This past week, I had the pleasure of attending an exclusive preview of Net-a-Porter’s recently relaunched wedding boutique. It was a wonderfully intimate gathering at The Surrey, and a feast for the eyes of any fashion lover, with gorgeous frocks from Temperley London , Lanvin and Chloe at every corner.
{dress, Jason Wu; jacket, Adam} Net-a-Porter’s bridal boutique developed off the coattails of some stellar sales… Last Spring, the London-based brand had the ingenious idea of recreating Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic Vivienne Westwood wedding dress from the Sex and the City movie, and selling it online as part of Westwood’s Gold Collection. Despite its $10,000 price tag {and a terrible economy}, the dress sold out in record time. And like any opportunistic retailer, Net-a-Porter knew they were onto something.
Banking on their past success, Net-a-Porter decided to roll out an expanded assortment of high-fashion inspired wedding dresses, shoes and accessories for Spring 2010. Intent on bringing more brides through the site and down the aisle, they showed us some of the best of the season… And I do think the chic city bride will be hooked.
According to Sasha Sorokin, Net-a-Porter’s Senior Buyer of Ready-to-Wear, online shopping might be the best bet for the fashionista bride. No pushy bridal salespeople, no countless fittings, and no searching the city for an exclusive pair of Louboutins already worn by countless girlfriends on their wedding day… Just a one-stop resource of ready-to-wear fashions that seamlessly translate to bridal, and some exclusive shoes and accessories she’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
During her presentation, Sorokin stressed that the wedding boutique will deliver the same level of glamour, sass and polish on which loyal Net-a-Porter customers rely, and continue the company’s practice of providing standout exclusives, such as the above bow and feather headpiece from Philip Treacy , and stunning Lanvin Blache pieces.
Everything is returnable within 14 days of receipt, and a team of stylists remain on hand for apres-wedding wardrobing for the honeymoon .
Journalistic integrity aside, I have to say they had me at honeymoon. The shop is packed with lovely trousseau goodies… Flirty Carine Gilson lingerie. Chiffon kaftans adorned with Matthew Williamson’s iconic prints. And saucy Zimmerman suits designed to turn more than just your husband’s head. In this department, their editorial eye is unwavering.
But even if that doesn’t do it for you, there’s more. Unlike traditional bridal collections with regimented seasonal offerings, Net-a-Porter’s boutique will constantly evolve with new styles throughout the Spring. The above Bottega Veneta silk and linen blend dress? Available today, and shipped via same day delivery in Manhattan and London, {in the darling little suitcase the model is holding, no less}… But next week, it may be sold through and replaced by something from a newer delivery, instantly making wedding shopping impossibly chic. And perhaps dangerously addictive.
Photos courtesy NET-A-PORTER
