Yesterday I posted my thoughts on the Vera Wang “Diana” dress, spawned by the ad I saw featuring this design in the latest issue of Town & Country Weddings magazine. The overall consensus seemed to be that while the dress has a very decadent quality to it, there’s just a little too much going on overall for it to be all that wearable by your average bride.
For a different perspective (and what I figured had to be a more educated one), I sent a quick tweet to the ladies at b. Hughes Bridal for their thoughts. As a Vera Wang retailer, they carry this dress in their store and have seen how it looks first hand on dozens of different “real” brides. They graciously got right back to me, leaving this very helpful comment for readers:
We LOVE this gown! As an insider, we can tell you that the bow around her waist is actually a removable bow. Without it, the bodice is so clean and soft around the face and the drama and romance of the tiered layers is left to the skirt. We did love the bow for the runway, but for a real bride, we think it is best with a soft grosgrain ribbon at the waist.
Geesh! Thank goodness for the bridal boutique ladies! Subtle as that change may be, IT CHANGES EVERYTHING! Don’t believe me? Compare the ad image from yesterday with the bow-less version below.
If you need further convincing, Allison from b. Hughes Bridal also provided these images from a recent photoshoot featuring the dress in question, shot by Jose Villa. And while I will give you that Jose is a master who can make pretty much anything look good, this version of Vera Wang’s Diana is not needing much help right?
So I’m sold. I defnitely still think this dress could overwhelm perhaps a more petit bride but in general, sans that insane tulle bow the clean bodice paired with that layered skirt is pretty darn awesome.
What do you think? Does this change your opinion? Did you love it regardless?
I really like it with the bolero, so good on the bride. I think the bolero helps balance out that BIG old skirt and makes it a little less bottom-heavy. She looks gorgeous in it.
I agree with my friends at B. Hughes. Not only do I love this gown and its undulating layers, but I do think it’s completely wearable and flattering for all figures and heights. It was one of my favorite pieces from the Spring 2010 collection and I actually do prefer it with the sash or some other kind of belt around the waist. I like the modern look and structured waist that the sash gives this gown, rather than the drop-waist look it has without it. I’ve styled and photographed many gowns by Vera Wang over the years and I found this particular look and the Spring 2010 collection interesting. It was the beginning of a theme that was further realized and developed in her Fall 2010 collection, which you can read my thoughts on here: http://weddingsunveiledblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Fashion?updated-max=2010-01-07T10%3A30%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=20
With market just around the bend, I’m so excited to see the newest Vera Wang collection!
Love your perspective. Thanks so much for sharing!
Oh, I love the ruffles — so romantic! I think you would need to think about not only being the right stature for the dress but wearing it in the right venue so that it would really take people’s breath away (which I think it can with the movement of the dress…). Unlike some “ruffly” dresses, I think it photographs well too. (Some of the Nicole Miller dresses that are flattering, fun and sophisticated in person lose those qualities in the photos — even on their own website!).
I actually bought this dress for my September wedding which will take place next to a lake in a 100 year old barn. I love that its different/romantic/rustic/funky all in one. There are very few dresses that you can actually rock in a pasture that dont make you look ridiculous and this is one of them. Pretty excited!
I just bought this dress for my Southern California cliffside wedding and couldn’t be more in love with it. I’m quite tall (5′10″ plus planning to wear 5 inch heels) so I think that helps me to wear the dress, rather than it wearing me. The picture in the ad freaks me out as well, but in person with a simple ribbon around the waist it’s gorgeous – somehow romantic and edgy all in one. So excited!
I got this dress as well for my October wedding at the beach and love it! Does anyone know where the bolero is from? Thanks!
Hi Guys,
The dress is absolutely amazing indeed. I’m acutally looking at buying it myself (possibly used). IF you are looking at selling your gown after, please email me.. jtng1982@gmail.com
Thanks!
Hi I just bought Diana dress from VW. I’m size 4 but went for size 6 for bust. Measurements are 33.25, 26, 36. Height 5′6″ with shoes. Only alteration will be making waist smaller and back lower. All alterations will be done by VW. My wedding is May 30, 2011 and I can have it shipped immediately or clean/preserve first. Pls email if serious interest only.
Dress is as beautiful as it appears. Miraculously light like floating on a cloud. Flattering neckline and draping.
Hi Joy,
Is it a street size US 6? Please email me with more information ans photos if you have any.
Thanks,
Julie
Hi. I just bought the Diana dress brand new from Marcella’s La Boutique in Seattle. I’m a street size 4, 5′10″, and a 32B (not sure of the more specific measurements though I can get them if needed). Minor alterations will be made by Marcella’s. My wedding is June 11th and can ship the dress anywhere directly following a professional cleaning. Email me if you’re interested in buying it! daly.jen@gmail.com
I’m so excited to wear it. I’ve never felt more beautiful than when I put it on in the salon. I would be happy to pass it along to another bride.
I agree that it requires a woman of a certain stature to wear a dress like this. I am 5′8″, big boned red head with skin the color of the model’s I am thinking about this design for a wedding on the carribbean sea. The location has a beautiful mid day breeze which should give a dress, which was made with movement, to have even more movement. I think it takes a whole lot of dress to hold up to the beauty of the sea at mid-day, wrapped around a bit of an Amazon, floating in the breeze. Really looking forward to seeing more photoes of this style.
I just wore the Diana for my May wedding in Nashville, TN. I absolutely adored it and received many wonderful compliments from our guests, saying it was the most beautiful dress they had ever seen. I must admit that I agree! I am a fashion stylist in NYC and dress celebs for a living and was simply blown away by this dress. The dress is currently being cleaned and preserved at the couture dry cleaner in NYC, Madame Paulette. (They clean & preserve the collection for the Met Costume Institute.) I am considering selling the dress. The dress was altered to my body. I am 5′8″, size 6 dress (street size, not bridal size,) 34 C (small C), size 29 jeans. Please contact me if you’d like to see pics and are interested. $5500. katy@katyrobbins.com
I am looking for vera wang ivory dress. I am not sure what size I am but I am 5′8 & my measurements are approx B38, W31, H40 -in between maybe a size 10-12? Do anyone have a dress for sale? if so plesae contact me on angiedoyle@me.com
I’m so happy to see such beautiful pics of this dress. I’m wearing it in 6 weeks for my September 3rd wedding. The bolero is really cute but I opted for a heavily beaded Vera Wang belt on ivory grosgrain ribbon. I can’t wait to knock ‘em dead when those church does open!
Just came across this dress and am OBSESSED with it! It’s very similar to the ModelNovias dress I wore…so romantic and whimsical!
hello I’m selling the Vera Wang beaded grosgrain ribbon belt (12A0710, that Chelsea Clinton wore) in black for $650. If you’re interested please email me at casperia3@yahoo.com It’s a striking contrast against an Ivory gown. I ordered it but never ended up wearing it for my wedding.