Newest styles for today's brides

Ebony, June, 2004 by Joy Bennett Kinnon

BRIDAL gown styles for 2004 are reminders of a more glamorous era. With draping and gatherings reminiscent cent of the '30s, and feminine details like lace, today's bridal gowns are just right for the romantic.

The new lines of nationally known designers like Amsale, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka and Black designers like Cc.elaine dramatize the new moods and styles. And contemporary brides find many ways to add a new-school flavor to their gowns with dresses in off-beat fabrics and softer fabrics like silk chifa, taffeta, lace, silk georgette and organza.

For brides marrying outdoors, this season's designers are showcasing shorter hemlines and floral and butterfly accents.

And after years of little ornamentation, the bead is back. This season gowns are trumpeting beads, pearls and sequins in intricate patterns.

"Ruching at the waist, lace overlays, deep V-neck or corseted backs, silk georgette layers and dramatic necklines (bateau or off-the-shoulder)," define the season's gowns, says Lisa Lenoir, fashion editor of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Fashion designers advise all brides to consider the shape of their figure when choosing a gown. Here is some of their advice:

Full Hips. A-line skirts are most flattering. Designers also advise playing up a small waistline or accentuating the bustline to draw attention upward.

Small bust. Neckline detail will work as well as draping at the neckline and an empire-style gown with a seam under the bustline.

Big bust. Designers advise sweetheart, scoop and V-neck as the best neckline choices. Also avoid closed-up neckline or strapless gowns.

Tall. Poufy dresses can overpower a tall woman. Strive for balance without too much fullness. Tall women can wear draping or a bustle in the back.

Petite. Designers say a a sophisticated choice that can And a princess style works well for Full-figured petite women.

This wedding season's retro-glam jazzed up with sexiness and texture to add modern appeal. The contemporary 2004 bride can be sweet, or sexy, or both.