Reem Acra is usually synonymous with large ballgowns, dripping with beaded bodices and intricately embroidered trains.  Which is why I was so intrigued by this season’s designs.  The silhouettes are definitely still “bigger” but embroidery and beading seem to have been swapped entirely for three dimensional fabric florals and heavy satin for layers of tulle.

Even the satin designs seem restrained, fresh and certainly more modern than their traditional embroidered gowns.  All in all, I loved this season and the direction the design house is headed in. 

These dresses are my favorite, but check out all the designs here.

Fall 2010 you’re saying? It’s barely Spring 2010! Yes, I know but in the world of bridal fashion, new designs get revealed twice a year with the spring show (that just took place this last weekend in NYC) revealing collections to hit stores that coming fall. Hence, the lines that were just unveiled are technically Fall 2010 lines (Spring 2010 was shown last Fall 2009…get it?).

Now that we’ve got the technicalities out of the way, I was completely beside myself when an email from Modern Trousseau landed in my inbox on Saturday afternoon packed with pictures of all the new dresses for the season. Obviously by now you know I love this line, and I was totally bummed to not be seeing it and my other favorites in person in New York (though I did follow along obsessively on Twitter all weekend).

I’m so happy to report they have knocked it out of the park AGAIN this season.  There is nothing worse than when one of your favorite designers shows a collection that leaves you struggling to find just 1 dress you like (more on that later…because it DEFINITELY happened for me this season).  Thankfully, Modern Trousseau is as consistent as they come.  Below is every dress from this newly revealed line.  I think there’s something for everyone, including some daring explorations in color which I love.

But first up, my two favorites from the collection, Tia & Portia.

Tia is a classic silhouette in that fit-to-flare we’re seeing so much of these days.  But I love that it’s done in a lighter, chiffon-y material as opposed to the heavy satin we normally see it in.  Ruching throughout the bodice and extending down gives it some nice visual interest.  I just love this dress because I imagine it would look great on a ton of different body types (curvy gals, this silhouette let’s you rock those curves) and it’s light and perfect for a Carolina summer wedding!

The second dress above, Portia, is done in a very “of the moment” one-shoulder look (though I’ll bet they could do this for you as strapless…just a hunch). Again, fitted through the hips but this time with a lot more volume at the bottom.  I love the drama of this dress, played up even more by the big, bold blooms and pickups in the skirt.

As I mentioned, this season brought more color than ever to the Modern Trousseau lineup and frankly, I LOVE IT.  This first dress, Wallis, probably should have been in my favorites.  The lavender accent is just perfect in my mind.  The slightly dropped waist leading to that fun  skirt…love it all.

Ebony is the second dress, again with a fun, voluminous skirt, but this time with a modern, black accent.  If you’re not feeling the black, you could always substitute a different colored ribbon.  But I personally love the hit of unexpected color.  Very sophisticated and modern.

And for even more color, there is Martine, the last dress shown above.  A black lace overlay bodice with a big, tulle skirt, all done in a steel-y silver color.  I’m dying to know what you guys think of this dress.  Could you ever see yourself wearing it down the aisle?  Some brides can’t imagine making their walk down the aisle in anything less than white.  Others love the idea of something this different. Where do you land?

Two more lovelies – Monroe & Siren.

And yet another two – Caroline & Sophie. Caroline is done in this really incredible metallic stencil to create an entirely different look to the fabric.  Very creative and unique, I love it.

Below – Matilda & Lily.  Love the sash treatments on these dresses.  Interesting bows/knots and dramatic, long pieces add a whole other dimension to the dresses.

Finally a few last designs – the four lace dresses of this collection.  I am a big lace fan and I think Modern Trousseau does lace so incredibly well (and at a ridiculous price point I might add!).  Each is prettier than the next so if you have your heart set on a lace gown,  I would definitely check out this line (past seasons have had a nice assortment of lace as well).

From top to bottom here you have Tara, Kendra, Jamie, India.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this recap of one of my favorite lines, Modern Trousseau.  I swear they never disappoint me and I hope you feel the same!

What’s your favorite from the new line?  Which is perfect for your Carolina wedding?

Admittedly, this Priscilla of Boston dress is the most ball gown-y of my Top Ten, but the restrained proportions on the skirt, gorgeous fabric and just the right touch of detail at the bodice won me over (not to mention pockets!  on a ball gown!  yay!)  Constructed entirely out of silk satin, this strapless ball gown has a hand-draped and (not to) full skirt that’s accentuated with crystal appliques. 

Also a strong contender for my Priscilla slot, this gown with it’s slightly less formal fabric and matching bolero.  Again, saw it in person and it’s AWESOME. Both are perfect for my country club brides out there!

I can hardly wait to see what my favorite designers have in store for us this weekend.  Sadly, I don’t be at market this time around, but I’ll be following along with all the fun on Twitter. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little walk down memory lane of some of the season’s most gorgeous dresses.  Recapping all these dresses has been both fun and inspiring.  Fun because…well…they’re gorgeous, what’s not fun about that?  And inspiring because I’m starting to re-gain some confidence in my ability to pick winners that not only I like, but that today’s brides can see themselves in too.  Maybe my imaginary store won’t need to be imaginary for much longer?  Thank you all for your wonderful and supportive emails on the topic!

For a slightly different take on the 3-dimensional fabric flower design from that Liancarlo gown, I LOVE this design from Melissa Sweet.  It’s got a little more va-va-voom than the Liancarlo gown, thanks to the slinky fit-to-flare silhouette.  And I love how the floral motif is brought up to the diagonally draped bodice with that flirty flower petal on the bust. 

What do you think?  Do you have a favorite between Melissa Sweet’s Uma and Liancarlo’s 4804?  I was hesitant to include 2 such similar dressse but I love each’s use of dimensional fabric details and, amazingly, the differing silhouettes really makes them feel unique to me. 

My next two dresses are similiar in their flirty use of fabric flower “petals”.  This first one from Liancarlo is so dreamy.  I saw this dress in person when it debuted and I can tell you it is STUNNING.  It’s super fun and manages to feel young but mature at the same time.  Liancarlo has its heritage in women’s evening gowns.  They are masters of fit and proportion, 2 things you take for granted but that immediately rear their ugly heads when you put on a pretty dress and it’s just “not right”. 

This dress is Italian tulle with a perfect sweetheart neckline and tiered skirt adorned with handmade silk petals.  The satin ribbon at waist is a wonderful touch as well.  I love how it adds definition to the middle of the gown.

Is this not the perfect spring time wedding dress?  I can see it floating down the aisle toward the wisteria-laden pergola at the Duke Gardens or exchanging vows under a thousand year old live oak in Charleston.  LOVE!