A High Profile Wedding!

Our lovely bride wears custom MICHAELKILADA. Layers of ethereal silk chiffon meticulously draped over silk double georgette, supported by a custom bustier and fully lined in sensual silk charmeuse

Being asked to create a wedding gown is no simple request.  It is a huge honor, and a huge responsibility.   I was honored when a very prominent person in the NYC fashion industry (and also a wonderful friend) asked me to design her wedding gown.  Her marriage to the CEO of a very large European fashion house was set to the dazzling backdrop of a private estate on Lake Garda Italy & had a star studded guest list.

The massive bouquet of her favorite flowers & cookies I sent arrived at her home the day before our first appointment. As we drove through the gated entryway and up to her lavish home in Greenwich, CT, she emerged in the doorway to greet me with the loveliest smile - eating a cookie!

Elegantly packaged in an archival gift box tied with vintage Parisian moiré silk ribbon, my toolbelt for the day consisted of a sumptuous assortment of silk chiffons, georgettes, satins, & crepes along with beading swatches & appliqué concepts, my sketch book, and a measuring tape

After a delightful lunch, we opened the gift box and discussed the various fabrics, weights, & handfeels. We talked about what silhouettes appealed to her, narrowed down fabrics, & took her body measurements. A few sketches later, she her eyes lit up, she stopped me, gleefully exclaiming, "Michael, This is the one!"

Off to my NYC studio I returned, to get to work.

First, and most important step, was to get started on her bustier right away.  It had to be an exact replica of her shape and proportions and constructed in a way that it held up the strapless gown (comprised of layers upon layers of silk chiffon, double georgette and heavy charmeuse). 

A custom MICHAELKILADA bustier is a solid foundation that is constructed the old fashioned couture way (more on that here.) to give the wearer unlimited movement, comfort and confidence to enjoy her day without constantly re-adjusting/pulling up her gown.

Another quick visit to the client's home to verify the accuracy of the bustier, then the draping of the gown started immediately.   Within 2 weeks, the first toille was ready to try on.  The bride was elated at how beautifully it matched her expectations and how well it fit.

Working in actual fabrics provides an extra layer of accuracy in detailing intricacies of movement, fabric behaviors and overall flow of the garment.  

White gloves are imperative when working with bridal gowns.

2 more fittings, and the gown was hemmed, carefully packaged in archival acid free paper, zipped up into a specially made garment bag and hand delivered to the bride to be by white glove service. Next stop: Italy!

Graciously, the bride has allowed us to share some images of her special day.  She was absolutely radiant!