the outside of the gown for full exposure of this unique design feature.

                   

“Hazel,” silk white embroidered Chantilly lace and tulle strapless ballgown with layered horsehair skirt

Three of the top sellers from the Monique Lhuillier Fall 2015 Collection include Saffron, Raven, and Estee.

“Saffron” silk white/blush re-embroidered lace strapless elongated bodice gown 

with tulle and horsehair skirt

  “Raven” silk white/blush Chantilly and re-embroidered lace strapless 

   elongated bodice gown and horsehair skirt

                     

     “Estee” pistachio/gold embellished tulle strapless ballgown w/tiered handkerchief skirt

What else makes a Monique Lhuillier bridal gown so special? It’s in the layer of skirt beneath the lace. Her gowns often have a latte-colored lining to add dimension in the most subtle and discreet way, and it works.

Whether fit to flair, trumpet, two-piece bustier and skirt, or A-line ballgown, Monique has never lost herself with the growth of her empire. She remains true to her signature designs, never wavering from her branded style. When a bride falls in love with any gown from a Monique Lhuillier collection, she’ll know it’s been handcrafted with loving care and will be treasured for a lifetime.

L’elite Bridal boutique proudly carries all three Monique Lhuillier bridal lines—Monique Lhuillier Platinum Collection (NOTE: L’elite is one of only 16 boutiques in the U.S. privileged to sell this highest end and very special collection), Monique Lhuillier Bridal, and BLISS Monique Lhuillier.

Please call to schedule an appointment to see these amazing wedding gowns for yourself, and why everyone is pining for Monique Lhuillier designs.

L’elite Bridal | 14 Newbury Street | Boston, MA | 617.424.1010

Behind the Veil – The Enigma of Finding the Perfect Wedding Gown

The $100K question persists: how does a bride know when she’s found the ideal wedding dress—one that’s perfect, takes her breath away, and confidently promises to end her marathon search without a second thought. Is it love at first sight? Relying on a staggering number of unsolicited opinions voiced by family and friends? Or is the search truly bookended by Olympic searches through bridal magazines and scouring the racks of every bridal boutique?

The answer is different for everyone and remains a curiosity.

As a silent observer, I spent a day at L’elite Bridal when the Fall 2015 Amsale trunk show was in full swing to see what really happens when a bride is on her mission. The day was fully booked with appointments and the room was engulfed in a flurry of activity—giggles, screams of delight, tears, hugs and all around joy filled the room. Some brides came with their mothers, others with an entourage of bridesmaids, and one came alone, relying on the sage advice of a sales consultant who instantly knew which gown would perfectly accentuate her lovely waist and flaming red hair.

     “Elsie” by Amsale, Fall 2015 Collection: Strapless fit to flare gown in 

silk chiffon and hand beaded silk flower

Several of the brides had streamlined their search by doing their homework first. They were at the event because Amsale was highest on their lists of designers. However, by end of the day, each had tried on a range of styles, numerous designer labels, and even color palettes they hadn’t anticipated.

Elaborate gowns embellished with pearls, embroidery and crystals outweighed the sheer backs and simple designs they had pined for. Sleek mermaid gowns replaced the full skirts with layers upon layers of lavish tulle that they were certain would be their choice. Plunging necklines replaced strapless gowns, and the list goes on.

  “Jules” by Amsale, Fall 2015 Collection: hand beaded bodice 

ballgown with soft tulle tiered skirt

“Cory” by Amsale, Fall 2015 Collection: halter neck silk faille A-line gown with sheer back

The simple room morphed into a runway of elegance – each bride looking radiant, proud, and thrilled to strut her way to the mirrors with the echoes of “oohs” & “ahs” in the background. Each complimenting the other, offering unsolicited advice that was graciously accepted. The excitement was contagious.

“Amal” by Amsale, Fall 2015 Collection: Strapless ballgown with Lyon lace, hand appliqued

   “Demi” by Amsale, Fall 2015 Collection: fit to flare crepe gown with

  tailored seams and back detailing

The crowning glory was when the veil was delicately placed on the bride’s head. Like the fresh, glistening snow that was falling outside, it was the reveal and the telling moment. Was this going to be “the one?”

Veil by Malis Henderson

You knew the answer when the tears started flowing as mother’s watched their baby’s dreams turn into reality. The bittersweet moment of realizing that their little darlings, were now young women ready to step across the altar into their new lives. It was such an emotional moment that I found myself biting back the tears, knowing that my day would come and I’d be in their shoes.

“Heather” by Amsale, Spring 2015: Heavy crepe slim fit to flare gown 

with bateau neckline and sheer back 

with covered buttons from neckline to waist

Did the brides walk away with their prized gowns that day? Most of them did. Nearly every bride had found her dress, yet not necessarily the one she had in mind when she walked in. Thanks to the sales consultants at L’elite, who know the designers and styles that are most flattering for each physique, coupled with votes from friends, family, and other brides, their minds were open and they tried on gowns they may not have otherwise considered.

The enigma remains: is there a method to this madness? The answer is “no.”  It’s a decision made from the heart. But researching designers and styles before scheduling an appointment is helpful in narrowing the search and expediting the process.

The prized wedding gown is out there with your name on it, it’s just waiting to be discovered.

What’s your story? Care to share? Please shoot us an email: info@lelite.com, we like to know.

Happy hunting!