Thursday, April 22, 2010

a labor of love

Well, it should be known by now that whenever I disappear for awhile without posting so much as a peep, I'm either working on a collection and it's close to fashion week or I'm working around the clock to finish a wedding dress, and trying to out-do myself.

I recently finished the wedding gown of a friend that I have known since childhood. I have known Erica since I was probably about 10 or 11 years old. We were in all the same dance classes and pretty much inseparable during and out of class, sometimes having to be separated by our teacher for giggling too much.

Erica was a dream client to make a dress for. She trusted me completely, and let me have total freedom with just a couple of guidelines: She wanted a low back, and no rhinestones or sparkles. Imagine that! After all those years of dance where costumes could never have enough sparkle or glitter, we've both decided we've had enough rhinestones for a lifetime. Ha!

The dress that we ended up with, is my favorite wedding gown of all, I think. I'm glad it went to a good friend. I was lucky enough to come out to California and attend the wedding up in wine country on one of the most beautiful days. Such a lovely couple and a beautiful wedding!
This was the first time, that I have actually been able to see one of my wedding dresses walk down the aisle. Well, any of my dresses walk down any aisle, actually. I never have gotten to sit in the audience during one of my fashion shows either. It was so nice to be able to enjoy this rare occasion.

I also did the bridesmaid dresses as well, and will talk about those in a following post. I took tons of pictures! Enjoy!

25 comments:

amber said...

Just stunning. Your friend is a very lucky lady. :)

Erica Bunker said...

GORGEOUS! I wish I could have seen it move. It looks like a dream!

Unknown said...

wow ....GORGEOUS!!!

ediot said...

ah you fantastic leanne. youre beyond magically talented. i adore your work. this is brilliant. if i get married i want to buy a dress from you- no matter the cost--
are you selling any pieces in any shops or online right now?

xx ediot

Betsy said...

That is gorgeous and she looks gorgeous in it!

That's great that you were able to design for a friend for such an occasion!!

meredith cheng - munaluna said...

absolutely gorgeous! I hope to one day have a beautiful wedding dress like that when I get married :)

Hungarican Chick said...

Okay, yeah. BEAUTIFUL. I can actually see how much you love your friend when I look at that dress! I can't wait to see the bridesmaids dresses!

Irene said...

Ahhhhhhh...

Nancy said...

That is so wonderful! She looks absolutely amazing. Great job.

Valentina Monardes said...

Oh god! That dress is absolutely beautiful! Leanne, you always do amazing dresses, but that dress really surprise me, if I get married I have to wear a dress created by you! :)!

chickens and hens said...

you were on the west coast???!

jealous.

it's beautiful, by the way...and so are you!

OliTa said...

Absolutely stunning dress !

chantel said...

Lovely!!

L said...

Leanne, I've been such a big fan of your architecturally-driven work, and in the last few collections you've won me over and over again. Keep up the great work, and I absolutely can't wait to see what you'll crank up next! - Elizabeth S (pleatfarm.com)

Colleen MacDonald said...

What a beautiful dress for a stunning woman! I love the back, but the front is incredible! Can't wait to see those bridesmaid's dresses!

Cheryl said...

Gorgeous!

Megan V said...

Leanne, it is so beautiful!!! I bet it was actually quite emotional watching her walk down the aisle in it. It looks like it would have such great movement. Fantastic work!! You amaze me each and every time :)

Gail said...

I think there is something very special about making a wedding or formal dress for someone close. She will always appreciate the effort you made.

Real(ly) Old Housewife said...

Beautiful! And the bride looked absolutely gorgeous wearing your gown. Wonderful work,,,

Flora Márquez said...

Leanne! You are great! Every dress you make is a piece of art. It would be an honor if you visit my blog one day..I'll be waiting for your visit..
xx!

Haritha Yalavarthi a.k.a Mrs.h said...

LOVE the dress!

glam.spoon said...

beautiful... what a lucky bride!

Madison Sanders said...

Simply stunning!!

Anonymous said...

this is just amazing ♥ I bet it looked just perfect when she walked! I loved it, leanne, awsome work ♥

pamela said...

probably the most beautiful wedding dress i've ever seen. stunning.