Putting it together...

This week is a whirlwind, as we race around like mad pixies sprinkling the final fairy dust on all our new pretty things for this Sunday's fashion show. Can't wait to show you what we've been up to! In addition to dozens of new gowns, there will be beautiful bells and whistles from some of the best wedding artisans out there--Lille Trousseau, Ink & Peat, Twigs & Honey ... Some tickets are still available for the show--get yours here!

An unexpected Yellow Dress No. 10: pretty Persuasion

Erin just sent me these wonderful images from her wedding. She is wearing a one of a kind dress I created, which later became the inspiration for the Persuasion dress in my 2012 Collection. Hers is in a very special color I call citron, cream with a kiss of palest lemon yellow. I just love how it looks on her. Congratulations, Erin!

Kaitlin in Oysters & Pearls.

Brooke.

Photos: Jack Butler Photography

Brooke's dress was made from a very special embroidered organdy that might just be a hundred years old. This dress was a little one-of-a-kind I cooked up in my studio, and it found the girl who was meant to wear it. I love when that happens.

The divine Miss B.

Love this photo of my Miss Bianca dress in the latest issue of Portland Bride & Groom. Photographed by Elizabeth Messina, styled by Eden Dawn.

Yellow Dress No. 9

Watching the new BBC production of Emma (so good!) reminded me to pull up this dear find from the files for a Yellow Dress post. It astonishes me that something so ephemeral as this little Regency dress bodice still exists, let alone that it holds its cheerful color. Look at the detail! The piping, the chiffon insets...still sweet and stylish after 200 years. No one'll be saying that about Forever 21.
via ebay

Getting inspired.

I'm pulling long hours at the studio this week and next, getting ready for our annual fashion show. I usually take early mornings and late nights to page through my scrapbooks, so that by the time I sit down at the machine I am fueled by fresh energy and ideas. Love the unusual shoulder on this vintage beaded gown.

The best laid plans.

Hi everyone! It's been a quiet week on the blog, but only because we are pouring all our energy into our 2012 fashion show. The process always begins by reflecting on last year's event and brainstorming new, brilliant ways to make the show even more fun, lovely and surprising. We have a lot of wild ideas in the works! Meanwhile, I thought I'd roll the "highlights reel" from last year's show. Enjoy!

How to plan a wedding in one week.

My lovely friend, Keely, entrusted me with the task of making her dress for her wedding in Mexico in 2006 (has it really been four years?). As it turns out, it was more a "wedding" than a wedding--by that I mean she and her husband, Josh, held off on the paperwork (although they did have a stylish, sunkissed ceremony by the sea). Recently they had a second wedding to seal the deal, with a whole different flavor. Keely chronicles it all on her adorable blog. I'll let her take it from here.

Sleeves, please.

Kate Osborne Photography

For Amy's Texas wedding, I made a variation of my Oysters & Pearls dress with a higher neckline and cap sleeves. I do think it suits her beautifully. And that bouquet is fantastic. More photos here.

Yes, it poured rain. But nobody seemed to mind. The bride, gorgeous Emily, wore Eventide.

Joann in Oysters & Pearls.

all photos: Jesse Holland Photography

Alana in Beatrix.

Two Thousand Ten.

This new year has such a nice, grand sound! I, for one, am not going to be calling it "Twenty Ten." Thanks for all the lovely and very kind inquiries about my 2012 Bridal Collection. I'm hammering those little keyboard keys ever so fast to respond to everyone, so if you haven't heard back from me yet, never fear...I am working my way through.

Quite nice mirror photo via yellowbird on flickr.

I do love when my dress goes to England.

 Maybe it's the English major in me, but I have a weakness for red telephone boxes...

 

Victorian brick...

...and beer swilling grannies. Mel's Manchester wedding. The bride wore Giselle. And a fine time was had by all.

All photos: Lillian and Leonard

Fixed!

Okay, ticket sales are working again. Sorry about that! You can purchase here.

Fashion show tickets still available.

So, the English Dept. fashion show is NOT sold out yet. I'm working out a glitch with the online ticket website. Rest assured there are still plenty of tickets available. As soon as this little issue is hammered out I'll repost the link. Thanks for your patience!

Join us!

I'm excited to announce The English Dept. 2012 Bridal Fashion Show! We can't wait to show you all our lovely new dresses from Ivy & Aster, Nicole Miller, Jenny Yoo, yours truly and others. We'll debut all our favorites for the coming season at this annual runway event. The show is generously hosted by The Cleaners at Ace Hotel. If you'd like to attend, tickets are available here. Hope to see you there!

K

Karla's lovely lakeside wedding. The bride wore Ghost.

It's Fashion Show time.

Announcing The English Dept. 2012 Bridal Fashion Show! We've been working furiously behind the scenes to get everything ready, and I can't wait to show you all our pretty new dresses. Tickets are available online here. Please come!

Beatrix in MS Weddings.

So thrilled to see my Beatrix dress featured in the Winter 2012 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.

Happy New Year.

Photo: Cully Wright

Here's to a smashing new year made sweeter by love, friends and a bit of the bubbly. Bonne année, everyone. Onward to Spring! xoElizabeth