Winnie Couture has some amazing, over the top dresses (Tahlia style 3139 anyone) but it’s actually their Destination line with its lighter fabrics, slimmer silhouettes and modest trains that I love.  It always breaks my heart when I hear destination brides lament that they’ll “probably just get a simple dress at Nordstroms or something”.  Why should they be denied the chance to wear a truly special gown just because their aisle is sand covered or what have you?

Essex is a strapless silk chiffon gown with ruched wrap bodice and embroidered belt at waistline.  I love the light fabric combined with just a touch of sparkle at the waist.  The perfect fabric puddle is just enough train to make you feel like this is actually a wedding gown, but not so much that you’ll be worried about wearing it outdoors. 

Yes in my imaginary bridal boutique, there is a nice selection for my Outer Banks to Folly Beach and everywhere in between brides!

While you’ll be hard pressed to see this designer advertised anywhere, Amy Kuschel and her eponymous line of dresses have been on the scene for a while, consistently delivering modern, highly customized gowns our of their San Francisco headquarters.  She works in some wonderful fabrics and her silhouettes always strike me as perfect for a garden or destination bride (though this dress would be just as at home in a ballroom!).

June features a modern bellgown silhouette, fabricated in rich Mikado.  I love it as shown here in the “Tux” neckline but it’s also available with a bold flower at center for a more classic, polished look.  And those pockets!  I am such a sucker for pockets on a wedding gown!  True to her customization creedo, you are free to choose your level of luxury with Italian Silk Mikado or Japanese Mikado.

I’m super excited to see this season’s creations and hear more about her new customization options that include 25 gowns in various fabrications to include less expensive alternatives to some of the lines most luxurious fabrics.

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!