For those of you who have been following Merci New York’s blog and bridal styling business , you are probably well aware of my love for for all things Lhuillier. It’s the highlight of my bridal market. In fact, while the rest of the press quietly waited outside the penthouse of the London Hotel , allowing caffeine to awaken their senses before the 11 AM start, I was giddily jazzed up by an adrenaline high that lasted the whole morning {and may or may not have contributed to a particularly enthusiastic conversation with the designer after the show}.
Anywho, here are a few of my favorite pieces from the Monique Lhuillier Spring 2012 bridal collection, as well as my notes and Monique’s inspirations… I hope you enjoy the collection as much as I did.
At left, the “Ballet” dress, a re-embroidered lace lingerie drop waist corset bodice with tulle flounce skirt. It reminded me of a fresh and modern interpretation of the Monique Lhuillier “Swan Lake” gown that seemed to grace every style-minded bride in the late ’00s – but it was wonderfully current in the short and flirty silhouette.At right, the gorgeous “Catherine” gown from the Platinum collection. Monique mentioned in the presentation that this was her design inspiration if she were asked to design Kate Middleton’s gown. Gorgeous, no?
At left, the “Inez”: Modern, equal parts chic, soft and sleek for a city loft wedding. At right, the amazing “Pauline” gown, a Chantilly lace gown with Lhuillier’s signature drop waist bodice, but modified with an asymmetrical lace peplum tiered tulle skirt. I adored this reinterpretation of a classic. A perfect mix of structure and softness.
Truly, can it get any more gorgeous than these? At left, the “Candy” dress secretly had me wishing I stuck with a blush Monique Lhuillier for my own wedding {Mara, the lovely owner of Kleinfeld, graciously switched me to ivory when I got cold feet}. This blush embroidered illusion tulle gown just embodies pretty, and as Monique mentioned during the presentation, the color suits almost any skin tone. Jaw dropping.At right, the “Aphrodite” from the Platinum collection seems practically perfect for any polished and stylish New York City bride.
More amazing texture by way of layered tulle in the “Amber” gown at left {you can’t see the satin belt here, but it’s has a beautiful contrast to the bodice}, and the ever-lush floral embroidered skirt of the silk white crystal embroidered “Orchid” gown at right. 
Another Merci {and overall press} favorite, the blush lingerie bodice “Flutter” gown had a full degrade embroidered organza skirt that was confectionery in feel, but not too saccharine sweet. Totally balanced.At right, the ivory Chantily lace “Legend” gown had a luxe, feathered full skirt that was positively swoon-worthy with gracious doses of drama.
I wish I could share my semi-terrible iPhone images of the gown at left, called “Devotion.” The asymmetrically draped exaggerated drop waist gown remains form fitting until the high thigh on the right, creating a beautiful silhouette that wouldn’t overwhelm more petite brides who still crave full wedding gowns. At right, the “Peony” gown is a full and romantic as its namesake bloom.
Monique Lhuillier mentioned that she modified her silhouettes by raising her trumpet skirt gowns for Spring 2012. Two examples are in the “Simplicity” and “Poppy” gowns… Which are your favorites? All photos courtesy Brides.com .
