Vera Wang 'Lark'

BEHIND THE DRESS | LARK. (2013, September 16) Stretch Mikado mermaid gown with floating tulip and rose lace overlay accented by table pleated organza rosette skirt Lark is all about lace. What makes this particular lace so modern, and so exciting in a fashion context, is the sculptural quality of the shapes in this particular pattern, and the way it’s right there in the spotlight, in the neck piece and overlaid on the bodice. It’s not so much lace as a decoration, or as a piece of clothing; it’s lace as a visual idea. The flowers I chose to create are roses and tulips, because they have both a very recognizable, big profile and because they’re so symbolic and timeless. By blowing them up and making them very oversized, you can see the fine lines in the lace process close up, so the flower is abstracted, almost like it’s been screen-printed, or, in the case of the diaphanous neckpiece, even tattooed on the bride’s skin. It’s so delicate, and it’s such a fascinating interplay between the bride’s complexion and the ethereal outline and detail of each blossom. This neckpiece, of course, is extremely classic and traditional. It deliberately makes lace the focal element of the bodice, which is a nod to the old-fashioned that feels delightfully fresh. Lace was originally used in bridal wear because it was so expensive to fabricate, and so it signaled wealth and opulence. It’s true, even today, that handmade lace is a prized commodity. And, of course, it’s just beautiful. ------------------------- A dress that I fell in love with due to the romantic, classic silhouette with the show stopping train. I am petite, so I did have the train shortened slightly. I wore it for about 1-2 hours for photos and the ceremony before changing into my reception dress. There are no visible stains.