While the Marchesa line has graced many a Hollywood red carpet, co-designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig have only recently brought their genius to the world of bridal. 

I was so excited for their inaugural Spring 2010 debut as I’ve long seen their evening gown creations as totally bridal appropriate (albeit in slightly un-bridal colors).  Their designs are sometimes airy (think clouds of light tulle and chiffon) and sometimes architectural but always gorgeous with sophisticated and modern silhouettes. 

My favorite from the current line is this little number, all pretty and dreamy with its tulle overlay and gorgeous flower corsage details (all over a strapless duchess satin a-line silhouette).  I feel like you could almost float down the aisle in this amazing creation.  *sigh*…love.

Continuing right along with my “Top 10 Dresses” series (have you seen Blakely, Lanie Lou and Hailey?), I’ve chosen a completely dreamy, over the top dress from the one and only Oscar de la Renta. 

Now I realize that a $9,000 dress is certainly not in everyone’s budget, but then my new wedding gown BFF Allison at b.Hughes Bridal shed some light on the incredible amount of craftsmanship that goes into creating this gown. 

“Six yards of taffeta and silk organza are used to create individually hand cut flowers, which are appliqued with white pearls, sequins and crystals.  Skilled artisans work closely together to ensure a perfect balance in the density of flowers throughout the full gown.  In the end, it takes 720 hours to complete the embroidery of the gown and the finished product you see here.”

OK seriously…I know it’s still $9,000 but 720 hours?!  For ONE dress?  That’s like 3 people working 12 hour days for TWENTY days to make you this dress (though I suspect it takes more than 3 mega-talents to pull this thing off).  You are wearing a work of art!  A true masterpiece. 

Still can’t fathom the thought of a $9,000 dress but love de la Renta’s style?  You are in luck!  Despite the misconception that all of Oscar’s gown are in the $10K+ category, I’ve learned that his creations actually start at $4,000.  When I consider all the dressse out there in that price range and then look at the incredible construction and interior support built into his gowns PLUS the gorgeous exterior design, that is a steal!

So do you love it as much as I do?

Oh Amsale…how do I love thee?  When I think of classic meets couture, my mind immediately flashes to Amsale’s creations.  Her runway shows are like a dream with fresh-faced models floating down the runway in one effortlesly sophisticated creation after another. 

“Clean” is the best word I can think of to describe her design aesthetic.  Every creation is just crisp, understated and elegant.  Few, if any embellishments are used and the integrity of gorgeous fabric is left to shine through in perfectly placed pleats, seams and sashes. 

And with that, I give you Blakely.  A one-shoulder Faille de Soie ball gown with fabric draped bodice and asymmetrical bow.  A flat-front skirt and demure chapel train keep the look unfussy and…well..clean.  So elegant and so “not trying too hard”.  Is it not perfect?

Seriously, I am hard pressed to come up with another designer that delivers so consistently, season after season with a lineup of timeless gowns.  And that is saying something considering she’s been at it for some twenty years now!

Project Runway alum and Southern native Heidi Elnora’s gowns hold a special spot in my heart.   I absolutely loved the sweet simplicity of her inaugural 2008 season.  A scalloped edge here, a pleated ruffle there…all coming together in classic gowns with just enough of a twist to feel special.  Her next two seasons have not disappointed, with some gorgeous silhouettes and wonderfully unique fabric explorations. 

Which brings me to this lovely…Lanie Lou.  Flattering sweetheart neckline, romantic fit-to-flare skirt starting at a ruffled dropped waist, all overlayed in a delicate pointe d’esprit fabric.   The pointe d’esprit is what really gets me here.  I love the informal air the playful polka dot pattern gives this otherwise formal silhouette. 

And if per chance you don’t love Lanie Lou as much as I do, Heidi  offers a completely custom gown design process to her brides.  Pick a silhouette, fabric, adornments and work with a designer to refine until…viola!  You have a completely custom, perfect just for you dress.  Anyone who’s spent any time looking for a wedding dress has surely uttered the words “it would be just perfect if…”. This is the perfect solution to that “if”. 

And staying true to her Southern roots, all gowns are created in Alabama and Georgia.  You’ve got to love that!

My admiration for designer Callie Tein’s Modern Trousseau line isn’t news at this point.  She is hands down one of my top 5 favorite designers.  Season after season I find her gowns to be classic with just a touch of something unique.  Flattering silhouettes, perfect fabric choices and and an unbelievable price point (yay for that!).  She’s an artist at finding that perfect combination of ingredients for a modern look that won’t leave you dying of embarrassment when you look back at wedding photos in twenty years.

So in putting together this series of favorite dresses, I knew a stop at the Modern Trousseau website was in order.  It took me all of 5 seconds to find a winner.  I LOOOOOOOVE this dress.  And I can tell you from my experience at bridal market in New York two seasons ago, her designs and craftsmanship are even more awe inspiring in person.

Hailey is an ivory, v-neck, mermaid, floor-length gown.  I love how this gown manages to be both demure AND sexy at the same time (read: you will not upset grandma!)  The curve hugging silhouette + deep v back are tempered by that oh-so-flattering ruched bodice and that sweet, sweet bow that brings the whole look together (not feelin’ the bow?  I’m positive you can get this dress without it).  Plus let’s not overlook that gorgeous silk satin radiating like a shiny pearl.

Modern Trousseau, you have stolen my heart yet again!